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Stretford Seal Promotion Glory Following Dominant Final Day Victory Over Rivals Woodley

Week 22: Sat 13th & Sun 14th September

Match Reports

1st XI: 75-2 (T Boyd 29)

Woodley: 74 (B Evans 3-10, R Renforth 3-24)

After two years of heartache and back-to-back relegations, Stretford 1st XI completed their redemption arc in storybook fashion, sealing promotion back to Division 1 of the GMCL at the first time of asking. A season’s worth of pressure, hope, and hard graft came down to one final day — and Les Bleus didn’t just rise to the occasion, they stormed it.

The build-up had been fraught with tension. Too many variables threatened to derail the dream: a Woodley side still in the promotion hunt, the looming threat of rain wiping away play, and the absence of Stretford’s big hitting talisman, Syed Haider. None of it mattered. As the 1st XI marched onto The Boundary, there was a steel in their eyes. Promotion was in touching distance, and nothing — or no one — was going to take it away.

Skipper Adam Saynor won the toss and stuck with the formula that had carried Stretford all year: unleash the bowlers, squeeze the opposition, and choke the scoreboard. Even as the rain delayed the start, reducing the contest to 38 overs a side, the Stretford attack hit their stride immediately.

The “swing kings” Benjy Evans and Rob Renforth were relentless. Disciplined lines, movement through the air, and not a single freebie for the batters. Woodley eked their way to 23 without loss before the dam burst. In a devastating spell of seam bowling, Evans and Renforth ripped the heart out of the visitors’ top order, sharing six wickets between them in a devastating collapse to 30-6.

Evans: 12-7-10-3 & Renforth: 12-3-24-3

The spin duo of Ramesh Perera (2-15) and Niall Heyes (2-13) applied the finishing touches, ensuring no late resistance. Woodley, battered, broken, and bowled out for just 74.

Then came the chase. Just 75 runs stood between Stretford and promotion. Just 75 runs to define an entire season. But the nervous tension of a modest target quickly showed when Ali Raza Butt fell third ball of the innings. Silence. Sharp intakes of breath. This was not the time for old ghosts to return.

Enter Tim Boyd. The leading run-scorer shouldered the weight of expectation and sent a message: dot, dot, dot… four. The balcony exhaled. With Ramesh Perera alongside him, Boyd began to chip away at the total, striking 29 runs before holing out at deep midwicket — a dismissal eerily reminiscent of the reverse fixture.

At 43-2, nerves flickered again. The clouds rolled back in, rain threatened, and Woodley sniffed a miracle. But Perera, calm and assured, found a willing ally in Ollie Barrett. Together, they steered Stretford to the brink, the runs ticking over in careful but confident fashion.

And then it came. As the heavens opened above The Boundary, a no ball was bowled. The winning run. The balcony erupted. Cries of joy echoed along Lesley Road and across the meadows. The pouring rain washed away the shadows of relegation, leaving only the glow of triumph.

Stretford had done it. An eighth successful chase under 150 this season, a feat unthinkable in 1st XI years gone by. A promotion sealed. Joining the 2nd XI in a double-promotion. A club reborn.

Feel the magic in the air — the Strets are going up!

Wythenshawe: 111 (P Aqeel 87*, A Rohra 67, J Hepple 25)

2nd XI: 114-8 (B Crawshaw 26, U Hasan 26)

Stretford 2nd XI Sign Off 2025 with Final-Day Win

With promotion already safely in the bag, Stretford 2nd XI travelled to bottom side Wythenshawe for their last outing of the season. For captain Connor Bliss and his promotion heroes, this was less about pressure and more about pride, camaraderie, and finishing a superb campaign with one final flourish.

In a light-hearted twist, the roles were reversed: batters bowled, bowlers batted. The result? Entertainment all around.

Wythenshawe elected to bat first, and up stepped the 2nd XI’s leading run-scorer, Hamza Arif, to try his hand with the ball. Far from a part-time experiment, he delivered a spell to remember — 2-19 from 11 overs — surely staking his claim for more with the ball in 2026. He was ably supported by Bilal Siddqui (2-6) and Bliss himself (3-14) as the home side were bundled out for 111.

The chase began with promise as Pares Malindi (19), Blake Crawshaw (26) and Usman Hasan (26) set the foundation. At 93-5, the game looked sewn up, but a wobble saw Stretford slip to eight down with two runs still required. Brief nerves, but no drama — Hamza, the star of the ball earlier, strode in and cracked the winning runs to seal victory.

And so, the curtain closed on a season to remember: a final-day win, a haul of 93 points, and promotion secured in style.

For captain Bliss, it also marked a temporary farewell, as he returns to New Zealand before coming back refreshed and ready to lead the charge through Division 5 West in 2026.

One club, two promotions. The future is bright at Stretford.

SUNDAY

Friends Sporting v 3rd XI: 23-1 – Match Abandoned

4th XI v Edenfield – No play

Rain was the play of the day for the Sunday sides as both games fell to the wet September weather.

The 3rd XI finish their season on a wet note. But Captain Paddy Lambton reflects on what was a hugely enjoyable, challenging and encouraging first season in the GMCL Sunday league pyramid, finishing in mid-table of Division 2C.

There was a lot learnt for the second year skipper and plenty of positives to take into 2026 with an abundance of talent rising through the ranks. Next season’s aims for the Cumbrian: ”Challenge for a trophy? Why the hell not?” For the 4th XI one final fixture remains away at Springhead on Sunday 21st

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Stretford 1st XI close in on promotion with emphatic win and 2ndXI seal promotion after dominant win

Week 21: Sat 6th & Sun 7th September

Match Reports

Wythenshawe: 67 (R Perera 4-1, R Renforth 2-4, S Haider 2-14)

1st XI: 68-1 (A Raza Butt 35*, T Boyd 19*)

Stretford 1st XI close in on promotion with emphatic win

Already-relegated Wythenshawe offered little resistance as Stretford 1st XI put last week’s rain-affected frustrations firmly behind them, cruising to a nine-wicket victory on Saturday.

