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Stretford 1st XI Storm to Fourth Straight Win

Week 10: Sat 21st & Sun 22nd June

Match Reports

1st XI (74-0) vs Wythenshawe (73)

Stretford 1st XI Storm to Fourth with Fourth Straight Win

Evans’ eight-wicket blitz stuns Wythenshawe on scorching Saturday

Stretford 1st XI made it four wins on the bounce with a commanding performance at home, sweeping aside Wythenshawe in a dominant six-point display to climb to fourth in the league table.

On a muggy day in Stretford, with temperatures nudging 30 degrees, fortunes did not initially favour the hosts. Wythenshawe won the toss and, sensing an advantage under the sun, chose to bat—much to the frustration of Captain Saynor, who now boasts a modest coin toss record of 2 from 10.

Stretford’s adoptive Surrey man stepped in. Powered by plants (plus now eggs) Benjy Evans produced a spell of swing bowling alike two local Lancastrians that plied their trade at a less picturesque Trafford ground down the road.

Messrs Statham & Anderson can only claim Lanky by birthright and not in stature unlike Evans who returned staggering career-best figures of 10.5 overs, 4 maidens, 34 runs, and 8 wickets. His first five-wicket haul for the 1st XI. It was fast bowling at its purest—six wickets clean bowled and two smart nicks through to a grateful keeper Rohra. Wythenshawe were reduced to rubble, skittled for just 73 in under 21 overs.

There was little respite for the visitors as openers Ollie Barrett (28*) and Ramesh Perera (26*) made light work of the chase. Measured at first, then merciless, the pair negotiated the early spells before accelerating to the target with authority. The job was done in just 12.5 overs.

The victory marked another complete performance from Stretford’s top side, blending clinical bowling, sharp fielding, and assertive batting. With four wins in succession, the 1st XI are hitting their stride—and the rest of the league will be taking notice.

Blackley (162) vs 2nd XI (126)

Stretford 2nd XI Fall Short in Spirited Chase at Blackley

Stretford 2nd XI faced a stern test on Saturday as they travelled to Blackley in sweltering conditions. Electing to field first, Stretford put in a solid collective effort to bowl out the hosts for 162 in 33 overs—a competitive total on a testing surface.

The wickets were shared across the attack, with standout performances from opener Freddie March, who continued his impressive form with 3-14, skipper Connor Bliss leading from the front with 3-15, and seamer Usman Hasan, whose spell of 3-42 helped to break partnerships and stifle the scoring. It was a tireless effort in energy-sapping heat, and the visitors could be pleased with their work at the halfway mark.

In response, the 2nd XI set about their chase with intent and patience, but the required acceleration never quite materialised. James Hepple (25) anchored the early innings with a composed knock, but regular wickets hampered momentum and made building partnerships difficult.

There was late hope thanks to a brisk counter-attack from Uwais Siddique (20) and Usman Hasan (28), whose aggressive strokeplay took Stretford past the 100-mark and gave the travelling support reason to believe. However, once both were dismissed, the tail was unable to carry the side over the line—Stretford eventually falling for 126, 36 runs short of the target.

A disappointing result, no doubt, but plenty of positives to take away. The bowling unit continues to function well, and the batting showed glimpses of promise. With continued discipline and a bit more luck, the 2nd XI will be confident of bouncing back strongly in the next fixture.

Sunday

3rd XI (261-5) vs Blackley (56)

Stretford 3rd XI Return with a Bang in Crushing Win Over Blackley

Batters fire, bowlers blitz as Stretford dish out Sunday revenge

After a week away from the field, Stretford 3rd XI returned with purpose and precision on Sunday, storming to a dominant 154-run win over Blackley to cap off the weekend with a statement performance. The victory offered a swift and emphatic response to the 2nd XI’s defeat to the same opposition the day before.

Batting first on a friendly deck, Stretford’s top order laid the foundation with composure and class. Vice-captain Ahmad Khawaja led from the front, notching a well-earned 52 in a 92-run opening stand with promising youngster Lucas Dickman (43), who looked composed and confident beyond his years.

The middle order kept the pressure on. Jonny Haslam (43) and U17 talent Oliver Cook (55) combined for an 87-run partnership, with Cook bringing up his second half-century of the season in fine style. The scoring never slowed, and the home side closed on an imposing 261 for 5 from their allotted 40 overs—a complete and calculated batting display.

If the batters set the tone, the bowlers delivered the final blow.

Skipper Paddy Lambton struck with just his third delivery, removing Blackley’s No. 2 for a golden duck. New-ball partner Hilal Sadat went one better, knocking over the other opener first ball to leave the visitors reeling at 1 for 2 after just seven balls. From there, Stretford’s bowlers were relentless.

Sadat finished with 3-10, Bilal Siddique chipped in with 2-23, and Rob Lawson turned the screw with a ruthless 3-6. Blackley never recovered, bundled out for just 56 and handing Stretford a resounding 154-run win.

It was a complete team performance—sharp with the bat, ruthless with the ball, and hungry in the field. A fine Sunday showing from a Stretford side on the rise.

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Sit Down with the Skipper – Part 2 – Pavail Aqeel

Welcome to part two of our feature “Sit Down with the Skipper” as we build up to the start of the 2025 season. This time we chat with Pavail Aqueel. He joined the club four years ago and has thrown himself into a leadership role taking charge of the 2ndXI.

Q: How are you feeling ahead of the new season?

PA: Excited and optimistic. I can’t wait to get out on the pitch with the lads, welcome new faces into the side, and build on the momentum from last season. It’s my fourth year at Stretford and second as 2nd XI skipper, and every year it feels more like home.

