This Season

2024

Club Presentation Evening

Wed 2 Oct 2024
Our club presentation evening, acknowledging the performance and contributions of our senior and players, plus our volunteers will take place on Friday 4th October, 19:30pm.

A race evening will run concurrently with the junior presentation and the senior awards will follow the race evening.

Everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to catching up with friends and celebrating a great 2024 season. 

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Wed 25 Sep 2024
Due to our first ever Family Music Festival on Saturday 28th September, please be advised that the Clubhouse will be CLOSED to our membership for the duration of the event.

Match Report Sat 14 September: 1st XI vs Denton West CC (Home)

Sat 21 Sep 2024
Perfect Ending for 1st XI

Our 1st XI completed their 2024 season on a pleasant Saturday afternoon at Manchester Road with a 10 wicket win over visitors Denton West CC.

Richard's men put on a fine performance in front of the home support to finish 3rd in the GMCL Premier League, their highest position since the leagues inception.

Denton West won the toss and elected to bat on a green seamer and that quickly looked like a bad decision as they found themselves on 38/3. Denton's sub Pro (92) did dig in and made a good fist of putting on a respectful score, blazing boundaries all around the ground. However, wickets did fall at regular intervals, and nobody could hang around with him. With Richard changing the bowling and giving Sam Dorsey a rare run out, Denton West ended their innings on 171.

In return, Joe Settle (104*) and Sam Dorsey (53* put on a masterclass in a match winning partnership of 172 inside 26 overs.
Joe's hundred was the first for the club showing his full array of stroke play and big hitting. Of which was the winning shot for six onto Manchester Road.

Again an improved campaign for the 1s and one that Richard will feel will be a good base to progress the team in 2025.

Match Report Sat 7 September: 2nd XI vs Golborne CC 2nd XI (Home)

Tue 10 Sep 2024
No Time For 'Nifty Fifty'

The two's mirrored the first XI's emphatic display at home to a poor Golborne side who struggled against the nagging line and length of skipper for the day Rob Meredith, with figures of 5/11 from 12 overs.
Rob was equally backed by his junior counterparts, Tom Worthington, 1/19 from 7 overs and Lewis Keogh, 2/7 from 6 overs. Jordry and Elliot also making sure no bowler went home unrewarded.
Golbourne managed to get to 44 in their innings, which in all honesty did flatter them.

In reply, Steve McManus (41*) took the Golbourne bowling apart. Even to the point that one of the Goldbourne fielders announced that Steve looked like he was in for a *'Nifty Fifty', only to be reminded that the chase was 44 runs! The runs were chased down in the 8th over.

*The term 'Nifty Fifty' was an informal designation for a group of roughly fifty large-cap stocks on the New York Stock Exchange in the 1960s and 1970s that were widely regarded as solid buy and hold growth stocks, or "Blue-chip" stocks. 

Match Report Sat 7 September: 1st XI vs Woodbank CC (Away)

Tue 10 Sep 2024
Woodbank Walloped!

When the score reached 24-0 at Woodbank in the first XI's final away game of the season, there was little to suggest that the team and supporters would be back at Clifton fractionally before 3pm, to find the second team there, enjoying their own victory drink. Tariq looked settled and Humphries had crashed a couple of boundaries against Ryan and it looked like we had a game on our hands. Eighteen runs and ten wickets later they were having tea as the bottom side produced one of the most devastating collapses I've seen since my school team were 10 all out. Ryan was chief tormentor with 6-24, but Richard's eleven overs for ten runs left the batsmen chasing shadows. At 34-5 they even managed a run out that would even have made Ena Sharples giggle and at 42 it was all over, with Ben snaffling the last couple of wickets for four runs.

Joe completed his 500 for the season, but will have been disappointed to be dismissed as Sam (11no) and Mason (16no) brought the game to a conclusion inside seven overs. That ensured a minimum 3rd place finish, but it'll be 2nd if we can nick the points against Denton West and Flixton can do us a favour and beat Roe Green and that will add up to a highly satisfying season that will, however, have left Mike Ayers and others pondering what might have been in those inexplicable games in which we didn't turn up. Ryan needs 99 for 1000 league and Cup runs and just one wicket to reach 50 (league and Cup) in his last game for the club (for now) and Richard needs two wickets to achieve 50 league only scalps for the season. Ben needs 14 for a creditable 300 to add to his under 18 and T20 runs and needs four wickets to reach an excellent 50 wickets in 1st XI league and cup games.

Match Report Sun 1 September: 3rd XI vs Heaton CC 3rd XI (Away)

Tue 3 Sep 2024
Heat Turns on 3rds

Our third team were hosted by Heaton CC 3rds on a gloomy afternoon in Bolton. Clifton won the toss and after a solid but uneventful start from Clifton’s openers Captain Steve McManus was dismissed following a poor, impatient shot which brought the imperious Owen Hogben (Pictured) to the crease following a reshuffle in the batting order after a late injury. Owen took his chance playing a faultless knock of 85 not out from 97 balls, for his maiden senior fifty. It was an innings Owen has been threatening all season having been posting consistently exceptional numbers in his own age group and regularly scoring 20s and 30s not out in the 2nd and 3rd teams respectively. Undoubtedly the only thing preventing Owen from playing a knock like this sooner is the fact he has had to wait patiently for his chance up the order and he didn’t disappoint hitting 7 fours and 2 big sixes and even a mistimed scoop shot from the last ball of the innings couldn’t detract from what everyone at Clifton hopes is his breakthrough innings.
Owen was ably assisted with Ethan Kite sticking around scoring a patient 19 and a rapid 41 from Sam Winstanley. An unfortunate dismissal for Jordan Higham, and a run out for Chris Thorpe chasing quick runs towards the end of the innings prevented them from troubling the scorers for too long, before Lewis Keogh finished the innings with Owen displaying some powerful hitting with two sweetly struck 4s and some good running in a useful 12 from 6 balls, contributing to the team posting a competitive total of 195.