The bowlers wasted no time in asserting control. The reliable opening strike pairing of Benjy Evans (1-14) & Robert Renforth (2-4) put the visitors firmly on the front foot after the skipper won the toss putting Wythenshawe into bat. Syed Haider (2-14) followed up through the middle order before Ramesh Perera (4-1) was near unplayable using the facilities to spin through the rest of the order including a triple wicket maiden. Wythenshawe all out for just 67.

Chasing was a formality. Ali Raza Butt got quickly to work playing with authority to flash an unbeaten 35 off 32, supported by Tim Boyd with 19*, as Stretford eased to 68-1 and secured six crucial points.

That win edges Stretford to the brink of Division 1 cricket — but a final-day showdown at home to Woodley will be the decider. The visitors sit fifth but still have promotion hopes of their own: victory over Stretford, combined with an Adlington slip, could send them up instead.

With everything to play for, Saturday promises to be a high-stakes clash.

2nd XI: 243-6 (P Aqeel 87*, A Rohra 67, J Hepple 25)

Blackley: 65 (H Sadat 5-21, C Bliss 4-1)

Stretford 2nd XI seal promotion in style

Stretford 2nd XI clinched promotion to Division 5 with a commanding performance against Blackley, in their first promotion season since 2016.

Batting first, Stretford piled on the runs to post 243-6. Arohan Rohra laid the platform with a fluent 67 opening up, before Pavail Aqeel stole the show with a brilliant unbeaten 87. He was well supported by James Hepple (25) as the hosts built an imposing total.

Any hopes of a Blackley chase were quickly extinguished by a ruthless Stretford bowling attack. Hilal Sadat tore through the order with figures of 5-21, his first five-fer for the 2nd XI. He’s never too far from the wickets is captain Connor Bliss and he produced another devastating spell of 4-1. Blackley were dismissed for just 65, sealing a 178-run victory.

The result confirms Stretford 2nd XI’s long-awaited promotion — their first in nine years — a landmark moment and a fitting reward for a season of hard work, togetherness, and quality cricket.

SUNDAY

Blackley: 85 (P Lambton 3-20, A Carson 3-34)

3rd XI: 87-4 (L Dickman 36)

Stretford 3rd XI ease past Blackley in penultimate clash

Stretford 3rd XI claimed a comfortable six-wicket win over Blackley in their penultimate outing of the season, underlining their ability to finish the campaign on a positive note.

The bowlers did the early damage, with captain Paddy Lambton (3-20) and Alfie Carson (3-34) leading the charge as Blackley were restricted to just 85 all out. Tight spells and steady pressure ensured wickets fell at regular intervals.

In reply, Stretford kept their chase measured. Despite a few setbacks, Lucas Dickman stood tall as he has all season with a composed 36 and surpassing 300 3rd XI runs for the season. Guiding the side to 87-4 and wrapping up victory with plenty in hand.

The result leaves the 3rd XI firmly in 5th place in the table. The focus now is on finishing strongly — taking pride into 2026 and setting sights on pushing higher up the league next season.

Stayley: Did Not Bat

4th XI: 23-2

Rain was the victor in this fixture as a torrential downpour just after the games beginning scuppered any hopes of late summer cricket.

Two fixtures remain for the 4th XI. Next week Edenfield are welcomed to The Boundary.

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Chasing Pack Close Gap as Umpires Deny Stretford Chance of Victory

Week 20: Sat 30th & Sun 31st August

Match Reports

Ashton: 139 (N Heyes 3-11, S Haider 3-24, B Evans 3-40)

1st XI: Did Not Bat

A gloomy Saturday greeted Stretford 1st XI as they travelled to Ashton, determined to cement their spot in the top three. Despite the unpromising forecast, spirits were high and the side was eager to push their promotion bid forward.

Ashton, having won the toss, elected to bat. Their big hitters made a brisk start, but once Stretford’s bowlers broke through, the innings quickly unravelled. The home side were dismissed for 139 in 37 overs, thanks to another disciplined performance with the ball. Benjy Evans battled early against the aggressive top order, claiming 3-40, before the spin duo of Niall Heyes (3-11) and Syed Haider (3-24) took control and swept through the middle and lower order.

At that stage, Stretford looked well placed to chase down a modest target and secure a valuable win – but the weather had other ideas. The forecasted rain duly arrived and never truly relented. Short interruptions gave hope, but there was never enough of a break to resume play.

Frustration peaked as the umpires set a 17:30 cut-off time. When the rain finally stopped at 17:25, the expectation was that a restart might still be possible. However, to Stretford’s dismay, the officials decided there was insufficient time to resume – a decision that contrasted with other matches across the league where play did recommence.

The abandonment left Stretford with just a share of the points, their promotion cushion now slimmer after results elsewhere went against them. With two fixtures left, every ball will count in their push to secure a return to Division 1.

Next up: a crucial trip to Wythenshawe as we reach September.

2nd XI: 115-0 (A Raza Butt 52*, L Dickman 44*)

Swinton Moorside: 136 (C Bliss 4-29)

Stretford 2nd XI took a huge step towards promotion with a commanding 10-wicket victory over Swinton Moorside, a result that all but guarantees Division 5 cricket next season.

Swinton were bundled out for 136 thanks to a disciplined and clinical bowling display. Connor Bliss was the pick of the attack with 4-29, backed up by Pares Malindi (2-27) and Hilal Sadat (2-32), as wickets fell at regular intervals and momentum was firmly with Stretford.

A lengthy rain delay between innings meant the chase was revised under DLS to 115 in 33 overs. Any nerves about the adjusted target were quickly eased by an exceptional display of batting from the opening pair. Ali Raza Butt and Lucas Dickman showed both control and aggression as they dismantled the Swinton attack, putting on an unbeaten 115-run stand. Butt led the way with a fluent 52 not out, while Dickman played superbly in support, finishing on 44* and striking the winning runs in the 22nd over.

The emphatic win leaves Stretford needing just one more victory from their final two fixtures to seal promotion – a fitting reward for a consistent and determined season.

SUNDAY

3rd XI: 182-5 (H Sadat 84*, L Dickman 39)

South West Manchester: 183-4 (A Carson 3-22)

Stretford 3rd XI fell to defeat against South West Manchester despite a superb innings from Hilal Sadat that lit up a rain-affected game.

