C Sharp Features

Sit Down with the Skipper – Part 4: Danny Rowan

An interview with 4th XI Captain – Danny Rowan

Q: Danny, can you tell us a bit about the role the 4th XI plays within the wider club structure?

DR: The 4th XI has been brought in to help our junior players take their first steps into senior cricket and the 40 over game. We have in the past brought through some great youngsters and hopefully with the 4th XI now in the development league this will continue. We hope this will encourage our juniors to push on and then go forward into the 3rds, 2nds and ultimately the 1sts.

Q: What’s the overall approach or philosophy for your team this year?

DR: My aim this year is to bring those players on the verge of playing senior cricket up to a level that they could not only continue within the 4th XI, but with the guidance of myself and the other seniors; they would be able to push for more competitive games in the 3rds the following season.

Q: What are some of the biggest adjustments young players face when stepping up to adult cricket?

DR: There are a number of challenges when stepping up to the senior game, the first is the length of the game itself. The juniors have only ever played 20 overs in the past so they will need to adjust not only to the length of time, but also their concentration levels to match this. The second would be the pace of the game, senior players are naturally bigger so things will be quicker than what the youngsters have faced before; this can be quite intimidating for some of the players.

Q: What role do the senior players in the side play in guiding and supporting the juniors?

DR: I’m glad this question followed the last. It’s the senior players role to make sure that the juniors are getting good advice while either in the field or at the crease. We will look to support each junior player and make sure that they are not only developing but that they are enjoying the game as well. We are there to pass on our experience and knowledge of the game. I myself will also liaise with junior coaches asking what we can do to assist them with helping the player’s developments.

Q: What would a successful season look like for you as 4th XI captain?

DR: A successful season for the 4th XI would be to have a number of young players ready to step up into more competitive senior cricket. Hopefully, a few could be knocking on the door of the 3rds in a season’s time. We would also like to see the juniors enjoying senior cricket as well as developing their skills on the field.

Q: Are there any particular skills or values you’re hoping to instil in the team this year?

DR: This season I would like the juniors to know that it is just not playing cricket but the other things that are required so we can play. I’d like the juniors to learn that there are jobs to be done before and after the game and that if we all muck in together then we can enjoy the game that follows. Hopefully, this can follow them throughout their development.

Q: What are some of the challenges that come with captaining a team focused on development?

DR: I don’t see many challenges but it’s more of a privilege to be able to captain a young side who want to continue their journeys in the game. We have a good number of coaches this season so hopefully, with their help and the senior players on the field we can support the juniors throughout the season.

Q: How important is it that the 4th XI feels connected to the rest of the club?

DR: Good question, any team within Stretford CC should be connected to all other teams and the club. If apart from the other seniors teams, then we have no communication and are unable to advise of the talented youngsters that could possibly take further steps and play more competitive cricket. I see it that we should all be working together, captains, players and coaches, developing together to make a stronger Stretford CC rather than just each team individually.

Q: What would you say to parents and guardians about the value of this team for their children’s development?

DR: Firstly, I would like to reassure all parents that we would approach them before any decision is made on calling up their children to the 4th XI; and will only pick their child with their permission. I will explain that the coaches have seen skills and talents that are needed for the junior to step up and that we believe that they are more than capable to play at that level and how this can only support the juniors development.

Q: Finally, any message to the juniors players looking forward to their first tastes of senior cricket, what to expect from the season ahead?

DR: Very simple, enjoy the game. Listen to the seniors on the field and take our advice. If there is anything you are not enjoying then just speak to us and we’ll be happy to make changes, this is for your development and we as seniors want to help and support you with it.

C Sharp Features

Sit Down with the Skipper: Part 3 – Paddy Lampton

An interview with 3rd XI Captain – Paddy Lambton

Q: Paddy, with the new season just around the corner, how is the excitement building for the 3rd XI?

PL:  As always, once the sun starts shining and you start smelling that freshly mown grass, speaking for myself, all I want is to be out on a cricket field. The 3s are in a slightly more competitive league this year compared to last, with many more fixtures. So there is a genuine excitement to see how we will stack up in that.