Heaton’s innings couldn’t have got off to a worse start with young opening partnership broken in the first over with a brilliant delivery from Tom Worthington. However that was about as good as it got for Clifton’s bowlers in a bowling performance to forget. A rain delay in the 9th over left Heaton 34-1 chasing a revised target of 155 from 29 overs. Some erratic bowling combined with an inability to break some important partnerships soon enough meant that the chase always felt on for Heaton even when they lost a couple of quick wickets with less than 10 overs to go still needing around 30 runs. Some powerful hitting from S. Sastry combined with a chanceless knock of 66 from 76 balls from young opening batsman A. Bhuta put Heaton within touching distance of the win and a couple of big sixes from the latter all but confirmed only the 3rds, 3rd defeat in the league all season. The aforementioned sixes spoiled Owen Hogben’s figures who after excelling with the bat took 1 wicket at 5.88 from his 8 overs and was probably the pick of the bowlers but that will offer little consolation to a bitterly disappointed team and in particularly, Owen Hogben, who contributed so much to the game and didn’t deserve to finish on the losing side.

Match Report Sat 31 August: 2nd XI vs Whalley Range CC 3rd XI (Home)

Tue 3 Sep 2024
A Comfortable Ten Wicket Win

A quick day for the 2s started with the away side winning the toss and batting. 

Rob opened the bowling up t'hill and gave the umpire an easy decision to make two balls in when he hit the batsman on the pad in front of all 3. 

Tom then joined in and both the opening bowlers took constant wickets with only Whalley Range’s number 5 staying around for any sort of time. Lewis and Liam then both picked up wickets each and Whalley Range were bowled out for 70.  

Rob taking 3 wickets Tom and Liam taking 2 each and Lewis with 1. Jordan Higham fielded excellently taking 3 catches and 2 run-outs. 

Steve and Chris opened the batting and knocked it off comfortably in 12 overs with Chris getting 46* and Steve 19*. A very good and quick day for the 2s meant most of them shot off to watch the first team up at Egerton.  

Match Report Sat 31 August: 1st XI vs Egerton CC (Away)

Tue 3 Sep 2024
1st XI Edging Closer to Top Two

The firsts secured a rather routine league double against a side that were surprisingly lacklustre given that they were just four points behind at the start of play. The win cements third place and maybe even presents a sniff at second as the last two games approach. Joe and Sam (36) provided the base for the win, with an opening partnership of 83 that was to prove just four short of the home side’s response. Joe fell frustratingly one short of a third half-century of the season and six short of the 500 run mark. The rest of the batting order chipped in with some useful double figure knocks that posted a total of 179-9 with Dave Dempster (21& Pictured) providing the patience to ensure that 133-6 didn’t dissolve into a much poorer total.

Egerton’s response never materialised and, for a second time this season, heads seemed to drop when their talismanic pro, Abid Ali (1255 runs for the season) was sent packing courtesy of another Sam Dorsey catch, his thirty third of the season. The attack was once again spearheaded by skipper Richard Dempster (Pictured) who’s 5-25 once again comprised mainly of top order batsmen. Ryan and Ben captured two apiece and the dismissals were completed with a run out, which appeared to the side-on Clifton Deckchair Army, to be more than a little harsh as the batsman appeared to be beyond the stumps and turning to make his way back when the bails were dislodged! There was a minor flourish that took the score from 51-8 to the eventual 87, but in reality Dempster’s Demons had barely had to break sweat all afternoon to secure the five points.

Victory in the final games against Denton West (one win in five) and Woodbank (one win all season) could just see a highly improbable second spot secured and end the 2024 season on a bit of a high, with Roe Green having to travel to Flixton on the last day.

Gallery

Sun 1 Sep 2024
Further pictures from our double Cup Final weekend are now available to view in our gallery

MCR Rocks

Fri 30 Aug 2024

Festival Tickets Available

Tickets are only available on line from here:

https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/Clifton-Cricket-Club/MCR-ROCKS-Family-Festival/39281231/

THESE TICKETS ARE SELLING FAST, SO GET THEM AS QUICK AS YOU CAN!

NOTE: Tickets cannot be purchased from the club

DO NOT BUY TICKETS FROM 3RD PARTY'S ON SOCIAL MEDIA SITES.
Tickets are only available from the site above.

