Stafford Cricket Club

1st XI

Stafford are still in the relegation spots of Division One of the North Staffs and South Cheshire league but managed to battle out for a draw at home to Meir Heath at Riverway. The visitors openers Skipper Richard Stonier 69 and Billy Locker 48 got them off to a flying start putting on 125 for the first wicket. Stafford stuck at it well on a good batting pitch and managed to restrict them to 214-7 from their 55 overs mainly thanks to leg spinner Shawn Hunt’s 4-62. Joe Askey continued his good form hitting 55 in Stafford’s reply before former Stafford Professional Iftikhar Asghar with 5-37 took some middle order wickets. Stafford were 9 down and last pair Gary Fulton and Noel Hunt batted out for the draw for the last 20 minutes closing on 154-9 from 59 overs. Stafford face a trip to Oulton this Saturday and will look to build on this battling performance.

2nd XI

Stafford’s second side had a good 4 wicket win at Meir Heath to move them up the table. The home side were dismissed for 130 with off break bowler Dave Cartlidge 4-27 leading the way and he was well supported by the experienced pair of seamers Sunil Rajan 3-40 and Sean Connolly 3-36. In reply experience was also the key in the batting as skipper Mark Evans 36 and left hander Paul Wilkins 30 top scored to steer Stafford to their target. They closed on 131-6 and face Oulton this Saturday at Riverway with a 1-30pm start.

3rd XI

Stafford’s thirds in the Stone league travelled to Oldfields but lost out after the home side hit 204-8. Noaman Masoud 4-77 shone with the ball for Stafford as did Alan Ibbs for Oldfields as his 6-30 saw Stafford 112 all out.

4th XI

Staffords’s fourths had a good win on their travels to Oakamoor. Stand in skipper Bob Singh continued his form with the bat cracking 110 in Stafford’s 195 all out. In reply Stafford’s under 17 bowling attack of Ben McCormick 3-56 and Joe Rowell 3-22 were impressive as Oakamoor were bowled out for 159.          

 Gary Fulton

1st XI

Stafford faced a tough trip to leaders Leek and lost out in a high scoring run chase in this North Staffs and South Cheshire Division One fixture. Leek batted first and amassed 278-3 declared from 47.5 overs thanks to Alex Mellor’s 127 and professional Mo Hussain’s 107. Stafford replied well opener Joe Askey lead the way with a steady 69 before new professional Omar Ali hit a classy 76. Stafford continued to go for the win but eventually fell to 229 all out from 69.3 overs Hussain claiming 6-64 to win the game for Leek. On Sunday Stafford’s 20/20 cup game at Newcastle after heavy rain ended in a three way bowl off with the home side and Woore. Stafford won this and have progressed to the next round after a sudden death win with first team debutant Mo Ahmed claiming the crucial winning strike. Stafford are back in action this Saturday at home to Meir Heath at Riverway with a 1pm start.

2nd XI

Stafford’s seconds lost at home to Leek after a batting first and getting off to a good start. Skipper Mark Evans 55 and opener Paul Wilkins 59 got them to 112-1 but they then slumped to 172 all out with Stephen Cartledge claiming 6-31. The visitors eased home to victory losing only 4 wickets in their reply despite Mo Ahmed’s 3-41.

3rd XI

The thirds had a good win in the Wildblood Trophy as they visited Sudbury. A victory by 4 wickets which takes them to the final where they will face new club Aston. Sudbury were shot out for 96 thanks to a fine all round bowling performance where Neil Cameron, Oliver Harris, Noaman Masoud and Ryan Finlay all claimed 2 wickets each. In form Bala Sabapathy steered Stafford home with a cool 48 not out as they lost 6 wickets and closed on 97-6.

4th XI

The fourths lost at home to Oakamoor after the visitors hit 195-7. Seamer Sam Haynes shone on debut claiming 3-36 form his 8 overs. Stafford were bowled out in their reply for 102 with James Wild top scoring with 37.    

Gaz Fulton