Rain interruptions shortened Stretford’s innings to just 31 overs, but they made the most of the reduced time. Another top order contribution by Lucas Dickman, who hit a composed 39, set up the Stretford total. Sadat though was in destructive form, blasting 84 not out from only 52 balls, clearing the ropes six times and striking seven along the ground in a powerful display closing the innings on 182-5.

Chasing 183, South West Manchester paced their reply well. Despite a fine spell from Alfie Carson, who returned excellent figures of 3-22, the visitors kept wickets in hand and reached their target with 3 overs remaining, finishing on 183-4.

A frustrating result for the 3rd XI, who showed fight with both bat and ball but were undone by a well-measured chase.

Bolton Indians: 161 (E Goga 3-32, C Bliss 2-20, N Malik 2-37)

4th XI: 198-3 (C Bliss 51, A Rohra 51, E Goga 39, U Siddique 24*)

Stretford 4th XI produced a fine all-round performance to claim a 37-run victory over Bolton Indians.

Batting first, Stretford posted an impressive 198-3. The innings was built around two half-centuries, with Connor Bliss and Arohan Rohra both reaching 51 in composed yet fluent knocks. Bliss was well supported at the top by Eesa Goga, who added a valuable 39, and Uwais Siddique, who finished unbeaten on 24* to see Stretford to a commanding total.

In reply, Bolton Indians battled hard but were ultimately bowled out for 161. The wickets were shared across the attack, with Eesa Goga capping a strong all-round display by taking 3-32. Bliss followed his batting heroics with 2-20, while Nabeel Malik chipped in with 2-37 as Stretford kept control throughout the innings. The victory by 37 runs was a deserved reward for a disciplined batting and bowling effort, with several standout individual performances ensuring the 4th XI ended the day on to

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Stretford Cricket Week 19: Dominant Wins and Narrow Defeats

Week 19: Sat 23rd, Sun 24th & Mon 25th August

Match Reports

1st XI: 69-3 (S Haider 32, O Barrett 22*)

Denton West: 68 (R Renforth 5-19, J Pretorius 3-17)

Stretford 1st XI returned to winning ways in emphatic style at home against Denton West, a result that lifts them back into the promotion places with just three games of the season remaining.

Denton West won the toss and elected to bat first, but their innings never got going. Opening bowlers Robert Renforth and Josh Pretorius tore through the top order with a devastating new-ball spell. Renforth was unplayable, finishing with outstanding figures of 10 overs, 5 maidens, 19 runs for 5 wickets, while Pretorius provided perfect support with 7 overs, 3 maidens, 17 runs for 3 wickets. At 48-8, Denton West were reeling, and the innings was wrapped up by Niall Heyes (1-17) and Syed Haider (1-7) as the visitors were dismissed for just 68.

In reply, Stretford made light work of the chase. Despite losing three wickets along the way, the result was never in doubt. Syed Haider smashed 32 from just 16 deliveries, including two fours and three towering sixes, while Ollie Barrett anchored the chase carrying his bat with 22 not out. Stretford crossed the line in just 10.4 overs, reaching 69-3 to secure a dominant seven-wicket victory.

A clinical all-round performance sees Stretford 1st XI back in the promotion spots, with momentum building at the perfect time heading into the final three matches of the campaign.

Whalley Range: 169 (C Bliss 3-19, B Crawshaw 3-20)

2nd XI: 172-9 (U Hasan 43, O Cook 25)

Stretford 2nd XI edge past Whalley Range in tense finish

Stretford 2nd XI secured a thrilling one-wicket victory over Whalley Range in a closely fought contest.

Whalley Range, batting first, posted 169 all out, with Stretford’s bowlers keeping the pressure on throughout the innings. Connor Bliss returned to action and form picking up 3-19 and a three-fer for Blake Crawshaw (3-20) led the attack superbly, sharing six wickets between them and ensuring the visitors were restricted to a chaseable total.

In reply, Stretford made a steady start but were pegged back by regular wickets as Whalley Range fought hard to stay in the game. Usman Hasan’s composed 43 provided crucial runs in the middle order, while Oliver Cook (25) offered valuable support.

The game built towards a tense climax, with Stretford losing wickets and Whalley Range sensing an opening with the visitors 144-9. However, skipper Bliss (20*) along with last man Rob Lawson (11*)held their nerve to edge home at 172-9, sealing the win with just one wicket to spare.

It was a contest full of momentum swings, with both sides having chances to take control, but in the end Stretford’s depth and determination proved decisive.

SUNDAY

4th XI: 143 (C Bliss 52, L Dickman 50)

Micklehurst: 158 (A Imtiaz 3-12)

Micklehurst edge out Stretford 4th XI in competitive clash

Stretford 4th XI fell just short in their pursuit of victory as Micklehurst claimed a 15-run win in a well-balanced contest.

Batting first, Micklehurst were restricted to 158 all out, with Stretford’s bowlers working hard to keep the target within reach. Junior Ayaan Imtiaz was the standout, finishing with excellent figures of 3-12, while the rest of the attack chipped in with disciplined spells.

In reply, Stretford’s innings was built around two key contributions. Connor Bliss struck a fine 52, anchoring the top order along with Lucas Dickman added a fluent 50, topping a ton for the opening wicket. However, the visitors’ attack got through the top order and didn’t look behind. Despite those two half-centuries, the Stretford order faltered and were bowled out for 143, leaving them agonisingly short.

The result leaves Stretford reflecting on a performance full of positives, but also one where they might feel a chance slipped away after two standout individual efforts with the bat.

MONDAY

3rd XI: 124-8 (L Dickman 33, A Khawaja 26)

Monton: 80 (B Siddiqui 3-11)

Stretford 3rd XI overcome Monton in a T20 encounter

Stretford 3rd XI produced a disciplined display to claim a 44-run victory over Monton in a Bank Holiday T20 dominated by the bowlers.

Batting first, Stretford flurried at the top of the order with the in-form man Lucas Dickman hitting 33 accompanied by Ahmad Khawaja (26) in a 56 run opening stand. With no further significant contributions down the order the home side closed on 124-8, a total that looked competitive.

Stretford’s bowlers came out fired up. On target Monton’s chase never got traction. The wickets spread around but youngster Bilal Siddiqui led the way with superb figures of 3-11, applying relentless pressure. Along with Blake Crawshaw (2-15). Supported by a disciplined fielding performance, Stretford bundled the visitors out for just 80, sealing a deserved win.