Ladies' Charity Cricket Match

Fri 30 Aug 2024

Ladies Charity Cricket

On the 6th September at 6pm we are hosting a Mum's vs Daughters Cricket Match for Charity. The charity is https://wipeyourtears.org.uk/ and you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/wipeyourtears

Team A
Kimberly Vickers, Erica Stephenson, Tanya O'Hara, Dawn Harrower, Arabella Cross, Jane Goulding, Kirsty Shaw, Amy Boakes, Catherine Haslam, Hayley McQueeny, Chloe Kettle, Lisa Smith, Robyn Pendlebury, Lisa Kettle, Gemma Thorpe, Vic Barlow

Team B
Kerry Moran, Linz White, Sarah Pendlebury, Laila Smith, Jane Money, Michelle Kite, Mary Beardshaw, Clare Grimshaw, Danielle Emerson, Miley Moran, Jodie Cross, Hayley Fox, Stacey Potts, Natalie Vickers, Megan Jones, Karen Hogben  

Match Report Mon 26 August: 3rd XI vs Prestwich CC 3rd XI - Premier Sunday Cup (Final) (Away)

Wed 28 Aug 2024
Fourth Day of Cricket and Final Defeat for 3s

The mega weekend of cricket came to a disappointing end at Prestwich on Monday as the thirds were unable to emulate the cup-winning feeling experienced the day before. It was a great start to the game with Prestwich limping to 8-1 off the first 8 overs. Sadly dropped catches failed to cement the stranglehold and instead of keeping the foot on the throat, we unfortunately released the pressure and gave Prestwich a helping hand back to their feet and, in the process, turned 18-2 into an imposing 193-9. 

On a positive note, every bowler took wickets, (for the umpteenth time this season?) and Owen took yet another fantastic boundary catch to challenge the tremendous caught & bowled that bother Elliot managed earlier. 

The reply was a damp squib, with Sam Winstanley top scoring with 21 in a disappointing 82 all out. The sizeable Clifton contingent in a decent bank holiday crowd, were restricted to cheering the efforts of 13 year old Charlie (Pictured) at the death, including a fearless pulled four off a short pitched delivery.

Onward and Upward now for the thirds as they have to go full out to win the remaining league games and hope that Greenfield slip up.

More pictures to follow.

Match Report Sun 25 August: 2nd XI vs Brooksbottom CC - 2nd XI Championship Cup (Final) (Home)

Wed 28 Aug 2024
2nd XI CUP WINNERS

The seconds beat the opposition and the weather in a near perfect performance against a very experienced Brooksbottom side from the division above. The visitors, who walked away with the division 5 title last season, found this year’s Clifton a vastly different proposition, with the additional year added to the ages of the respective group of players proving a bonus for Liam’s side, rather than the hindrance obviously felt by the opposition.

It didn’t start that well when, after losing the toss, Ethan found his feet glued to the crease and Chris played a glance a fraction early and looped up a catch off the leading edge. However, Jordy Higham (26) and man-of-the-match Dan Jones (51) set about the recovery process with a partnership of 60 and precipitated a number of decent little partnerships that culminated in Lewis and principally Owen (26) scampering a partnership of 24 without a single boundary, that ran the fielders ragged. The sight of them running twos to mid off, cover point and square leg, brought a smile to the faces of the damp spectators.

Brooksbottom's reply didn't start too well as Rob Meredith (Pictured) toiled up the hill, removing two batsmen, including danger man and former Cliftonian Andy Lord, whilst conceding just three runs off the bat in nine overs. There was also 14 wides to add to his tally, but we won't dwell on that given the wet conditions and the unforgiving slope. To concede three runs off 54 legal deliveries against opening batsmen is a marvellous achievement indeed. Dan Jones then cemented his M-O-T-M performance with 3-16 off his nine overs. A partnership of 60 between the only two batsmen to make double figures, provided a momentary period of doubt as the total was reduced to 153 following a rain break and the intervention of Messrs Duckworth & Lewis. The run rate had continued to climb though, with one batsman taking 51 balls to score 5 runs and, whilst the dangerous Zohaib Qureshi was still launching balls to the boundary with worrying alacrity, a wonderful spell of wide yorkers and slower balls by Jordy, put the game beyond the visitors, and the 2nd XI Championship Cup was secured with a winning margin of 24 runs.

More pictures to follow.

Match Report Sat 24 August: 1st XI vs Flixton C&SC (Home)

Wed 28 Aug 2024
Captain Leads 1st XI Home in a Manchester Road Treat

The first win of the day came with Richard winning the toss and electing to field. 

It was a slow start for the boys with the opening partnership of Cross and Perry getting to 66 before Ben Hamilton found a breakthrough. Holt came to the crease and both him and Cross looked set for a big total. However, Mason Turner found the wicket of Holt with the score now being 135. Cross was still damaging the bowling attack and reached 100 just before Richard trapped him on the pads which now made it 178-3. Richard then got two more quick wickets and scoring started to slow down with Hamilton also getting 3 wickets in 2 overs. The Flixton innings then came to an end at 209-9 off of their 50 overs. The two stand out bowlers were Richard with 9-1-47-4 and Ben with 14-2-53-4. 

Clifton looked good being 45-0 off the first 9 overs before Dorsey was the first one to go for 26. Settle then followed quickly leaving the score 47-2 from 10 overs. Howarth quickly departed, bringing Hamilton to the crease with Ayers. The two of them looked good with runs flowing and in no time got the score to 110 before Ayers on 41 went for another six against spinner Stamper but caught off a top edge. This led to Flaxman coming to the crease, scoring a quick 17. 