Q: Have there been any new faces or exciting juniors coming through during the winter we should keep an eye out for?

PL: You never really know what might happen over winter with juniors. Sometimes a wiry 15-year-old comes back a foot taller and able to bowl 10mph quicker after the winter break. I am excited to work with the junior coaches to identify the next crop of players ready to make that step up into senior cricket.

Q: How important is your team in developing players for higher levels of club cricket?

PL: I think that the 3s is vital in acclimatising younger players to senior league cricket, but with a little less pressure than might be found in the Saturday teams, so they can enjoy it and find their feet.

Q: As captain, how do you approach managing a side with both senior players and developing juniors?

PL: With juniors in the side, I always try to take the pressure off their shoulders where I can. I think it is very easy for youngsters to get carried away when things are going well and down when they aren’t. I try to instill in them that we play a certain way, win or lose, and as long as we are putting in the effort on the field and in training and showing a good attitude then I cannot ask for any more than that.

Q: How do you make sure the experienced players support and guide the younger ones?

PL: I think I have been lucky in terms of the senior players who are in the team, as they all think the same way about the game as I do, so I just let them do their thing. The only special measure I occasionally need to take is to position a senior player at mid off or mid on to be in the bowler’s ear if a batsman is looking to get after them or something like that.

Q: What does it mean to you personally to lead the 3rd XI?

PL: It’s something that I am very proud to do. If I can create a team where we all work for each other and enjoy and celebrate each other’s successes, then I feel I will have accomplished something worthwhile.

Q: What lessons from past seasons will you be carrying into this one?

PL: I think we had a pretty successful season last year, so I think it’s just a case of more of the same and try to build on that foundation again this year.

Q: Are there any particular fixtures you’re looking forward to or rivalries that stand out?

PL: Not particularly, we have moved league this year into the GMCL Sunday division 2, so we won’t have played most of the teams for a few years. I’m very excited to see how we fare.

Q: How do you see the 3rd XI contributing to the overall success and spirit of the club?

PL: I think that every team at the club is important and has a part to play. We came second in our league last year and I would love it if we could go one better than that this year but let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves.

Q: What message would you give to parents of junior players involved in the team as well as supporters of the club?

PL: Get down on a Sunday and watch us play. It’s a great way to spend a day and we really appreciate any support. We also have a habit of having close games in recent times (including a tie last year) so you will fulfill your sporting excitement quota for the weekend.

Q: And finally, what do you hope players take away from being part of the 3rd XI this season? PL: My main hope is that everyone goes home after every game having had a great day out and can’t wait for the next one (Winning games helps massively in this regard). That’s ultimately why we all play, isn’t it? For enjoyment

C Sharp Blissful Thinking, Features

Blissful Thinking #1

What a week it’s been! I’m loving this adventure and hope I can make a big difference here.
Before I go any further I should probably introduce myself!
I’m Connor Bliss and I’m 27 years old from Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been coaching cricket for a total of 11 years. From junior coaching, and the past 3 years I’ve moved into development and senior coaching. I’ve gained my Level 2 coaching certificate through NZC and have been lucky enough to have been mentored by some legends of the game in New Zealand. It’s a very privileged feeling being assigned head coach of Stretford CC this season.

I came to the UK two and a half years ago on holiday, and spent some time in Manchester where I became very fond of the tempo of the city, and reminded me of home in that sense. So when the opportunity came up to play and coach cricket here in Stretford, it was a no brainer.
My first week here has been full of meeting people and learning names, walking the streets and learning my new environment for the summer ahead. It’s been a real joy exploring the local area and the people here have made me feel right at home. A big thanks to the SCC management and others for this and setting me up.

My plan for the season will be to contribute to skills of cricket and the enjoyment of all the players I am involved with. Keeping the tempo high at training and on game days, whilst ensuring that everyone is involved and having fun. And of course, nothing is more fun than winning a game of cricket. I plan to bring KPIs and goal setting into the club, which provides a non-result based review of each game and the season. You can always find success on any day and also can outline areas of work on’s for the following week.