Edenfield: 113-7 (R Imtiaz 4-21)

4th XI: 112-8 (Walker 42*)

Brave Stretford Push Edenfield All the Way in Tight Contest

Stretford 4th XI may have come up just short at Edenfield, but they left with heads held high after a performance full of fight and spirit in a match that went right down to the wire.

Batting first, Stretford battled hard to post 112 for 8 from their allotted forty overs. The innings was defined by a superb knock from Chris Walker, who remained unbeaten hitting a gritty 42*. Displaying patience, determination and a touch of class. Against a sharp Edenfield attack, Walker’s innings was a masterclass in application, ensuring Stretford had a total to bowl at.

Defending 112 was never going to be easy, but Stretford’s bowlers rose to the challenge. They kept Edenfield honest throughout, forcing mistakes and creating real pressure. At one stage, with wickets tumbling at the top of the order, the home side looked genuinely rattled. Every breakthrough injected new life into the contest, and the game remained in the balance right until the final overs.

Ultimately, it was Edenfield who scraped across the line, finishing on 113 for 7 thanks largely to a decisive spell from Rayyan Imtiaz (4–21) with the ball. The margin of victory—just three wickets—was testament to how hard the 4th XI had pushed their opponents.

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Stretford Fall Agonisingly Short in 600-Run Thriller at Tottington

Week 18: Sat 16th & Sun 17th August

Match Reports

Tottington St Johns: 318-8 (R Renforth 5-72)

1st XI: 294 (T Boyd 89, A Saynor 59, B Evans 43, J Blackwell 34*)

Stretford 1st XI endured a rollercoaster afternoon at relegation-threatened Tottington St Johns, falling just 24 runs shy in a pulsating 600-run encounter.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, and Stretford were left to rue a string of missed opportunities as Tottington piled on 318-8 from their allotted 50 overs. Reid was the main beneficiary, riding his luck after being dropped three times on his way to 87. With further chances going begging and some uncharacteristic lapses in the field, it proved a long and frustrating innings for the visitors. The one bright spot came late on, as Robert Renforth found his rhythm to claim a richly deserved first five-wicket haul of the season, finishing with 5-72 from 14 overs.

Set a daunting chase, Stretford responded with renewed belief and fight. Tim Boyd provided the perfect platform, blazing 89 from just 74 balls, including 13 boundaries and three towering sixes, to keep the visitors in touch with the target. When Boyd departed with the score at 170-5, the contest was still finely balanced.

Captain Adam Saynor (59) and the ever-reliable Benjy Evans (43) combined superbly in a 74-run stand, narrowing the target to under 80 with overs still to spare. The equation was tantalisingly close, but as wickets began to fall, the pressure mounted.

Jack Blackwell produced a spirited, stroke-filled unbeaten 34 at the death, but with partners running out, Stretford’s chase was finally halted at 294 – just 25 runs shy of what would have been a remarkable victory.

For a side that has struggled historically in run chases, this effort underlined the growing confidence and belief within the squad. The fight, intent and quality shown throughout suggest that Stretford are more than capable of making a strong finish to the campaign, with four fixtures still to play.

While defeat was a bitter pill after such a courageous performance, this was a contest that showed the side’s resilience, skill, and spirit – and one that leaves plenty of positives to take into the run-in.

2nd XI: 78-7 (E Goga 24*)

Westleigh: 76 (U Hasan 3-19, F March 3-34)

Stretford Edge Past Westleigh in Nervy Clash at Lesley Road

Second-placed 2nd XI were made to work hard for victory against Westleigh in a tense contest at Lesley Road, eventually scraping home by three wickets.

Westleigh, opting to bat first, never found their rhythm as Stretford’s bowlers took control early. Opening duo Usman Hasan (3-19) and Freddie March (3-34) set the tone with disciplined spells, reducing the visitors to tatters. The introduction of spin further tightened the grip, with Arohan Rohra (2-7) proving the pick of the attack, as Westleigh were bundled out for just 76.

What looked a straightforward chase soon turned into a scrap. Stretford’s batting faltered under pressure, wickets tumbling at regular intervals with no one able to settle. At 49-7, the match hung in the balance and an upset seemed very possible.

However, calm heads prevailed. Eesa Goga and James Hepple came together in the middle and steadied nerves with a vital partnership. Showing composure and patience, the pair guided Stretford across the line, securing the win with three wickets to spare.

Though far from their most convincing performance, the result keeps Stretford firmly in the hunt at the top end of the table.

SUNDAY

3rd XI: 96 (P Lambton 20)

Swinton Moorside: 166-8 (K Ninan 3-18, B Siddique 2-13, S Naseri 2-24)

Stretford 3rd XI slipped to defeat against Swinton Moorside in their weekend fixture, falling short by 70 runs in a hard-fought contest.

Batting first, Swinton Moorside posted a competitive 166-8 from their allotted 40 overs. A disciplined spell from Kevin Ninan (3-18) kept Swinton’s total low by picking up wickets at the end. While the other bowlers chipped in to restrict the scoring.

In reply, Stretford struggled to find momentum against tight bowling and regular wickets. Despite a determined effort from Paddy Lambton (20), no batter was able to convert a start into a significant score. The innings ended on 96 all out.

The result leaves Stretford looking to regroup ahead of their next fixture, a T20 v Monton on Bank Holiday Monday. The end of season nears and skipper Lambton is determined to end the season on a good run of form.

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Stretford 1st XI Bounces Back with Key Win at Prestwich

After a momentum-halting defeat at home to Golborne the previous weekend, Stretford 1st XI travelled to Prestwich 2nd XI looking to steady the ship and return to winning ways. Facing a side just one place below them in the table, this was a crucial clash — and Stretford rose to the occasion with a composed, all-round performance to secure a much-needed victory.

Prestwich won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision they quickly came to regret as Stretford’s dynamic new-ball pairing of Benjy Evans and Robert Renforth wreaked early havoc. Evans struck with the second ball of the innings to set the tone, and with the scoreboard reading 17-3, the visitors had seized the initiative. Both openers claimed two wickets apiece — Evans finishing with 2-28 and Renforth 2-38 — in another dominant display with the new ball.

