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Match Report Sun 9 August: 3rd XI vs Heaton CC (Home)
Match Report Sat 8 August: 2nd XI vs Heywood CC (Home)
It was yet another disappointing defeat for the 2nd XI on Saturday - the 5th defeat in the last 6 games - which was made even more frustrating with both Horwich and East Lancs Papermill also losing; a missed opportunity to get back into the promotion hunt.
The day started with a new look opening pair of the returning Steve Judge, accompanied by regular No.11 Tom Worthington to the middle. After a promising enough start at 20 without loss, both were hit on the pads inside a few balls so it was 22/2 bringing Dan Jones and Oscar Thorpe to the middle.
An 86 run partnership put Clifton in firm control of the contest at 108/2. But just as at East Lancs last week, as soon as Dan (34) got out, a flurry of wickets followed. He needs to stop getting out.
Oscar (44) fell the very next ball after another strong performance with the bat. Lewis Keogh (0) fell 3 balls later after poor shot selection, and Charlie Seddon (0) lasted only one ball longer, as 108/2 became 110/6 in the blink of an eye.
An excellent 60 run partnership was then put together by Sam Winstanley and Luke Jones to give Clifton something to bowl at. It was a display of patience from them both to rebuild, then play their shots in the later overs to push towards 200 and beyond.
Luke (29) was caught at extra cover when trying to really accelerate, which brought Elliot (8) to the crease to add a few more to the total, leaving Sam (39) to walk off with a red inker after a controlled and sensible innings. So 192 to defend.
A superb spell of tight, controlled opening bowling from the now regular opening pair of Tom Worthington and Dan Jones made the Heywood openers work for every run, and it wasn’t until the 5th over that the first runs came from the bat.
It was the last ball of the 10th over when Tom made the breakthrough to leave the visitors 24/1. He then picked up another with the last ball of his spell from his now infamous slower ball that does actually appear to be travelling in slow motion. The whole world stops as the batsman waits for the ball to get to him. Tom’s excellent form continued with 7-2-24-2.
Sas replaced Dan from the top end, with poor 2 over spells each up the hill from Lewis Keogh and Daanyaal Mehmood saw them quickly replaced in the attack by Oscar Thorpe. Sas was also below his usual standards and was replaced by make shift leg spinner, Elliot. The 70 run stand for the 3rd wicket was broken with a run out, from where 117/2 quickly became 121/5 after 2 half trackers were hit straight to hands.
Elliot turned to his leggies and put the ball in the right areas for 8 and a half overs, but the 3 worst balls he bowled all picked up wickets. That’s cricket. His figures of 9-0-37-4 were well deserved, and he is now arguably the best leg spinner in the Hogben family.
At 133/6 and Clifton right back in the contest, Dan Jones returned to replace Oscar up the hill, after Oscar had had a regulation chance dropped at slip to remove their set batsman. Figures of 5-1-14-0 deserved more than a zero at the end of those numbers. 3 more dropped catches in the space of a few tight overs that could have killed this contest ultimately proved costly. Dan’s final figures of 12.4-2-33-0 didn’t get the reward they deserved for an exhibition in hitting that 4th stump line all afternoon.
Sas returned from the top end with 16 to defend off the last 3 overs, but with 12 runs coming from his first over back - including 4 leg side wides - the game was done. The 18 wides bowled proved costly once again, with 12 of them contained within 4 overs from Sas, Mehmood and Keogh. You just can’t afford to give that many runs away every week in extras and still win these tight games. It would have been even more as well if it wasn’t for the full length dives down the leg side from veteran keeper Judgey, to keep them to only one wide each time. It looks like Judgey has kept his match sharpness in that over 50s league he’s been playing in since his last appearance for the Clifton 2s.
It looks almost certain that it will be another season in Div 5 for this side. When at full strength this side could hold their own in the division above, but when missing 2 or 3 key players then this level looks about right. It’s still a very young side who are improving all the time, and the experience of losing in these tight games in recent weeks will stand them in good stead for the future and their development.
But please stop bowling wides!
Match Report Sat 1 August: 1st XI vs Edgworth CC (Home)
When fourteen Clifton batsmen across the Saturday teams,manage just 29 runs between them, you know it's going to be a tough day at theoffice, especially when your 1st XI is playing against a club with the sort ofplaying budget that Edgworth can boast.
So, it proved, as a 92 run defeat was the outcome atManchester Road on Saturday. It started quite well as, despite being unable tobreak the opening partnership, the flow of runs was kept in check by Ollie andGareth who conceded 60 runs in the first 20 overs when the first wicket fell,following the introduction of Ben Hamilton. He proceeded to chip away forfifteen overs, taking wickets and breaking partnerships in the process andfinishing his spell with 4-69.
At 187-5 with seven overs remaining, there were hopes ofsetting a target that was well within range on a wicket that had proved veryeasy paced and, even when the late order put on 58 in those dying overs, 245seemed very 'gettable'.
It wasn't to be however, and when neither opener can reachdouble figures, you are already staring down the barrel. Despite Crossyproviding another stylish innings, with his 73 taking him to 358 in fourinnings at an average of 179, once again he received little or no support as nofewer than eight players failed to get to ten.
Jack Stanley provided some late entertainment in scoring anundefeated 24 in 22 balls, including a monumental six off Luke Proctor, but theinnings tailed away to 153 all out with five overs still unbowled.
Points against sides like Edgworth can be considered a bonuswith the real meat and drink coming by getting wins against the sides around usin the table. With this in mind, the trip to Denton West becomes a twelve-pointernext Saturday as we enter the last six games, with four of those games againstsides in the bottom half of the table.
GMCL U11 Champions of Champions Final
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 here:
Clifton Junior Camp Night
Girls Cricket Festival - Clifton u11 Dynamos
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
Club Rules Update
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.
Refurbishment
🔨 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 2026
🏏 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. 💛
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