Lancashire Cup is challenge for club

18/ 7/2008

Stretford Cricket Club face arguably the biggest game in their history this weekend as they stand on the verge of the semi-finals of the prestigious Lancashire Cup.

Their quarter-final tie on Sunday will be all the more competitive as they face fellow Manchester Association outfit Winton, thus guaranteeing the winners the pride of representing the League in the last four.

Stretford’s previous longest run in the competition came when they heartbreakingly lost their third round match in the final over away to Prestwich in 2006.

The Lesley Road side have targeted this year’s renewal of the county-wide cup as their proverbial holy grail for this season, as Club Captain Daryl Barlow explains: "We have made the LCB cup our priority competition this year.

"We have performed well on the field, particularly in the first game against Norden, and also been lucky enough to win a bowl out in the last round."

The skipper is confident of a good showing on Sunday and relishing the chance to write a new chapter in Stretford’s history with Winton. He said "I’m looking forward to the game and the friendly rivalry it will present. Winton are a solid side this year with a good overseas player but I fancy our chances against them and see a brilliant opportunity to reach the semi-final."

A potential thorn in the side of Sunday’s clash could prove to be the weather. The Manchester Association’s Twenty20 competition is scheduled for the following Sunday and Stretford are due to face Bury in the semi-final of the domestic HC Smith Cup on the first Sunday in August.

Barlow added: "Fixture congestion has become a concern of ours as we have progressed in this and other competitions. Teams I have picked have often differed from Saturday’s league game to the next day’s cup match.

"Priority has been given to certain fixtures, which is why we will be at full strength on Sunday."

The showdown will begin at Lesley Road (off Urmston Lane) at 2pm on Sunday, and all spectators are welcome to support the local team.