Stafford Cricket Club

1st XI

Stafford have reached the half way point of the season and after this seven wicket defeat at Oulton are still struggling in the relegation places of Division One of the North Staffs and South Cheshire Cricket League. They are hoping that a change in the captaincy may have an impact in the second half as Mark Smallman takes over the reigns from Guy Seaton. Smallman was in charge on Saturday for his first game and saw his side hit 195 all out on a fast scoring wicket but this was probably 50 runs light. Dave Foster’s 62 laid a good foundation but only Shawn Hunt 34 contributed after that. Oulton’s top four were impressive all scoring 40’s in their reply. Henry Wright top scored with 47 as the home side reached 198-3 to win with plenty of time to spare. Stafford face a crucial home game this Saturday at Riverway when Norton visit with a 1-00 pm start, a side that are only just above them and who they beat on the opening day of the season.     

2nd XI

Stafford’s seconds battled it out for a draw in a high scoring game against Oulton at Riverway. Oulton hit 211 all out with Sean Connolly 4-58 and Guy Seaton 3-37 in the wickets. Stafford were going ok in their reply but when Seaton was dismissed for 38 it was left to Mo Ahmed to steer his side to safety with a composed 38 not out as the home side closed on 165-8.

3rd & 4th XI’s

In the Stone League Division One it was the club local derby as Stafford’s thirds faced the fourth team. The thirds started well with openers Manu Das 52 and Ali Martin 51 both striking half centuries before D Dutta took the game away from the young fourths with a quality 107 not out to take them to 302-6. In reply the fourths were 117 all out, Skipper Bob Singh hit 34 and Ryan Angus 30 before experienced seamer Neil Cameron cleaned up with 4-51.