Q: Have you made any signings, or are there any players to watch out for this season?

PA: We’ve strengthened nicely. Connor Bliss joins the 2nds this year from New Zealand as our overseas — his experience and leadership will be a huge asset. We’ve also picked up two handy all-rounders: Rai Faizan (ex-Knutsford CC) and Kevin Ninan, who’s bringing London energy up north. Uwais Siddique returns as well, which gives us more firepower.

With the ball, keep your eye on Blake Crawshaw — he’s developing fast and bowled with serious maturity last year. And in the batting department, Hamza Arif remains our resident big hitter — if you’re parked near the boundary, maybe move your car.

Q: What are the team’s main goals this year?

PA: Promotion is 100% on the radar. But more than that, I want the team to give their best, play with freedom, and enjoy every moment. Winning becomes easier when you’re having fun and playing for each other. Effort, team spirit, and a few good cricketing memories — that’s the goal.

Q: How does the 2nd XI fit into the wider club structure this season?

PA: The 2nds are a vital bridge between the 1sts and 3rds. We’re here to develop talent, give players opportunities to step up, and ensure there’s a strong pipeline feeding into the top side. A healthy second team means a stronger club.

Q: How important is your role in preparing players for potential 1st XI opportunities?

PA: Very. It’s not just about cricketing ability — it’s about confidence, attitude, and preparation. My role is to help players mentally and technically get ready for that next step. If someone’s pushing for 1st XI, they’ll know about it — and I’ll be backing them all the way. If you’re smashing it in the 2s, I’ll be the first to shout about it.

Q: What does it mean to you to captain the 2nd XI?

PA: It’s a big honour and a good laugh. I get to lead a great bunch of lads, give something back to the club, and stress about the weather forecast every Friday. Thanks to the club for backing me again.

Q: What lessons have you learned from your first season in this role?

PA: A lot! From managing player shortages to keeping morale high during tough games, I’ve learned the importance of patience, organisation, and staying calm under pressure. Communication is key, and I now know that a captain’s job doesn’t stop once the game begins — it’s a constant role. And I’ve also learned that no matter how many times you explain the fielding positions, someone will always ask, “Where do I stand again?”

Q: What personal goals have you set for yourself this year as captain and player?

PA: As captain, I want us to win 70% of our matches and be real contenders for promotion. As a player, I’ve set myself the challenge of scoring over 500 runs and taking 35 wickets. But more than stats, I want to be a consistent performer and lead by example.

Q: What will be your toughest challenges this year?

PA: We’ve got some tough fixtures — Little Hulton, Failsworth Macedonia, Swinton Moorside, Woodhouses. These are quality sides, but we’re backing ourselves this year. The challenge will be consistency, especially during the mid-season stretch.

Q: How important is it to have a strong connection between the 1st XI & 2nd XI?

PA: Massively. A strong bond between teams creates a united club culture. When players move between sides, it should feel seamless. That only happens when there’s mutual respect and open communication.

Q: What do you want to see from the squad, regardless of results?

PA: Commitment and togetherness. Turn up to training, be punctual, do your jobs on matchday, and support one another. Results come and go, but the culture we build is what lasts. If we stay united, the wins will follow.

Q: Any message for club members and supporters ahead of the new season?

PA: We’d love your support — whether you pop down for an hour or stay the whole day. Bring friends, family, and a chair. There’s no better place to spend a summer afternoon than watching local cricket with a cold drink in hand.

Looking forward to a big season ahead. Up the 2s, and up Stretford!

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Boost for Stretford Cricket Club as Young Talent Arran Sen Returns

Good news for the club this week when talented youngster Arran Sen rejoined the club. Sen brings all round skills to the club; most of all, quality leg spin, youthful energy in the field and a zest to improve and develop his own game. It’s a definite boost to the 1stXI ranks.

Despite his tender years, Sen already has an impressive CV. He began playing for Stretford aged 7 and moved to Colwyn Bay CC because of schooling aged 11. He broke into the 2ndXI aged 13 before moving to Clifton College in Bristol. Sen joined WG Grace’s Thornbury CC and made his 1st XI debut aged 15 as a leg spinner.

Sen has also gained experience at County age group level playing with Lancashire U13 and Gloucester U16 and travelled to Mumbai at 17 to train and have a taste of cricket overseas.

Stretford 1st XI captain, Adam Saynor, is delighted that Arran has rejoined the club; “I’m extremely excited to have Arran on board. A very talented and promising youngster returning to Stretford, bringing an already vast knowledge of the game. A top order batter and skilful leg spinner, Arran will be a big asset to the 1stXI and strengthen the growing talent we have at the club. Not just on the pitch, Arran will also be getting involved with junior coaching, passing on his wisdom and enthusiasm of the game to the next generation”

Go well this season!

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Help Needed – Land Contamination, Ecology, Biodiversity Assessments for our Club House Rebuild Project

I’m leading on a project to rebuild the club house at Stretford and we are at the stage of applying for planning permission. However, pre-planning advice from the council says we need to conduct a land contamination assessment, ecology assessment & bio-diversity assessment to submit with our application. If anyone knows any consultantants or companies that might be able to help with some social value related activity or volunteering/pro-bono please contact me. The club is located on an old landfill site and is part of the green belt therefore the cost just to get to planning is considerable. And I mean considerable. Especially for an open access community cricket club that is already paying £6000 per year for electric (and thats with solar panels covering a third of our use)

exisiting clubhouse at Stretford Cricket Club