Prestwich attempted to rally, grinding their way past the 100 mark, but any hopes of a substantial total were dashed by the introduction of spin. Niall Heyes (3-32) and Syed Haider (2-30) combined to run through the lower order, closing out the innings with the hosts bowled out for 141.

Stretford’s reply began solidly, with openers Ollie Barrett and Ramesh Perera putting on 31 before Perera fell for 8. That brought in leading run scorer Tim Boyd, who continued his strong form, crafting a fluent 40 in a 66-run stand with Barrett to put the visitors firmly in control.

Although Boyd eventually departed, the target was never in doubt. Barrett anchored the innings with great discipline, carrying his bat for a composed 43* from 111 balls. He was joined late on by Syed Haider, who added the finishing touches in style, striking 14 runs in just five balls to see Stretford home with plenty to spare.

A clinical, professional performance across all departments saw the 1st XI return to form and claim a deserved win — a strong response after last week’s disappointment and a timely boost as they continue to push forward in the league.

2nd XI: 124-5 (P Aqeel 37, A R Butt 32)

Woodhouses: 121 (U Hasan 4-44, F March 3-24, P Malindi 3-25)

Six on the Spin: Stretford 2nd XI March On with Dominant Win Over Woodhouses

Stretford 2nd XI extended their incredible winning run to six matches on Saturday with another assured and dominant performance, this time dispatching Woodhouses at home to strengthen their grip on the promotion places.

The visitors won the toss and opted to bat, but quickly found themselves on the back foot as opening bowler Usman Hasan tore through the top order. Bowling with pace and purpose, Hasan claimed 4-44 in a hostile 14-over spell, surpassing the 30-wicket mark for the league season — a deserved milestone in a standout campaign. He was well supported by fellow seamers Freddie March (3-24) and Pares Malindi (3-25), who maintained the pressure and shared the remaining wickets to skittle Woodhouses for just 121 inside 40 overs.

Another clinical and well-disciplined display with the ball, built on aggressive intent and tight lines, left the hosts with a manageable target.

In reply, Stretford looked in control early on. After the loss of an early wicket, a 63-run partnership between Ali Raza Butt (32) and Pavail Aqeel (37) laid a solid platform. Both batters looked composed and positive, steering the side towards victory with fluency.

However, after Butt’s dismissal at 73-2, a brief middle-order wobble saw Stretford lose three quick wickets, slipping to 106-5 and injecting some late drama into the chase. But the nerves were calmed by junior Oliver Cook. His composed 19 off 34 balls steadied the ship, and with Sagar Loomba (6*) offering calm support, the pair guided the hosts to their target without further damage.

A nervy finish perhaps, but yet another deserved win for a side playing with confidence, consistency, and belief. With six victories in a row now under their belt and the promotion push gathering momentum, Stretford 2nd XI look like a side determined to finish the season in style. Next up in the 2nd XI’s wake, the league leaders Clifton.

SUNDAY

3rd XI: 118 (L Dickman 30)

Astley & Tyldesley: 119-2

Stretford 3rd XI Fall in Sunday Plate Semi-Final Against Astley & Tyldesley

Stretford 3rd XI’s impressive GMCL Sunday Plate cup run came to a difficult end on Sunday as they were outplayed by a strong Astley & Tyldesley side in the semi-final at home. Despite the result, the young team can reflect on a spirited journey filled with promise, character, and clear signs of a bright future.

Batting first, Stretford struggled to put together a commanding total, eventually being bowled out for 118. Under 15’s Lucas Dickman provided the backbone of the innings, showing grit and composure to top-score with 30 at the top of the order. Unfortunately, he found little support around him. A few batters made starts, but none were able to go on and build the kind of innings needed to lift the total to a more competitive score. The home side knew they were under par, but not without hope — especially with a hungry young bowling attack and the backing of a supportive home crowd.

Defending a modest total, Stretford got off to the dream start. In the very first over, Alfie Carson struck and Max Skuse held on to a sharp catch — Astley & Tyldesley 2-1 and a flicker of belief surged through the side.

However, Astley & Tyldesley’s batters at 2 and 3 dug in and took control, combining for a 102-run partnership that slowly but surely took the game away from the hosts. Despite continued effort and heart from the Stretford bowlers, the visitors reached the target with 20 overs to spare and 8 wickets in hand — a clinical chase that sealed their place in the final.

It was a tough defeat to swallow, but one that shouldn’t overshadow what has been a magical cup campaign for the 3rd XI — a side built on youth, energy, and potential. The experience will no doubt serve them well as they turn their attention back to the league, with valuable lessons learned and belief still intact.

The cup run ends, but the journey is far from over.

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Stretford’s 1st & 2nd XI edge close encounters and 4th XI with run of the mill victory

Week 14: Sat 19th & Sun 20th July
Deane & Derby (107) vs 1st XI (118)
The ground sat beneath a steel sky, ringed by the ghostly remnants of old mills and crooked
towers — the kind of northern scene where cricket is less about flourish and more about
surviving the elements. On this bleak Bolton afternoon, Stretford arrived not with fanfare, but with quiet purpose — and they left with a hard-earned, richly satisfying win.
Stretford, batting first, didn’t have it easy. The pitch was lively, the ball moving, and wickets
came all too regularly. The early top order scrapped for every run — Tim Boyd’s 22 hinted at momentum, but the innings never really flowed. After a mid-innings collapse left them 54 for 7, it was Adam Saynor who dug deep, striking a valuable 26, while tailender Robert Renforth chipped in with a spirited 19. Their efforts lifted Stretford to 118 all out in 30.2 overs — not a huge total, but in conditions like these, it felt defendable.

The hosts, Deane & Derby, probably fancied it at the break. But they hadn’t counted on what came next.
Benjy Evans bowled like a man possessed. Relentless and miserly. Continuing his red hot form with the ball, he tore through the top order with figures of 3 for 22 from 12 overs, six of them maidens. His accuracy left no room for error. Renforth, too, was superb — his rhythm just right for the conditions, picking up 2 for 23 and striking at key moments.

