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The Clifton faithful turned out in their numbers to see Elliot Hogben’s 3rd XI clinch the Sunday Premier League & Cup double; getting over the line in this rearranged Cup Final following a roller coaster of a game against Whalley Range. 

In last year’s Final at Glodwick, there was never a moments worry as Clifton were just far too good for them, but Whalley Range arrived with a much better side than in previous visits and pushed this unbeaten Clifton side all the way in a game that changed direction all afternoon. 

Following hours of groundwork by Drew and his band of helpers, the rain finally relented enough to get the game underway on time, where Dan Jones and Ethan Kite opened up after Elliot chose to have a bat and apply scoreboard pressure in a Final. 

Dan (8) was the first to fall, caught at point on a ball that got big on him, with Ethan (7) and Owen (8) both snicking off after cagey starts to leave Clifton in a spot of bother at 35/3 with 11 overs gone. Whalley Range bowled well and used the pitch that was nipping around early on to remove the 3 main run scorers in this 3rd XI side. 

Chris Thorpe joined his son Oscar in the middle to steady the ship, but only they managed to put on 20 before Chris (6) had to depart, bringing Lewis Keogh to the middle with Oscar. 

Lewis Keogh (14) and Luke Jones (2) fell, bringing Charlie Seddon to the crease at 111/6 with 6 overs to go, where anything between 180 and 120 all out was still possible. 

Both Charlie and Oscar then kicked on, with a vital 19 from 13 from Charlie a big help in supporting a magnificent knock of 76 from Oscar Thorpe, setting a target of 170 for the visitors to chase. 

Oscar once again showed composure and patience with the bat, holding together the innings in the no.4 slot he’s made his own in this side over this season, to post another big score in an innings where nobody else got more than 20. 

The defence then got off to the best possible start with Tom Worthington trapping the opener dead in front first ball, where the whole ground seemed to go up in appeal with the lads on the pitch. 

Tom then picked up another in his next over (caught Kite mid on) to leave Whalley Range in huge bother at 1/2. Tom was backed up by a tight spell down the hill from Dan Jones, who opened up with 3 maidens to really apply pressure, before eventually being expensive in his 4th over which went for 2. 

At 16/2 after 10 overs, 170 looked a long way away. A run out a few overs later didn’t help the cause, after a sharp throw from Charlie Seddon into the gloves of Chris Thorpe removed the man who looked to be their biggest danger for 24, who launched his bat in disgust at the call from his mate at the other end. 

Elliot, Oli Dunn and Oscar came into the attack but couldn’t make the next breakthrough, as Whalley Range rebuilt impressively to be 102/3 with 15 overs to go and looking huge favourites to chase this down. 

The introduction of Lewis Keogh up the hill opened the door, with a superb diving catch from Owen Hogben to remove the anchor at no.3 to give the hosts a lifeline. 

However, it was the introduction of leg spinner Owen Hogben that turned the game on its head in a matter of overs, shinning up the dangerous no.5, who has bravely batted on after being hit on the top of his unprotected head by a run out attempt from Luke Jones early in his innings, before another lbw in his next over to leave them 110/6 and the game back in the balance. 

When needing only 40 to win from 7 overs and 4 wickets in hand, Owen made the breakthrough again with a catch from Dunny at deep midwicket to swing it back in Clifton’s favour again. 

Dan Jones was brought back into the attack after Elliot kept overs up his sleeve for the opener to return, and got due reward with a wicket (caught L Keogh) to leave Whalley Range 148/8 and needing 22 to win off the last 3 overs. 

Only one more over was needed though, as Owen wrapped up his 5 fer with catches from Keogh and Dunn to seal an 18 run victory and set of scenes of celebration all around the ground. 

The side named for this Final included 8 current junior players, with the senior players having all played their junior cricket at Clifton - so a fully homegrown side dominating Sunday cricket in the GMCL. 

It’s so good to see the development of the older juniors like Dan, Owen, Ethan and Lewis (and Tom of course - although not technically a junior anymore) from playing 3rd team cricket over the last 3-4 years to now be at the level they dominate against full senior sides. 

