Stafford Cricket Club

1st XI
Stafford’s relegation to the second division of the North Staffs and South Cheshire league was confirmed after a defeat at home to leaders Leek. It’s been a difficult season for the riverway club but at least they went down fighting on Saturday. Leek batted first and in form openers Alex Mellor 77 and Alex Thompson 95 led them to 219 for 4 declared. Craig Mertins picked up 3-71 as showers interrupted play a couple of times. Stafford attempted to chase down the target but were eventually all out for 165 on a turning wicket with 10 minutes to go. Joe Askey 30 and Dave Foster 36 top scored for Stafford as Colin Deardon 5-17 spun them out. There are two games remaining of the season as Stafford travel to Meir Heath this Saturday.

2nd XI
A weakened second team also lost on their visit to Leek. The home side hit 184-5 before Stafford were shot out for 86 by Tom Steele’s 5-31. Dave Cartlidge 24 top scored for Stafford who face Meir Heath at home at Riverway this Saturday with a 12-30pm start.

3rd XI
Stafford’s thirds are having a good season in the Stone league division one but had to settle for a winning draw at home to Ashcombe Park on saturday. Stafford batted first and hit 233-7 thanks to Noaman Masoud’s aggressive 79 which included 13 fours. Ronnie Alluri 51 and James Wild 32 offered some good support. In from all rounder Alluri was impressive in the reply taking 8-52 but Ashcombe’s last pair managed to block out for the draw closing on 121-9 from 46 overs.

4th XI
The young 4ths lost on their travels to Oldfields in a low scoring game on an uncovered wicket they went down by 6 wickets.

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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.

 

Recently at a meeting at Riverway, a new league was formed ! The Mid Staffs Sunday 20:20 league. The founder members are Milford, Stafford, Aldridge, Brewood, Cannock & Rugeley and Cannock. Four of these clubs were the original founder members of the STAFFS CLUB CRICKET CHAMPIONSHIP.

The league will run during July and August and will be played with coloured clothing and orange balls and has been formed out of clubs desires to be involved in a competitive local competition utilising the exciting 20/20 format.

When the league is complete the top 4 teams will play a semi finals day at Stafford CC on Sunday the 5th September and on Sunday the 12th September the Finals day will be held at Milford Hall preceeded by the play off for the wooden spoon between the teams who finished 5th and 6th

All teams present were excited by the prospect of injecting a bit of fun back into Sunday Cricket.

The league does not have a sponsor at present so if anyone knows of anyone who would be interested please pass on my details and I will be happy to discuss the detail.

Lets hope that the weather is kind to us and we see some exciting cricket.

Kevin Herbert

The Stafford Cricket and Hockey Annual General Meeting will be held at the Brian Westhead Pavilion on Thursday 28th January 2010 from 7.30pm. Can all subscribers and members do their utmost to attend this important meeting. can anyone viewing this also spread the word to members who may not see it on this website.

Stafford Cricket & Hockey Club Christmas Dinner

3 Course Meal & Disco

Tickets £15.00