The turning point came when M Khan Khanam, the only Deane & Derby batter who looked like changing the game, was caught for 32. From there, Stretford’s grip tightened, only to be
shocked by a blitz of lower order sixes. Taking the home side to within striking distance. Enter Ramesh Perera. Patiently waiting like a Sri Lankan leopard eager to strike his prey. Ruthless aggression teeth bared and in 11 balls he devoured the Deane & Derby tail taking all three remaining scalps. Clawing Stretford’s victory!

The hosts were bowled out for 107 in 39.5 overs — Stretford victorious by 11 runs.
Stretford’s victory wasn’t flashy — it was earned. Every run made in the first innings, every tight over bowled, every low catch taken — it all mattered. On a day where most might have been content to go through the motions under damp skies, Stretford showed grit and heart. Can they keep this going to the end of the season?

2nd XI (121) vs Little Hulton 1stXI (84)

The clouds also sat low over Stretford, motionless and menacing. The pitch was soft, the outfield claggy, and the wind had teeth. It was, unmistakably, a bowler’s day — and fittingly, the bowlers wrote the story. But not before Stretford’s batters gave them just enough to defend.

Winning the toss, Stretford 2nd XI chose to bat first — a brave call in heavy air and under a
darkening sky. Early on, Uwais Siddique (21) and Blake Crawshaw (13) handled the
movement with caution, building a useful opening stand. But once Lee Jones found his rhythm, the innings quickly began to fray.
Jones bowled with purpose, taking 4 for 56, supported well by Ihsan Ullah’s nagging accuracy (3 for 35). Wickets fell in clumps, including a middle-order slide where four batters were dismissed for single digits.
But Connor Bliss (30) stood firm in the middle, and Usman Hasan (28) played the innings of the match — not for flash, but for timing, placement, and sheer value. His late charge turned a sub-100 score into 121 all out in 32 overs. A modest total — but on this surface, it felt alive with possibility.

And Then Came the Collapse

If the first innings was built on tension, the second was built on ruthlessness. Usman Hasan, already a hero with the bat, returned with ball in hand and produced a spell that broke Little Hulton’s chase before it had even started. He bowled with a rhythm that made time feel slower. Seam, line, nip — he had it all. The figures speak loudest: 12 overs, 6 maidens, 5 wickets for just 27 runs. Five scalps, each one earned. From removing the openers to cleaning up the tail, Hasan was unplayable — a quiet storm in white. Connor Bliss, never far from the action, chipped in with 3 for 18 and a key catch in the deep. James Hepple struck once too, despite a brief blitz from Kev Robinson (28 off 29), who hit three sixes in a futile counterattack. Little Hulton were all out for just 84 in 24 overs — their innings folding under pressure, the weight of tight fielding, and Stretford’s refusal to let go.

SUNDAY 4th XI (222-6) vs Springhead (152)

A different day but the clouds rolled in low and uninvited over Stretford again, casting a heavy lid on the ground like a steel trap. The forecast had promised grey and it delivered — soft drizzle dusted the outfield, and made sure no one ever got comfortable. It was, in short, classic northern cricket weather. But as the clouds circled above, Stretford’s batting line-up lit the day like floodlights through fog.

Put into bat, the hosts wasted no time asserting themselves. Lucas Dickman, quiet and composed, steered the innings beautifully. His 51 (retired) was all timing and poise —
a collection of grounded strokes and cool judgement that set the tone. When Chris Walker fell for 22, it brought Muhammad Hamza Arif to the crease, and with him, a surge in tempo.
Arif was a revelation. His 47 off just 36 balls, including three brutal sixes, ripped apart the
Springhead attack. Every shot was decisive; every movement forward drove a stake into the idea that this would be a low-scoring, weather-limited match.
Aarij Naveed played the anchor role, rotating well and scoring a stylish 39, before late-order cameos took Stretford to an imposing 222 for 6 in 40 overs. Extras, notably 35 of them, addedto Springhead’s growing frustration as the innings unfolded with almost clinical momentum.
Springhead’s reply never really got off the ground. Alfie Carson turned destroyer, bowling a potent mix of pace and accuracy to return figures of 7-4-10-3. He struck early, removing the stubborn Sutcliffe for a duck, then followed with two more as panic set in.
Charlie Sellors backed him up with 2 wickets of his own, and Nabeel Malik and Sanmay
Santhosh each took one. Despite a blistering counterattack from Daniel Mulkeen, who
smashed a defiant 52 off just 21 balls* — including five sixes — the visitors could only scramble to 152 all out in 29.3 overs.

C Sharp Uncategorised

Stretford 1st XI Stun League Leaders United Stars in Landmark Victory

Week 12: Sat 5th & Sun 6th July

Match Reports

United Stars (83) vs 1st XI (141)

Stretford 1st XI produced a sensational all-round performance to hand United Stars their first league defeat of the season, defending a modest total of 141 to secure a 58-run win that has well and truly blown the Division 2 title race wide open

On a tricky Daisy Hill pitch offering uneven bounce and signs of turn from early on, Stretford were asked to bat first and had to fight tooth and nail to post a competitive score. At 70-5, things looked ominous. But Atif Azhar — called up from the 2nd XI following an injury to Tim Boyd — seized his opportunity in emphatic fashion.

With composure and counter-attacking flair, Azhar dominated the remainder of the innings, scoring a superb 53 out of the last 71 runs. He shepherded the tail and was the last man out, guiding Stretford to a total of 141 that looked below par on paper but proved more than enough.

Reinvigorated by the return of Benjy Evans, who wasted no time hitting his stride, Stretford came out with purpose in the field. Evans was relentless with the new ball, removing three of United Stars’ top order en route to figures of 3-27, setting the tone for what was to come.

With the surface continuing to deteriorate, it was the spin duo of Syed Haider and Niall Heyes who took centre stage. Turning Daisy Hill into their own version of Dharamshala, the left-right combination wove a web of confusion around the United Stars batting lineup.

Haider (3-19) probed relentlessly with guile and control, while Heyes (4-16) tore through the middle and lower order with sharp turn and flight. Wickets fell in clusters, and United Stars were eventually bundled out for just 83 — their lowest total of the campaign.

Cue jubilant scenes as Stretford celebrated a defining win. Not only did they become the first side to beat the league leaders this season, but they also fired a warning shot to the rest of the division.

With momentum building and belief coursing through the squad, Stretford 1st XI have laid down a serious marker. The run-in to the end of the season promises fireworks — and Stretford are right in the thick of it.