With Clifton now needing 75 from 22 overs, Captain Richard joined Hamilton with both of them doing well just as they did with the ball. That ended after Hamilton got out on 31 but brought the other Dempster, brother Dave, who both brought it home for the boys last weekend. Unfortunately, after a confident 24, Dave was back in the pavilion and soon followed Turner. 

Sam Winstanley on 1st XI debut joined the captain in the middle. Richard took it upon himself to guide the boy's home while Winstanley looked like a brick wall at the other end and not letting Flixton bowlers take his wicket. With the game on a knife edge and excitement in the crowd Richard edged through to the keeper, but was dropped! 

Richard then kept his head down and moved forward scoring the runs needed to get the lads over the line for a great win. Winstanley finished on 1* from 17 balls while Richard finished on 35* and showed a true captains knock. 

This win means Clifton are now only 2 points behind Roe Green in second place and another step closer to a Lancashire Cup spot next year.  

Match Report Sat 24 August: 2nd XI vs Westleigh CC 2nd XI (Away)

Wed 28 Aug 2024
No Nerves Present Ahead of Cup Final

With most of the young teams focus being on tomorrows 2 X1 cup final there was still the mater of league action that required full attention. 

Liam lost the toss and Clifton were all together. Lewis opened the bowling and struck instantly with the first ball off the game and Clifton were in high spirits. Westleighs number 3 came in and was only batting one way until Lewis eventually picked up his second wicket in the sixth over.  

After some pretty tight and accurate opening overs Tom struck with the assistance of Dan jones who took an excellent catch at mid-wicket. Liam and Rob then came on and bowled neat and tidy taking wickets at regular intervals to not let any batsmen get settled. Dan Jones then replaced Rob and bowled well taking a wicket like Mark Wood with keeper Steve taking a catch off the glove down leg side.  

Lewis (5-0-39-2), Tom (6-1-17-1), Rob (7-1-28-1), Dan (6.5-2-22-2), Owen (1-0-2-0) All the bowlers bowled excellently but the stand out has to be the skipper taking another 4-fer with figures off (14-2-38-4). 

Onto the batting and Steve opened up with Owen and got off to a very good start with an opening  partnership worth 67, Steve making most of them before he fell just short off the half century mark for 46. Owen was the next to go for a steady 17. However, the “Hogben experiment” Certainly went better than the last outing.  

At the crease now was the young left-handed duo of Dan and Lewis, unfortunately their time together wasn't a long one with Lewis falling for 10. Liam joined Dan and they had a decent partnership worth 31 before Dan was bowled for 20. Aj’s (5*) intent and Liam’s (27*) experience saw Clifton across the line winning comfortably by 6 wickets and with some 10 overs or more to spare. 

A great team performance but moment of the day has to go to Nick Flaxman for his excellent diving stop at mid-on (rolling back the years) after coming out of retirement only an hour before the start of the game. 

Now all focus is on Sundays Cup Final! 

Match Report Fri 23 August: 3rd XI vs Greenfield CC 3rd XI (Away)

Wed 28 Aug 2024
3s Nyctophobia Kicks In.

The thirds travelled to Greenfield for another catch up game in pursuit of the Sunday Premier League Championship. It's a pity that it's come down to playing 20 over games in the dark in the depths of August, but the weather has made a mockery of the season and it's the same for everyone. The task of batting second when you couldn't see your hand in front of your face was difficult, but then again, so was fielding. 

For the record, Greenfield batted nicely in posting 152-5 with no bowler covering themselves in either glory of shame, just a workmanlike performance on a small field, with Owen's now customary stunning catch lighting up the gloom. This time it was a riverside boundary catch, held nonchalantly, just as the Greenfield fielders were scuttling for the sieve-on-a-pole to fish the ball out of the river. 

The reply got off to a great start with Steve Mac asking young Anuj to play a pinch hitting role, which he played to perfection as the two of them put on 56 in good time. However, their scores of 30 and 33 proved to be top scores on the evening as the innings fell away, despite Jordy Higham putting the fear of God into some fielders with some lusty blows in the darkness as he posted 28. In the end, a defeat by 22 runs was not the outcome that we were looking for as it now means that the championship is out of their control as they have to rely on Greenfield to drop points.

Match Report Sun 18 August: 3rd XI vs Heywood CC 3rd XI (Away)

Mon 19 Aug 2024
Heywood 3rds Crimble...

The thirds maintained top spot with a win at Heywood on Sunday. Batting first, the Hogben experiment failed as Owen, standing in for Ethan Kite, succumbed first ball, but the remaining batsmen all chipped in with Jordy Higham holding things together with 75, and being supported by Steve McManus (26), Dan Jones (35) and Sam Winstanley (34no) in a total of 186-4. 

On an easy paced wicket Heywood’s response got off to a positive start with the usually penetrative pairing of Keogh and Worthington producing no real threat to the batsmen, who quickly put together a partnership of 52, assisted by a plethora of wides and no-balls. The turning point was the introduction of the Hogbens, with Elliot (3-43) making immediate inroads with three quick wickets (picture) and Owen (3-17) mopping up the late order, 
interspersed with three comical run-outs. 

