C Sharp Cricket Fixtures

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!

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 Admin, Junior Cricket

Trafford Council Scraps SCC Rent Subsidy

The 2025 season is almost upon us and there is much to be excited about as the new season approaches.

We have several new additions to the senior cricket section which we hope will propel the 1st team to challenge for promotion, add depth to our squads for the forthcoming season and improve the chance of success across all our senior teams. We have also entered the 4th team into league cricket which gives our juniors a pathway into senior cricket which is part of a wider plan to produce our own players both now and in the future. Aligned to this we have also secured the services of an experienced head coach who will add vital support to the cricket section.

The junior section continues to grow and we will have 6 junior age group teams for the forthcoming season with the addition of the under 18’s team and our first girls team under the Dynamos age group, this will give girls between the ages of 8-11 an excellent introduction to cricket. We are always on the lookout for people to help with the junior teams and we have supported 2 junior parents through coaching courses this winter which they passed with flying colours, so if you wish to get involved let us know and we’ll help you to help us.

Off the field we have removed the old seating and this will be replaced with benches and picnic tables which will complete the look of the spectator areas. Thanks to those who have sponsored the memorial benches.

We will also be offering further food options from the food shack on which more detail will be provided soon.

But unfortunately it’s not all good news as Trafford Council have informed us that our rent subsidy will be removed and starting from the 1st April we will be subject to rent payments as part of our lease. Initially the rent due was £6700 per annum, however after much discussion with the Council and our local MP, the rent will start at £1300 and rise incrementally over a five year period until it reaches £6700 in April 2029, giving the club some time to adapt to these new costs.

Sadly in response to these new costs and increases in costs across the club we have reluctantly decided to increase our bar prices with most alcoholic drinks rising by 50p. We appreciate these are difficult financial times for many but we felt that increasing the bar prices was a better option than significantly raising subs which may then impact peoples ability to be able to afford to pay and subsequently play cricket. We are currently looking for ways to manage our costs with the hope that we can secure funding for more solar panels to reduce our electricity costs further. We are however keeping our membership points scheme for bar purchases so you will still be able to accumulate points and spend them at the bar.

As part of our discussions with the council on the rent we have taken to opportunity to seek a new lease as our current lease only has 9 years remaining. The new agreement will be for 35 years and include provisions for the council to help maintain the lane condition and safety as well as stipulations on how future rent rises are managed. We are awaiting the first draft of this new lease but once agreed it will provide the club with certainty for the future and also aid our quest to rebuild the clubhouse when we come to seek funding.

So as you can see the management team has had a busy winter preparing for the forthcoming season, giving their spare time freely to help manage the club, so I’d like to extend my personal thanks for all their efforts. If anyone wishes to get more involved with the club we would love to hear from you as we are always looking for volunteers. Any amount of help will be gratefully received.

So with a full cricket and social calendar there is much to look forward to, let’s hope we are blessed with an abundance of sunshine!

Your continued support is much appreciated, I’m looking forward to seeing you all throughout the season.

Russ Carson
Club Chair.

C Sharp Social

A Night at the Races – Saturday 25th May 8pm

All members and friends are invited to the club on Saturday 25th May to join in the fun at this gala event!
You’ve got a chance to win cool cash if you are lucky enough to pick a winning horse! The bar will be open and there is food available. The fun begins at 8pm.

There are prizes for owning a winning horse and presents for sponsorship a race and if you are interested in doing either please see John Foulkes at the bar or on 07817 590 055. It’s a fiver to own a horse or twenty quid to sponsor a race. As usual there will be an auction on race 9 and if you’re horse wins this race you”ll win from 50% of the auction pot.

man riding horse
Photo by Jose Ricardo Barraza Morachis on Pexels.com
C Sharp Uncategorised

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