I’m really looking forward to the start of the season as this is a dream job for myself and looking to take full advantage of my time here. Any player who wants to take advantage of some 1-1 coaching please give me a shout, I’m happy to offer a free taster session for anyone who wants to develop their game- give me a buzz!

If anyone at the club has any questions for me or would like a chat over a coffee I’d love to hear from you! Open door policy all season long.

Thanks again and see you down at the The Boundary!

Connor 🥝🏏

Adam Saynor watches the ball on to the bat in defence
C Sharp Features

Sitdown with the Skipper – Part 1: Adam Saynor

I am very happy to bring you part one of a four part feature. Our team captain sits down for a chat. They also answer a few questions thrown at them. Firstly, an interview with 1st XI Captain – Adam Saynor.

Q: Adam, the new season is approaching – are you excited? How have you prepared over winter?
AS: Definitely! I think I speak for the whole squad when I say we’re really excited to get going. It’s been a busy winter preparing for the year ahead. Making sure the squad and club are moving in the right direction.

Q: Have you made any key additions to the squad during the off-season?
AS: Yes, we’ve made some really exciting signings. Players who not only add strength on the field but also bring good energy to the dressing room.

Our overseas for the year is Ryan Moffett from Namibia, a Wicket Keeper Batter, who represented his country in the 2024 Cricket World Cup.

Tim Boyd an exciting young South African All Rounder who played in Kendal last season. Ramesh Perera joins from Stockport Trinity, an Off Spinning All Rounder with a lot of experience.

Syed Haider switches from Denton West, a left arm spinner who has represented Norway in the European Cricket League.

There are other players who have joined. Niall Heyes and Pares Malindi are among them. They are ones to keep an eye out for.

Q: What are the team’s main goals and expectations for this season?
AS: We want to be competing at the top end of the table. After two back to back disappointing seasons. We have to show what we as a team are capable of. More importantly, we want to play a consistent brand of cricket that reflects our potential. That means high standards in all departments, strong team unity, and making sure we’re in a position to win games in every game.

Q: How do you handle the pressures of captaincy on and off the field?
AS: For me, it’s about trusting the people around me and not trying to do everything myself. We’ve got a great group of lads who can all be a voice and they all back one another, so I always feel supported. On the field, it’s about staying calm and making clear decisions. Off the field, I just try to lead by example and be approachable to every player.

Q: What have you learned from past seasons that you’ll apply this year?
AS: One of the biggest lessons for me is enjoying it. I’ve been a part of Stretford CC for six seasons and the past two there hasn’t been enough enjoyment of the game of cricket. This year I’m hoping to create that environment where players have a strong bond and belief between themselves. Where they feel proud to be a part of Stretford CC and can be passionate about their cricket.

Q: What style of cricket do you want the team to play this season?
AS: We want to play positive, fearless, and enjoyable cricket, but with control. That means backing our ability with the bat, being aggressive with the ball, and staying sharp in the field. At the same time, we want to be smart and adaptable depending on the situation.

Q: Are there any specific areas you’re looking to improve as a team?
AS: Yes, being honest last season we were poor in all three departments. Didn’t bat the overs given. Didn’t bowl tight enough lines and made too many mistakes in the field.

By going back to basics, focusing on what makes us a strong and difficult side to face. Working on individual goals to improve ourselves and each other. This hopefully gives players a new freedom to play and enjoy the season ahead.

Q: What will your toughest challenges be this season?

AS: Every season throws up its own challenges. Availability, injuries and strong opposition. But I think the biggest one is consistency. Being able to get a regular 11 playing together and performing at our best. Players standing up and showing that today is their day. We’ve shown in the past we can beat anyone on our day, but this year the challenge is to do it week in, week out.

Q: Any message for the club’s supporters ahead of the season?

AS: Thanks for always backing us. Your support really does make a difference. Whether it’s watching from the sidelines, helping out behind the scenes, or watching the livestream on Frogbox. We’re working hard to give you a season to be proud of, and we can’t wait to see you all down at the club!

C Sharp Features

Pat Fish – An Obituary

Sad news to bring to members as I can report to you that Pat Fish died yesterday, aged 83, in hospital surrounded by her family.