It took a couple of mid-innings ‘team meetings’ with the somewhat unimpressed skipper to keep the side focused though, as the usually high standards were not maintained. All’s well that ends well however, and the side found a different way to pick up the five points that left them sitting two points clear of Whalley Range and twelve clear of Greenfield in 6th spot, who have three games in hand. It’s yet another evening fixture that will settle that particular contest, with Friday 23rd earmarked with a full bank holiday weekend of league matches and cup finals to follow immediately afterwards.

Needless to say, the weather forecast is dire.

Match Report Sat 17 August: 2nd XI vs Hindley St. Peters CC 2nd XI (Home)

Mon 19 Aug 2024
Six of the Best from Bobby!

The day started when captain Liam won the toss and decided to have bat first. Chris Royle and Steve McManus opened the batting and got us off to a brilliant start bringing up 50 partnership after just 8.2 overs. 2 Balls later Chris (25) fell and Owen Hogben came in with Clifton 50-1. Shortly after Steve (24) was caught just like Chris and both the openers were out and Clifton were 55-2. Jordy joined Owen at the crease and they batted really well together making a partnership worth 68 until Jordy (35) smashed one at extra cover and another Clifton player was caught out. Sam then wandered to the crease with a new bat in hand and got off the mark with a 6! Safe to say he likes his new bat. Owen and Sam got to drinks with Clifton 130-3 and looking in a good position with wickets in the bag. A few overs after Owen had to go after top edging the ball into the air and picking out the man perfectly for a well-made 37. Liam joined Sam at the crease and they were both looking to increase the rate and get Clifton up to a good score. Sam (26) then chased a wide one and once again a Clifton batsman was caught leaving Clifton 173-5. Tom (8) and Liam (32) put on a partnership worth 28 until they both fell in quick succession leaving Clifton 210-7. AJ (9*) and Hiruka (9*) batted the overs out for Clifton running really well and even getting an all run 4 to a ball that didn’t even leave the ring. 

An innings with no real stand out batsmen but some decent partnerships meant Clifton got to 225 losing 7 wickets and all 7-batsman falling to catches in the field. 

Onto the bowling and as usual Rob and Tom opened up with Rob taking first over and it probably being one he will want to forget even though it only went for one run.  Clifton and Tom eventually picked up their first wicket when the batsman nicked off to Jordy at 2nd slip a ball after tom had said he didn't need 2 slips (which he clearly did). The next over Rob was back to his usual self-picking up 2 wickets in back-to-back balls leaving himself on for a Hatrick in the following over which unfortunately didn't happen however Rob did manage to pick up his 3rd of the day with a great catch from AJ and the visitors had collapsed from 37-1 to 37-4. Captain Liam came on for Tom who finished with figures 24-2 from his 5 overs. Liam got a wicket with only his second ball and the visitors looked in big trouble. Rob then got 2 wickets in 3 balls this time picking up 5! but he wasn't done there as an over later he got his 6th of the day and Clifton had the visitors all but done at 58-9. Shortly after Captain Liam picked up the last wicket of the day and the visitors were bowled out for 59. Liam finished with figures of 2/4 from his 2.5 overs. And Rob by far the best of the 3 bowlers ended up with figures off 6/31 from his 8 overs. 

The 2s now turn their focus to a big weekend ahead with a league game on the Saturday but more importantly a CUP FINAL AT CLIFTON on the Sunday! 

Match Report Sat 17 August: 1st XI vs Heaton CC (Away)

Sun 18 Aug 2024
No Need for Heat on Due to Howarth Hundred◦

The 1st XI travelled to Heaton with the aims of solidifying their Lancashire cup spot for the next season. Losing the toss, Heaton opted to bat first on a fresh wicket.

An opening stand of 65 in relatively quick time saw Heaton on the front foot, until a breakthrough was had by Captain Richard Dempster with an edge through tidied up by Flaxman. Dave Dempster dismissing the other opener shortly after leaving one onto his off stump. The hosts reached the hundred mark shortly after the dismissal of Sutcliffe again off the bowling of Dave Dempster leading them to drinks. The partnership of Shah and Anjula (Pro) was the one Clifton knew they had to break to avoid chasing a potentially daunting score. The change of Turner into the attack did just this, removing the Professional with a catch in the deep by Sam Dorsey. Clifton proceeded to take wickets at regular intervals and besides some good hitting at the end by the Heaton tail, they were restricted to 202-9 off of their 50 overs. Standout figures of 15-3-4-30 for Dave Dempster.

Clifton got off to a poor start losing Dorsey early with an edge behind off Anjula. This brought Matthew Howarth to the crease, creating a small partnership with Joe Settle before his departure via a good delivery again from the Professional. Howarth set out his innings in a positive manor, this followed on by Professional Ryan Ayres who fell for a quick fire 21 from 12 balls, with Howarth achieving his maiden 1st XI 50 in the process. Another partnership was formed with Hamilton who made a run-a-ball 20 prior to his departure the score 136-4. Clifton losing two more wickets in quick succession led to the captain joining Howarth at the crease and seeing him achieve his maiden 1st XI hundred, from just 70 balls.

Howarth departure shortly after for 102, however his innings had already done the damage, with the brother Dave joining Richard at the crease to see Clifton over the line with 13.4 overs to spare.

