There were plenty of positives on show during Saturday's
excellent match against Woodbank, with the only disappointment being the
result.
Batting first on a parched wicket that played well, but for
a smattering of deliveries that bounced inconsistently, Steve Mac perished
early followed by Caleb with only 27 on the board. Sam played fluently and it
was something of a shock when he went at 94-3 having scored 45 in a partnership
of 67 with Gareth Cross. When Praharsh went a run later, up stepped Ben
Hamilton to retrieve the situation with an assured half century. His
partnership of 77 with Gareth, who had moved smoothly on to 75, put the 200+ in
focus and provided Zach with the platform to play one of his cameos. His 22 in
14 balls pushed the score to 232-7 at the close, a score that the watching
hordes thought was slightly above par for the conditions.
It was not to be however, as the lively track that we saw
before tea suddenly became very benign. It didn't help when Ollie pulled up
with a muscle problem and, despite Crossy plugging manfully away at the other
end, the visitors were able to put together partnerships that edged them
towards their target.
Owen Hogben was called into the fray to bowl his maiden 1st
XI spell and with his 28th delivery, he captured his first wicket. He went on
to finish with a creditable 2-56, but unfortunately, former CCC import Matt
Wilkes was closing in on only his 4th ever half century and despite losing
eight wickets in the chase, the visitors completed an annoying league double
with a comfortable fourteen balls to spare.
It was a tough pill to swallow as, without Finn to call
upon, Ollie's injury, lady luck abandoned Sam's attack and left him having to
settle for just one point on the day.
Clifton CC U11s v Royton CC U11s
Thursday 16th July 2026
Champions! 🏆
Clifton CC U11s were crowned GMCL Champions of Champions
after producing a superb all-round team performance to overcome an excellent
Royton CC side in a final that showcased everything that is great about junior
cricket.
Played in fantastic spirit throughout, the match was a
wonderful advert for the game, with both teams displaying outstanding skill,
determination and sportsmanship from the first ball to the last. The standard
on show was exceptional, and every player should be immensely proud of the part
they played.
Royton began positively, with L. Jeffery leading the scoring
with an impressive 24 and O. Hulme adding a lively 15, while H. Zeshan chipped
in with 10 as they looked to build momentum. Clifton's bowlers, however, never
allowed the innings to get away from them, applying pressure throughout with
disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
The wickets were shared around, highlighting the strength of
Clifton's attack. Jensen Kettle was outstanding, claiming two wickets,
while Stanley Pryce, Alby Robinson and Arabella Cross all
picked up one apiece. Every bowler contributed, with Pryce particularly
economical, conceding just seven runs from his two overs, while Oscar McManus
and Jacob Vickers also kept the scoring under control.
Behind the bowling was an outstanding fielding display.
Clifton's energy, athleticism and awareness in the field restricted Royton at
every opportunity, creating three run-outs and limiting boundaries through
excellent teamwork and communication.
Chasing the target, Clifton batted with confidence and
intent. The innings was built on valuable contributions throughout the order,
ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick over while keeping pressure on the
Royton fielders.
Stanley Pryce top-scored with an excellent 18,
playing with maturity beyond his years, while Oscar McManus struck a
fluent unbeaten 16. Hunter McManus entertained spectators with an
exciting 13 that included two towering sixes, and useful contributions from Jacob
Vickers (8), Arabella Cross (7), Jensen Kettle (5) and Harry
Bridge (1) ensured Clifton finished strongly to post a winning total of 277
against Royton's 260.
While every player played their part in a magnificent team
performance, the Player of the Match award deservedly went to Arabella
Cross. Arabella made an impact in every facet of the game, contributing
with the ball, adding valuable runs and producing an outstanding display in the
field. Her composure, energy and all-round cricketing ability epitomised
Clifton's performance and made her a worthy recipient of the award.
This victory is the culmination of months of hard work from our
coaches and a hugely talented group of young cricketers who continue to
represent Clifton Cricket Club with distinction. Their commitment to improving,
willingness to work for one another and love of the game shone through in a
final of the highest quality.
Congratulations also go to Royton CC, who were excellent
hosts and played a full part in a terrific final and demonstrated why they had
reached the Champions of Champions showpiece.
A huge congratulations to our U11s – GMCL Champions of
Champions 2026! An achievement to be incredibly proud of and one that will
live long in the memories of everyone connected with Clifton Cricket Club. 🏆💙🧡
Further pictures from the evening available in our gallery.
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.
🔨 Rear Lounge Refurbishment COMPLETE !!
We are pleased to let members know that refurbishment of our rear lounge is complete, an exciting step forward in improving our club facilities for everyone.
The improvements include:
• A new feature wall
• A new trophy cabinet to properly showcase our history and achievements
• New seating to create a more comfortable, welcoming space
This is part of an ongoing project to continually enhance our club for members, players, families and visitors. As a volunteer-led club with strong community roots, every improvement is about creating a space we can all be proud of.
If you’re not yet part of our club, new members are always welcome. Please come and be part of something progressive, inclusive and growing.
🏏 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. 💛