Pat made up one half of a formidable partnership with her late husband, Life Member, John Fish to whom she was married for 63 years. They moved to Stretford from the White Rose in 1961 but if truth be known, she was a club stalwart in her own right.

The whole Fish family have contributed to Stretford  CC enormously to the development of Stretford Cricket Club as it is today. Sons Gareth, Stuart and Adrian all played for Stretford and, together with John, were very much hands on in helping to build the club. Daughters Kath and Heather never too far behind cheering on the club. Pat gave her services to the club as a cleaner for many years – a thankless task and mostly unseen.

She struck fear into the heart of many younger members, waking them up from a deep Theakston induced slumber with a sharp dig of a Dyson underneath the pool table on a Sunday morning. The cricket club is a real safe green space and therefore it is often the place where youngsters like me learned how to mishandle our drinks. Pat would turn up to the club every Sunday morning, with the lounge in a terrible state and spend hours dealing with the debris from the night before. I’m sure she understood. This demonstrates what a selfless, loyal and committed person she was.

Both Pat and John was always present at the Adrian Fish Junior Trios, an intraclub tournament  held every year in Adrian’s memory. They provided refreshments and trophies. They both really enjoyed seeing the development of junior cricketers coming through the ranks into senior teams and demonstrating teamwork, a quality ingrained into their own family. More obviously, the trios was a chance for family and friends to join together in celebration and Pat in particular always had a real glow at the event. She was so proud and protective of the people closest to her.

I really started to get to know Pat when I left the junior ranks and became involved with Management. I would pop round to Cressingham Road to assist Stuart with the quality yet Northern Rail-like Club Handbook and Pat would bring in Yorkshire Tea and ask how the family was. She was kind spirited and loyal and not really that woman who used to jab me with a Eubank at the cricket club. In their own unique way both Pat and John almost treated me as one of the family after I provided best-man duties for Stuart when he married Nicola. It was clear to see that she loved the time she spent with the grandchildren when Alex, Archie and Johnny joined their shoal.

Behind every great family there is that lynchpin figure. She was such a strong person with such a great sense of duty (but I’m told was an extremely difficult back seat driver) During the height of the pandemic husband John died unexpectedly from a heart attack. Pat herself undergoing treatment for cancer at the time had been moved into a Hospice and it was touch and go whether Pat would be able to attend his funeral…………………was she there? You bet she was.

“I’m so glad you were able to make it” I said to Pat; my face adorned with a three ply mask

“I was determined”

These were the last words Pat ever said to me. Probably very fitting.

The club would like to pass on condolences to all Pat’s family and friends and while the end of an era has been reached we at Stretford Cricket Club will be certain to celebrate the tremendous contribution made to the club by Pat.

Funeral details will be made available when known.

C Sharp Features

Stretford

Exponents, players, from everywhere else
Plume away from Edge Lane Station to Stretford Mall
To play Bradman’s shots and deliver like Wes Hall
Just wait, and let the sight of this vivid field of green
be the place where dreams become real

Maybe, think, why play anywhere else?

Brooding clouds bound azure skies beyond the door
as worms feast upon rusty autumn leaves
The light merely a stranger upon the shore

Rollers glisten with the biting frost, wholly, untamed
Hopes for the season ornament the darkness
While the heroes of tomorrow wait, as yet, unnamed (with pad rash)

C Sharp Features, the friends of stretford

Schoor so Schoor: Danie’s Road to SCC and National Cricket

Danie van Schoor played for Stretford in 2015 and 2016 and is another member of the southern-African contingent who enjoyed stints at the club. Danie took time out from his training with the Namibia national team and work to chat about his road to Manchester and being part of the national team

The van Schoor family has a fine cricket pedigree with father Melt, uncle Ian, brother Raymond and cousin Anneri all playing for the National Team. As a result Danie was always going to be involved in cricket from a young age

“ I was taken to the field as a young kid, like 5 or 6 years old and I would be playing with my toys next to the field watching my dad play. I didn’t really play any mini cricket. When I reached the age of 8 or 9 that is when I started to play big boy cricket and at 13 I played my first game in the Premier League in Namibia. It was a quick rise but I have never looked back since then. I played my first first class game at the age of 17. I think youngsters in England have a bit more of advantage because the age groups start at U7 and U9 and it gets them involved earlier” (indeed Stretford has u9 cricket so take advantage people of Stretford! -ed)

His first 1st class game was a proud moment for Danie and the excitement and expectancy he felt was a result of hard work over the years however, his first memory of the match was a reminder that you can’t do it all on your own in cricket and its a team game.