Comedy Night Cancelled

Wed 14 Aug 2024

Comedy Night Cancelled

Please return your tickets to the bar for a refund

Match Report Sun 11 August: 3rd XI vs Prestwich CC 3rd XI (Home)

Tue 13 Aug 2024
Playground Games for High Flying Thirds!

Steve McManus’ babes leapfrogged top of the table Prestwich on Sunday, with a comprehensive win in a rehearsal for the Bank Holiday weekend’s Premier League Cup Final.A weakened Prestwich side (Due to their own 2nd XI T20 Finals Day exploits) became the latest victims of the increasing propensity of teenage terrors Tom and Lewis blowing away the top order as they ripped into the visitors’ batting line up to the tune of 30-5, with Lewis this time taking the major honours with four of those five wickets. 
Somewhat surprisingly, the normal fielding prowess, bolstered by the unlikely figure of Chris Thorpe dragged out of retirement for a most welcome cameo, was not at its usual best, with simple catches going to ground and the general ground fielding being lacklustre. Having said that, a blinding, ankle biting catch by Owen pepped up the rest of the side and the second half of the innings was markedly better. The other extremely satisfying element to the visitors’ final total of just 91, was the fact that, once again, every bowler tasted success and it was not until an annoying last wicket stand of 26 that Prestwich could put together a partnership of more than 20. 

A wobbly start to the reply saw the side stumble to 17-2, but Ethan and Sam (Pictured - Any excuse to use this image of that drop a couple of weeks ago) then proceed to put the entire township of Clifton to sleep, with a winning partnership of 77 in 27 overswith overs eight to twenty providing just eleven runs! Time at the crease was exactly what Sam in particular needed though, with his 33no perhaps teaching him that he does not need to score off every ball and that, the longer you stay at the crease, the easier it gets. For Ethan, the usual array of nice shots are still tending to find fielders, but the power and placement will come as he continues to develop, and his 40no helped to dispel any prospect of an embarrassing collapse when Dan Jones was out to his third ball. 

The day ended with a somewhat disappointing losing toss for the Cup Final venue, so it’s Prestwich away on August 26th with (whisper it quietly) the prospect of a Premier Cup and League double still a reality.

Match Report Sat 10 August: 2nd XI vs South West Manchester CC 2nd XI (Away)

Tue 13 Aug 2024
2s Have Day to Forget

Clifton lost the toss and were put in to bat on a wicket that didn’t look too bad. 

Ethan and Steve opened up and very quickly we learnt that the wicket wasn’t as good as it looks with the ball popping up near the batsman's chest from full deliveries. Unfortunately, Steve (10) fell to one of these balls as it flicked his glove on the way through and Clifton were 19-1. Mason joined Ethan at the crease and they built a steady partnership until Ethan fell for 26. 75-2 was then made 90-3 and then 90-4 when Sam (3) and mason (41) fell quickly one after. Owen and captain Liam met at the crease and steadied the ship but never really kicked on taking us to 138-5 before Liam fell for 21. Owen Followed Liam back to the changing room a couple of overs later for steady 27. Lewis (8*) and tom (2*) finished our 45 overs at the crease leaving Clifton 154-6 and feeling they were 30 runs away from where they wanted to be. Mason was probably the stand out batter in our innings with 41 but no one really got going and made a large score.  

Rob opened the bowling and when his first over went for 15 Clifton knew the way they wanted to bat. In Rob’s second over his first ball went for 6 and there was some worried faces that it could go for more than his first but Mr experience picked up a big wicket and Clifton were lifted again. A couple of overs later Rob picked up his 2nd and SWM were 40-2 after 4.2. Mason took Tom’s (0-15) spot and came on to bowl and got a wicket in his 3rd over and then on came the inform Lewis Keogh for Rob (31-2). 

Lewis picked up a wicket and then so did Liam a couple of overs later leaving them 100-5 and it looked like we had a game on. Lewis (27-2) picked up his 2nd to leave them 121-6 but needing 30 to win their Captain came to the crease and sailed the ship home quite comfortably.  

A poor performance from the 2s with no one standing out with the bat or the ball and a disappointing result to go with it. 

Match Report Sat 10 August: 1st XI vs Flowery Field CC (Home)

Tue 13 Aug 2024
Ben in Seventh Heaven and it's Hamba Kakuhle to Max!

The firsts losing run came to an end on Saturday, enhancing their Lancashire Knockout ambitions with a seven wicket win, achieved with almost 30 overs to spare.It was a much different innings from the one posted by the visitors in the return fixture earlier in the season. On that occasion, early wickets fell, principally to Ryan Ayres who’s 15 overs cost him fifteen runs with three wickets thrown in. 
The middle order had then ground out a winning score on a soggy, cloudy day. On this occasion, in bright sunshine and with a lightning fast outfield to support, an opening partnership of 69 threatened a first ever league ‘double’ for the visitors. However, Ben Hamilton had other ideas as he came up with a devastating spell of spin bowling up the Clifton hill, which blew away the middle order away once he had removed both openers inside his first four overs. He finished with the excellent figures of 7-33 as the visitors capitulated in spectacular fashion, losing ten wickets for 48 runs. 