2nd XI (238-7) vs Failsworth Macedonia (184)

Bliss and Cook Lead the Charge as Stretford 2nd XI Overpower Failsworth Macedonia

Stretford 2nd XI put on a batting clinic at The Boundary to secure an impressive 54-run victory over Failsworth Macedonia, keeping themselves firmly in the hunt for promotion and narrowing the gap to the top two.

Put in to bat on a warm afternoon, Stretford’s innings began shakily at 31-3, as early breakthroughs gave the visitors the upper hand. But what followed was a commanding fightback that stamped authority all over the contest — led by the new talisman from New Zealand.

Captain Connor Bliss, whose name may now be etched in Black Caps folklore alongside the batting captains before him Fleming, McCullum, and Williamson. Produced a sublime knock of 76 — his maiden half-century on English soil.

Alongside him, the in-form Oliver Cook continued his impressive summer with a fluent 68 off 65 balls, the pair putting on a match-defining 115-run partnership that flipped the script.

Mrinal Dasgupta added a stylish 33, and Usman Hasan, finished unbeaten on 38 to guide Stretford to a healthy 238-7 from their 45 overs.

After the break, the visitors came out with intent. Failsworth’s top order showed grit, working away steadily at the target and keeping the required rate within reach. But Stretford remained composed — and when the opening bowlers returned, the tide turned sharply.

Usman Hasan (2-40) broke through at a crucial juncture, and then it was the Pares Malindi show. With unerring accuracy and a stump-rattling rhythm, Malindi brought to life the old cricketing adage: “You miss, I hit.” He ripped through the middle and lower order, clean bowling four on his way to a memorable 5-35, his best figures of the season.

Failsworth Macedonia slumped from a promising position into chaos, eventually bowled out for 184 as Stretford sealed the win and pocketed another vital set of points.

Now firmly entrenched in third place, with a growing buffer beneath and just a single point behind Swinton Moorside, Stretford 2nd XI are charging hard toward the top two. Momentum is on their side — and with performances like this, promotion is no longer a dream, but a genuine target.

SUNDAY

3rd XI (149) vs Friends Sporting (152-6)

Stretford 3rd XI Fall Short as Friends Sporting 2nd XI Clinch Victory at The Boundary

Stretford 3rd XI were unable to turn a solid start into a match-winning performance as they fell to defeat at the hands of Friends Sporting 2nd XI, who chased down their target with seven overs to spare.

Having won the toss and opted to bat first, Stretford made an ideal start thanks to a composed and confident opening stand. Lucas Dickman (27) and Ahmad Khawaja (38) looked in fine touch, putting on 71 for the first wicket and giving the hosts a solid platform.

However, once the opening pair were dismissed, the innings began to unravel. Friends Sporting’s bowlers tightened their lines, and the rest of the Stretford batting line-up struggled to settle. Wickets fell at regular intervals, and despite the promising start, the home side were bowled out for 149.

In reply, Stretford’s bowlers found it tough to apply sustained pressure. While captain Paddy Lambton (2-28) and Sanmay Santhosh (2-26) picked up a couple of wickets each, the Friends Sporting batters were measured in their approach, steadily ticking off the runs with little alarm.

There were moments where Stretford threatened to claw their way back into the contest, but a lack of control in the middle overs allowed the visitors to rebuild comfortably. Friends Sporting eventually reached the target with seven overs remaining for the loss of six wickets, sealing a win on the day.

Despite the setback, Stretford 3rd XI now turn their attention to a cup quarter-final next weekend, where they’ll look to bounce back strongly and reignite momentum in the second half of the season.

C Sharp Cricket Fixtures

Four-Game Streak Ends in Tough Away Defeat

Week 11: Sat 28th & Sun 29th June

Match Reports

Woodley (203-8) vs 1st XI (149)

Stretford 1st XI’s impressive four-game winning streak came to an end on a hot afternoon away at Woodley, where the hosts took full advantage of favourable batting conditions to secure a 54-run victory.

Winning the toss and opting to bat first on a good deck, Woodley made the most of the sunshine and firm surface. Their innings was anchored by no.3 Senior, who survived two chances on his way to 62. One chance went down in the slips, the other a sharp return catch back to Syed Haider.

Despite regular wickets, the home side batted with composure throughout, keeping Stretford in the field under testing conditions. A disciplined 50-over effort saw Woodley close on 203/8. Haider led the bowling effort for Stretford with a strong return of 3-49.

In reply, Stretford’s innings got off to a rocky start, collapsing to 36-4. But just as the match appeared to be slipping away, a spirited partnership brought them back into contention. The ever-reliable Tim Boyd, continuing his fine form, notched his third half-century of the season with a well-paced 67. He found a willing partner in Syed Haider, who added 32 as the pair put on a vital 79-run stand to take the score to 115-4.

With the game hanging in the balance, Haider was dismissed attempting to clear the straight boundary, and the momentum began to shift. Boyd followed soon after, holing out to the same fielder who had dropped him the previous delivery – a moment that encapsulated Stretford’s day.

The lower order offered little further resistance as Stretford were eventually bowled out for 149, falling 55 runs short of the target.

A frustrating day for the 1st XI, who showed character but couldn’t quite recover from early setbacks. They’ll be looking to bounce back quickly next week and start building another run of form.

2nd XI (108-3) vs Wythenshawe (104)

Spin To Win For The Seconds At The Boundary

It was a dominant display from Stretford 2nd XI on home turf as they swept aside Wythenshawe with a comprehensive win at The Boundary, thanks to a game-changing spell of spin bowling that ripped through the visitors’ batting order.

On a sweltering afternoon, Stretford’s pace attack toiled hard under the sun, keeping things tight but only managing a solitary wicket in the opening 15 overs. With Wythenshawe looking to build a platform, it was the introduction of spin that completely turned the tide.

Atif Azhar was once again the heartbeat of the bowling unit, producing a sensational spell of 6-19 to dismantle the Wythenshawe middle and lower order. He found excellent support from Kiwi spinner Connor Bliss, whose crafty 3-24 at the other end ensured there was no escape for the visitors. The pair spun a web of control and pressure that Wythenshawe simply couldn’t break free from, eventually bowled out for just 104.

