A disappointing and frustrating afternoon at East Lancs Paper Mill put a huge dent in the hopes of promotion this season, with the 2s now a daunting 16 points behind the leaders, Horwich, and 9 points off today’s opposition.
It all started so well, where the new opening bowling attack of Tom Worthington and Dan Jones had the hosts reeling at 3/3 after 5 overs, with the ball constantly beating the bat. The opener Masood was also dropped with a regulation chance in that opening burst which would have really had them reeling.
East Lancs rebuilt with a solid 90 run partnership to get them back into the contest, before Liam Dorsey made the important breakthroughs to dismiss the dangerous Asif (56), followed by the opener Masood (31) who held their innings together.
A superb run out from Tom Worthington then triggered a flurry of wickets to restrict the hosts to 175, which looked well below par on this postage stamp ground.
Tom was outstanding upfront with 2-14 from his 7 overs, with Liam 9-1-37-3 and Dan 9.3-1-37-4 both posting impressive figures.
If the early catches had been taken it would have been target nowhere near the 175 required, but scores like that are regularly mopped up by this batting line up.
This week’s “wide watch” yielded only 8, so down 5 on last week’s total. At this rate I’ll have to find something else to pick fault with each week.
The returning McManus (23) opened up with Oscar Thorpe (0), and it was the youngster who was first to fall, followed by his captain lobbing one up to leave the visitors 34/2.
Dan Jones was joined in the middle by Owen Hogben, where the pair of them batted as we have become accustomed to in recent months, looking in full control of the contest; despite Dan batting with only his top hand on his bat after fracturing a finger during the first innings.
With Dan’s 12th half century of the season just a run away, an uppish drive was caught at cover by the diving overseas to dismiss him for 49, bringing Sam Winstanley to the middle with just 63 runs required.
Over the next 20 minutes or so, 113/2 became 120/8 as the middle order imploded when faced with a ball swinging around corners.
Owen (33) was bowled, then two balls later Sam (1) ran himself out going for a two that was never on, before the last ball of that over saw Liam (0) hit on the pads and the finger go up.
Two overs later, the same bowler then got Luke (0) and Tom (0) snicked off behind, before a 34 run partnership from Lewis Keogh (21) and Charlie Seddon left Clifton needing 22 to win with only one wicket in hand.
Elliot Hogben (6) and a superb burst from Charlie (23) got to within 6 runs of the required total before Elliot was bowled, leaving the visitors agonisingly short of chasing this one down.
It was a game that swung backwards and forwards throughout the day, but ultimately left the visitors heading home feeling disappointed and frustrated at another missed opportunity.
You can point to the dropped catches in the first innings, but a side of this quality should be knocking off 175 without much fuss. This game was lost with the bat, not with the ball.
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:
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. 💛