The game had an ‘end of season’ feel to it, despite there being only three points between them, a feeling that was compounded as, despite Joe Settle departing in the first over, the score rattled along, assisted to the tune of a quarter of the score by 30 extras. Sam led the way with 33no, doggedly protecting his wicket whilst peppering the boundary with six fours, and Ryan scored 28 at more than a run a ball. Max’s final appearance for the club, came to an end for a disappointing 17, taking him close to 950 for the season, with the ensuing farewell party in the clubhouse ensuring that he will probably never look a double brandy and coke in the face again for many years to come. Max has been a breath of fresh air around the club, and we wish him well in his quest for first class cricket in South Africa, an ambition that his qualities as a batsman will no doubt realise. 

The resulting seven wicket win puts the team somewhat precariously into fourth spot, a point behind Shaw, but only eight points ahead of the following pack of four, three of whom we still have to face, two of them at home. Shaw face beleaguered Woodbank next week, with Egerton and Flixton and Denton West and Flowery Field facing off just below us. 

A big hole to fill with Max’s departure then, meaning that a big push is required from the rest of the squad if they are serious about that Lancashire Knockout place with an extra spot being made available following Roe Green’s somewhat embarrassing Cup Final win on Sunday. The fans love their days out on excursions to new grounds up and down the county. Let’s hope that the lads can get us over the line.

Match Report Sun 4 August: 3rd XI vs Denton West CC - Premier Sunday Cup (Semi Final) (Away)

Wed 7 Aug 2024
Thirds Follow Twos to Bank Holiday Weekend Finals.

The thirds took the weekend’s bragging rights with a thoroughly comprehensive Cup Semi-Final win at Denton West. With the accompanying group of devotees drooling on the boundary edge, the most stressful challenge occurred in getting to the ground through a jam-packed, angry Denton roundabout full of disgruntled motorists watching traffic lights change ad-nauseum as they developed a mind of their own. The omens were good thereafter as skipper Steve was dropped in the first over, before holding the innings together with an innings of 60 as his young bucks batted around him. There was a brief hiccup as 58-1 became 61-4 with the faithful later noting that never in the history of cricket had a player analysed an innings of one run, as thoroughly (and tediously) as Jack Barton did with his. Young Owen then entered the fray and his composed and mature innings of 26 deflected any possibility of a collapse. The last three batsmen all chipped in with double figure scores, with the sight of 13 year old Charlie Seddon (Pictured) cutting and carving his way to his valuable 10, delighting the groupies at third man. 

The fielding and bowling performance was then, if anything, even more mature as they got off to the perfect start with Tom and Lewis providing what is becoming a regular spectacle, by dispatching three early order batsmen with only 20 on the board. Those us that are slightly longer in the tooth, anticipated a stand at some point, and it came as the next two batsmen put on 46. However, a double change in introducing Dan and Owen more than did the trick as both took two wickets in an over to demoralise the home players and supporters. The innings was summarily mopped up for exactly 100, with, one again, all the bowlers tasting success and the winning margin of 60 being the exact score furnished by the skipper earlier in the game. How the home side must be lamenting that dropped catch. 

So the Bank Holiday weekend of August 24th, 25th and the 26th promises to be a memorable one with the seconds and thirds contesting their respective cup finals. Let’s hope that the weather doesn’t have the last word

Match Report Sat 3 August: 1st XI vs Edgworth CC (Away)

Wed 7 Aug 2024
Edgworth Stand and Deliver

It was a game of remarkably similar events when the 1st XI travelled to Edgworth having soundly beaten them earlier in the season in what was probably their best performance of the season. In both games, the home side won the toss and batted their opponent out of the game, the visiting side then saw batsmen perishing in the run chase that had resulted largely as a result of centuries from the home professional, supported by one big supporting innings. On this occasion it was Edgworth who took the spoils after piling up 302-7 on a feather bed of a pitch helped along by an outfield like glass. To be honest, 302 didn’t look all that imposing from the safety of the deckchair and when Joe Settle started like a runaway train and Edgworth’s main strike bowler ambling round the boundary nursing a season ending injury, for a wee while, the impossible looked on. However, it’s easy from a deckchair and gradually the size of the task ground the batting line up into submission with a series of shots that they wouldn’t normally dream of playing. There were bright spots in the response with Max Meyer’s 45 taking him to within 81 runs of a remarkable 1000 for the season, a mature 40 from Matt Howarth who continues to grow in stature and a last wicket stand of 29 between Dempster & Dempster that took them to within three of a creditable 200. 

So it’s on to a home tie with Flowery Field with, realistically, only a Lancashire Knockout place to play for, along with revenge for defeat earlier in the season, as the dreaded football season begins and the accompanying spectre of Winter looms.

Match Report Sun 28 July: 2nd XI vs Flowery Field CC - 2nd XI Championship Cup (Semi Final) (Away)

Mon 29 Jul 2024
The Verdict is in - Judge and Juniors Lead 2nd XI to Final!

What a difference a month makes as the Clifton hordes descended on Hyde and a Flowery Field ground that looked totally different to the unkempt mud heap that the firsts visited recently as two division five sides battled it out in the semi final of the knockout earmarked for second teams from divisions four and five and a place in the final against division four's Brooksbottom, on a picture perfect ground that was bathed in the sort of weather that saw the Clifton faithful leaving the ground looking like freshly boiled lobsters.