There is then the next wave in Oscar, Charlie and Luke who will do what that older generation have done - and are already starting to do so - as Oscar proved in this Final, who are themselves then followed by the likes of Fred, Harrison and a wave of u12s and u13s that will break into the side next year and start their development in senior cricket. 

The future is bright, but it’s also ok to enjoy the present. Well done Captain Elliot Hogben on leading this group to a well deserved League and Cup double. 

You’ll never win anything with kids…..

On a glorious, sun drenched afternoon at Egerton CC, 8 clubs took part in a superbly organised u11s Girls Cricket Festival; with Clifton CC taking part in an event like this for the very first time in our history. 

In the Spring of 2026, our first Dynamos programme (coaching for girls ages 8 to 11) had only 5 girls signed up for the start of our girls cricket journey. Within a couple of months that had grown to 12 signed up Dynamos, and we’re still getting new girls coming to our 7pm - 8pm Friday night sessions every week, with each new girl instantly made to feel part of the group which is wonderful to see. 

10 of those young Dynamos represented Clifton CC at the Egerton CC Festival on Sunday, doing themselves, their watching parents and grandparents and Clifton CC proud. 

In our first game, the girls put on a brilliant performance to push a really strong Edgworth team all the way, coming up just short, before taking on the hosts, Egerton. 

The game against Egerton ended in a tie after a thrilling finish to the game that went down to the last ball, but our girls saved the best to last when taking on Horwich in our third and final match of the afternoon. 

A fantastic bowling performance restricted Horwich to 53/2 from their 12 overs, that set Clifton a target of 44 (5 runs are added to the start of the batting team’s total for every wicket they take when bowling) to win our first ever match. 

It was neck and neck throughout the chase, but when we lost a wicket with 4 balls to go leaving us needing 9 runs off the last 3 balls, it looked an impossible task. 

A quick single then a frantically run two meant it was 6 needed off the last ball to win the game. So up stepped Evie to smash the ball into all the wildly celebrating parents and grandparents for 6. An incredible finish to a fantastic day. 

I’m sure on Friday night that we’ll be getting asked over and over again when the next Festival is, so I better get us signed up to do it all again in a few weeks time…..

The smiles on the girl's faces throughout the whole afternoon told in an instant just how much they enjoyed it, so a thank you from us to all of their parents and grandparents for bringing them along to Clifton to start their cricketing life with our wonderful club.

Girls cricket at Clifton is looking very promising indeed!

Paul & Megan

We’ve recently completed a full review and update of the Club Rules.

The updates focus on improving clarity, removing outdated provisions, and ensuring the Rules properly reflect how the Club operates today. We have also strengthened certain areas of governance to make roles and responsibilities clearer and to support the Club’s long-term stability.

There are no changes to the spirit or values of the Club; this is about making sure our foundations are clear, consistent and fit for the future.

The updated Rules are now available to view here:
CLUB RULES

Thank you for your continued support of our club.

🏏 MATCH BALL SPONSORSHIP– NOW LIVE AT CLIFTON CRICKET CLUB 🏏

The season is nearly here… now we need your support 💛

Our Match Ball Sponsorship for the 2026 season is officially up and running, and it’s a brilliant way to personally back the club or promote your business (or simply supporting your team!).

💥 Senior Matches – £30    

    ✔ Great value

    ✔ Deals available when you sponsor multiple games

    ✔ And yes… there could be cake involved 🍰😉

🌟 Junior Matches – Just£20 

   ✔ An absolute bargain and a fantastic way to support the future of Clifton Cricket Club.

When you sponsor a match ball you are helping us:

• Support all senior & junior cricket

• Maintain our facilities

• Invest in the next generation

• Keep cricket thriving in our community

It is simple, affordable, and makes a real difference. If you have been thinking about getting involved, now’s the time.

Whether it’s one game or a few fixtures across the season, we would love to hear from you.

📩 Drop us a message - cliftonccmembership@gmail.com

📞 Speak to a committee member

Let's fill the fixture list and make it a season to remember.

Support your club. Back your team. Sponsor a match ball. 💛