“The captain Nicholas Scholtz threw me the ball and sagely advised “it is your time now””. My older brother was standing behind the stumps. I was so excited and fuelled by adrenalin and I knew as soon as I released my first off-spinner that it was going to rip square. I can still can feel the ball coming out the hand . The ball took the edge of the bat but the catch was dropped at first slip. I finished wicketless in my first spell!”

During 2012 Danie’s brother, the late Raymond van Schoor, played for Stretford and took home a Stretford Cap and shirt which was placed in the family trophy cabinet. It was then Danie knew that he wanted to follow in his brothers footsteps.

“Raymond played for Stretford in 2012 and after that one of my biggest childhood dreams was to play for the Three Lions of Stretford. I always kept in contact the bloke where my brother stayed for that season because we had a few FIFA duels over the year. One day I received a mail from Stretford asking if I would play for them the following season . I could not believe it! I didn’t have to think twice because I had heard so many good things about Stretford from Raymond and Craig Williams who also played there. There is no doubt about it that my stint at Stretford was a major factor in helping me work towards my dreams of playing for my country”


Danie was not a seasoned traveller at the age of 19 and by his own admission struggled to get to grips with cricket in the first year

“There were many up and downs in the first season. My cricket did not go as well as I wanted but the experience was definitely worth it . Primarily I learned to be more independent and that nothing in life is given to you . Its essential to understand that you need to put your head down and work for success. At the age of 19 I did not know much about life but Stretford welcomed me with open arms and I am still grateful for all the effort of the members and families who looked after me.

Stretford CC today means still means so much to me; like a family. Two players who I played with have been to visit me in Namibia which I really appreciated . Stretford helped to make me into the person I am today and I would hope that others would describe me as a honest , hard working and caring person . Always willing to help and assist where I can ; that’s the Stretford way in my mind”

The popular off-spinner may not have accumulated as many runs or wickets as he would have liked but showed glimpses of real talent and leadership which he really demonstrated after he was signed for a second season

“I came over to Stretford for a second season and did much better after learning a lot in year one. Things had changed a bit at the club with some old players returning and the strength in depth increasing. We had a new captain and also a new Director of Cricket but the captain left the club due to personal reasons mid way through the season. Following a team meeting , Guy the Director, put his faith in the youngster from Namibia and appointed me captain. We went on a good run in the league winning 10 games on the bounce with all 11 players playing vital roles in achieving promotion which was secured in a brilliant victory away at West Leigh on the final day of the season. It was probably my favourite match for the club – luckily I managed to score a few runs and take a few wickets -but when we turned up at the ground in pouring rain we didn’t think we were going to play. We needed to play and win to finish in the promotion spots having worked hard in the 2nd half of the season to move up from mid table obscurity. The joy on the players faces when Alex took the winning catch was something I wont forget . Personally the season was much better and I managed to take over 30 wickets but it was a great season for the team and my cricket improved.”

“The time at Stretford were two of the best years of my life and playing cricket. I had got to watch city play football which was something I thought I’d only seen on TV. To experience the culture was so enlightening. I had a brilliant time in Manchester and a lot of it was down to the people there and I never forget to catch up with the special people at the club.”

Danie was a considerate and well respected overseas player who always wore his heart on his sleeve for the club and although now working in insurance as an assessor is still involved with the National team and playing for United Cricket Club in the Namibia Premier League. We hope that in the future he is able to visit us again.

Follow your dreams like Danie and join the club here…

C Sharp Features, the friends of stretford

Roelof van der Merwe: Stretford’s Superstar

When Roelof van der Merwe was asked “where have you been all this time?” following his match winning Twenty 20 international; debut for South Africa against Australia in March 2009, his reply was fairly succinct but you could see the cogs turning for a suitable answer. With a grin he replied “I’ve been in the wilderness for a couple of years”.