In response, Stretford’s chase was calm and composed from the outset. Openers Dasgupta (18) and Dickman (21) laid the foundation with a steady opening stand, ensuring there were no early alarms. Uwais Siddique (21) kept the scoreboard ticking before Eesa Goga (33*) and Hamza Arif (13*) saw the side home in style, cruising past the target in just 20.4 overs.

A clinical performance all-round from the 2nd XI, with spin the standout weapon in a comfortable victory. Momentum is building nicely at The Boundary as the side continues to grow in confidence week by week and now see themselves third in the league standings.

C Sharp Cricket Fixtures

League Highs Outweigh Cup Lows

Week 9: Sat 14th & Sun 15th June

Match Reports

1st XI (69-2) vs Ashton (65)

Stretford 1st XI stormed to their third consecutive maximum-point victory with a ruthless 8-wicket demolition of Ashton, in a performance that oozed confidence and class from ball one.

Ashton won the toss and opted to bat, but their innings never got off the ground. After crashing his second delivery off Rob Renforth to the boundary, Ashton’s Sri Lankan pro attempted to repeat the feat—only to fall into a well-set trap. A swift tweak in the field saw Stretford’s plan pay off instantly, as Ashton’s leading run scorer tried to emulate his previous ball and drilled the ball straight to Tim Boyd at the newly occupied position at extra cover.

From that point on, Ashton were firmly on the back foot. The Stretford attack was relentless—Renforth and Evans shared two wickets apiece, each delivering with pace and accuracy to keep the pressure sky-high. But the star of the show, fresh from the Italian mountains, was Niall Heyes. Stretford’s leading wicket-taker tore through Ashton’s middle and lower order with precision, finishing with figures of 5-12 and taking his season tally to 25 wickets. Ashton were skittled for just 65.

The chase was a formality. Openers Ollie Barrett (33*) and Ramesh Perera (19) looked composed from the outset, rotating the strike smartly and punishing anything loose. Perera was run out attempting a sharp single with just 21 needed, but Barrett remained unflustered, guiding Stretford home with an unbeaten knock as the hosts cruised to 66-2.

With three emphatic wins on the trot and momentum firmly in their corner, Stretford 1st XI are hitting their stride—and sending a strong message to the rest of the league.

Swinton Moorside (109) vs 2nd XI (113-5)

Stretford 2nd XI go back to back with a composed and clinical 5-wicket triumph over Swinton Moorside. Moving them within touching distance of the top three.

Skipper Connor Bliss sent Swinton in to bat — and his bowling unit repaid that faith in full.

Youngster Alfie Carson set the tone with a superb opening burst, his tight lines and subtle movement finding edges twice en route to an excellent 3-10 from six overs. Captain Bliss chipped in with a couple himself (2-28), leading from the front, before Atif Azhar’s crafty left-arm spin wrapped up the innings in style, bagging 3-7 as Swinton were bowled out for a modest 109.

The reply got off to a strong and steady start, with openers Blake Crawshaw and Atif Azhar laying the foundation with a composed 41-run stand. Crawshaw led the way with a fluent 36, striking cleanly. While Azhar added a valuable 21 before falling with the target in sight.

There were a few speed bumps along the way, but Kevin Ninan’s quickfire 22 and a composed 17 from Lucas Dickman steadied the ship and guided Stretford safely home.

The victory lifts Stretford 2nd XI to fourth in the table — just two points behind Swinton — as momentum begins to build in what’s shaping up to be a thrilling campaign.

Sunday

Westleigh (239-8) vs 1st XI (222)

Coloured kits, pink ball, small boundaries—everything was set for a high-octane second-round cup tie between Stretford 1st XI and Division 1 outfit Westleigh, and the match more than delivered on its promise. In a tense, seesawing contest, Stretford fell just 18 runs short of pulling off a memorable chase, bowing out of the cup with heads held high.

Batting first on a true surface, Westleigh made full use of the short boundaries and fast outfield to post a formidable 239-8 from their 45 overs. The star for the home side was D Sanjika, who anchored the innings with a superb century. Despite the run flow, Stretford’s bowlers stuck to their task, with wickets shared evenly—Benjy Evans, Freddie March, and Ramesh Perera each claiming two apiece.

Stretford’s reply, however, couldn’t have started on a worse note. Saturday’s unbeaten hero Ollie Barrett fell LBW to the very first ball of the innings, silencing the visitors’ dugout. But a composed 50-run stand between Ramesh Perera (32) and Tim Boyd calmed early nerves.

Then, as if channeling the closing act of the Cape Town Jazz Festival, Boyd took centre stage and lit up the Westleigh ground with a stunning 76 from 53 balls. Mixing power with precision, he cleared the ropes six times and crashed seven fours, turning the momentum firmly Stretford’s way. His departure—caught on the boundary—left the score at 121, and the game delicately poised.

Contributions from the middle order kept Stretford in the hunt. Benjy Evans added a pulsating 30 off just 15 balls in a vital 42-run stand with James Hepple (19*), before being stumped after straying from his crease with 39 still required and only two wickets in hand.

The tail dug deep. A 10-run partnership between Hepple and Niall Heyes edged Stretford closer, followed by a gritty 11-run stand between Hepple and Freddie March. The tension was palpable as the target narrowed—but heartbreak followed. A defensive prod from March rolled cruelly back onto his stumps, ending the chase at 222 all out.

A valiant effort, a brilliant contest, but ultimately a narrow defeat as Stretford exit the cup—having gone toe-to-toe with a strong Division 1 side in one of the season’s most enthralling encounters.

Heywood (64-2) vs 2nd XI (62)

It was a tough afternoon for Stretford 2nd XI as they came up against a strong Heywood side from the division above in their cup fixture, ultimately falling to a heavy defeat.

Batting first, Stretford never found their rhythm. The home side’s bowling attack offered little margin for error, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Extras top-scored for the visitors with 21 as they were bowled out for just 62.

Despite a flicker of early hope as Stretford snatched two quick wickets, Heywood soon took control. The hosts shifted gears and chased down the target inside 13 overs, sealing a dominant win.

A disappointing result, but Stretford 2nd XI won’t dwell on it long. With their league form on the rise and momentum building, attention now turns back to what’s shaping up to be a promising campaign.