The swashbuckling 48 he made from 30 balls, including four monster sixes was no surprise to anyone at Stretford who saw his raw talent first hand in the summer of 2006 when he signed for the club as a young overseas player at the age of 22 and again at the end of the 2007 season. Far from being in the wilderness, he was making a big name for himself in Manchester.

The year 2006 was Stretford’s most memorable season since their move to the Lesley Road ground and Roelof was massively influential in that title winning year as the club swept aside all comers under the captaincy of Chris Barlow.

“My time at Stretford was extremely memorable and I have such fond memories of the club. We played some really good cricket and we were well supported off the field”

Although Roelof broke all records in 2006 scoring 1349 runs at 71.00 including 8 fifties and 6 hundred and taking 63 wickets at 11 he also acted as a catalyst for home grown talents like Andrew Crowhurst (439 runs) and Chris Barlow (49 wickets) to thrive. His lively and energetic performances and larger than life character provided a spark for the club. Experienced players such as Mike King and Chris Turner (900 runs) also weighed in heavily showing that the club had a great mix of players with plenty to offer both on and off the pitch

“I joined the club as a young man and I had never travelled away from South Africa before but the club made me feel right at home straight away all the way through my stay there for one and a half seasons. 2006 was immense”

The Stretford faithful will probably agree that Roelof was an absolute one-off in terms of his effect on the whole club. The way he played hard cricket with such a smile on his face was a joy to behold. He left Stretford with a bagful of runs the size of Jupiter and was the bringer of much joviality.

He is the most naturally talented player ever to wear the Stretford Badge but still reflects that his time with us as being an important time in his cricket development

“The two years at Stretford, and the experience it gave me was so important. It gave me a solid base to work from and fortunately I am still able to enjoy the game of cricket as a professional 13 years later”

In making his debut for Netherlands in 2011, Roelof became only the 12th player in history to play for two international countriesin ODIs alongside some illustrious names like Kepler Wessels, Ed Joyce and Luke Ronchi however, no matter who he plays for and when, he leaves a lasting mark on any team thanks to his bull dog spirit, will to win and box office talent.

The Stretford faithful always keep an eye out for Roelof and he’ll be representing Somerset in 2020 and playing for Netherlands in the T20 world cup in Australia in October next year. Good luck pal!!

the friends of SCC: Mitch Williams

C Sharp Features, the friends of stretford

Only one Mitch: Catching up with former overseas batting star Mitchell Williams

Its almost a decade since Australian Mitch Williams played at The Boundary and we managed to catch up for a chat about his memories of the club

It’s hard to believe that it’s almost a decade since Mitch Williams signed for Stretford as overseas player but he still remembers his time at Stretford very fondly.

“I was fortunate enough to be the overseas player for Stretford CC for the 2010 season and what an amazing experience!”

Mitch primarily signed as a batsman and had a very fruitful season amassing over 700 runs and always batted with distinctive brutality. Possibly to his own surprise he also contributed wickets with his bustling medium pace.

Left handed Williams cites his time at Stretford, playing in the MDCA at the time, as a being important in his development as a player.

” The cricket was very enjoyable and I feel my batting developed a lot playing in different conditions. It was very different from playing cricket in Sydney but just as tough. I still play first grade for the Fairfield Liverpool Lions in the Sydney Premier cricket league and have recently passed 200 first grade games for the club “

Though a hard hitting bully with bat in hand, Mitch was a true gent off the pitch and forged some great relationships with everyone at the club, especially the few long suffering Everton fans.

“The people are what made Stretford so special. It had a great family feel and some of the best memories I have are enjoying a beer in the Clubhouse with the locals. Being on the door step of Manchester was also great and I definitely made the most of it!

It was was definitely box office viewing watching Mitch dismissively swat away bowlers to the rope; more Gayle than Gower and hopefully we will see Mitch again soon

” I look forward to bringing my young family to the UK in the next few years and Stretford will be one of the first stop ”

If you would like to bat for Stretford in brutal fashion like Mitch, join the club here
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