First blood was drawn by the hosts as Steve McManus (0) and Ethan Kite (7) both departed early. Second blood was drawn next as Steve Judge conspired to be hit on head and finger as he put together a partnership of 113 with Dan Jones (Pictured 1) whose 78 runs were a testament to a fine young cricketer with a bright future ahead of him. Judgey's brave 63, which came at a cost as his bloodied finger, but principally the blow on the head, meant he would play no further part on the game, watched on as the remaining young line up crashed their way to a formidable 256-7 scored at almost a run-a-ball with skipper Dorsey crashing 25 (and bemoaning a missing two fours that appeared to have disappeared from the scoresheet) and Lewis Keogh contributing an impressive 21 not out from 16 deliveries. 

Evergreen Rob Meredith then struck in the first over making it an uphill task for the hosts who, despite putting together some promising partnerships, could not anywhere near match the run rate required. It was not until 120 runs were on the board, that the batsmen woke up and realised there was nothing for coming second in a cup semi final, and began a surge that brought a flurry of boundaries. However, Liam's young warriors held their nerve and Lewis Keogh (Pictured 2) re-entered the fray just at the right time to finish with an impressive 4-18 off nine overs right in the middle of the home side's push for victory. As a result, the innings tailed away to 199 all out, with Lewis, fittingly, taking the final catch off the bowling of Dan Jones to secure a deserved place in the Cup Final against Brooksbottom.

Match Report Sat 27 July: 1st XI vs Bradshaw CC (Home)

Mon 29 Jul 2024
Despite Dorsey Century, Bradshaw Battle for Full Five Points.

Question: Is a great match still a great match when you lose? A well known local cricket aficionado who'd watched a North West Cricket League match earlier and called in to Clifton for the last hour, was amazed at the difference in quality on show, but when you lose a 'curate's egg' of a match, that you should have won, that takes the edge of the compliment.

It's difficult to ascertain what the main factors of the defeat were, but being a bowler short on the day was a glaringly obvious ingredient in Bradshaw being able to amass 239-7, with Richard Dempster having led the way with his 3-56 and Sam Dorsey providing the catching standard with three good catches. Other catches went down though and there was a general lacklustre feel to the fielding and bowling as the visitors, seeking to escape the bottom three, put together a series of decent partnerships in the warm sunshine. However, as the players dragged themselves off for tea, there was still cause for optimism on a feather bed wicket against the side with the lowest net run rate in the league.

Joe Settle and Max Meyer then quickly perished to shots that they'd rather forget, before Sam Dorsey (Pictured) and Ryan Ayres put together a partnership of near perfection, that lacked only one thing, the big push at the end and the three or four big overs that would kill the game. That said, a partnership of 162 with Sam completing his second century of the season and Ryan 78 in 97 balls, was a wonderful example of league cricket at its best. As for the final push, a requirement of 50 with eight wickets in the tent, eluded them as did the 'big overs' that would have sealed the game. 

Here, we have to give massive credit to the Bradshaw bowlers, who bowled a tight, nagging line and length with only one of their 50 overs going for more than ten runs. As a result the remaining batsmen huffed and puffed their way to delivery number 49.5 with a six required to secure a tie. In fairness, that would have been cruel on Bradshaw, who seemed, to use football parlance, to 'want' the win more than we did and deserved their win, which, although not quite lifting them away from a relegation spot, will have given them immense confidence for the remaining games. 

As for Richard's men, the news that the top four all  lost was a further dagger to the heart when you consider that ten points from the last two sub-standard  performances, would have elevated them to within two points of Edgworth and set up an epic clash next in week's meeting. Going back to the overall standards in this league, it's doubtful that any other league can boast such a division where anyone can beat anyone else, with the possible exception of Woodbank who haven't won a league game all season. This, however, is the same Woodbank that progressed to the Final of the Derek Kay Cup on Sunday by virtue of beating top of the table Edgworth. You couldn't make it up.....except perhaps in the Premier Division of the GMCL.

Match Report Sun 21 July: 3rd XI vs Roe Green CC 3rd XI (Away)

Mon 22 Jul 2024
Roe Green Uprooted From Top Spot.

The  thirds  seriously  challenged  the  2nds  bragging  rights  for  performance  of  the  weekend,  with  a  comprehensive  win  over  Sunday Premier league leaders  Roe  Green.   

With  most  of  the ‘Greeners’  absent  at  the  GMCL20  finals,  it  was  a  curiously  calm  and  subdued  arena  that  greeted  Steve  McManus  and  Ethan  Kite  after  the  home  side  make  their  first  error  of  the  day  in  winning  the  toss  and  deciding  to  field.  129  runs  later,  they  finally  broke  through  when  Ethan  Kite  was  dismissed.  To  rub  salt  into  the  wounds,  that  was  the  exact  score  that  the  home  side  would  later  amass.  Stevie  Mac’s  thirds  still  had  some  twelve  overs  left  though  and,  although  many  batsmen  would  be  sacrificed  in  the  run  fest,  a  further  114  runs  were  added,  with  Jordy  Higham  contributing  56  in  26  balls  and  Steve  finally  falling  for  86  scored  at  exactly  a  run  a  ball. 

The  better  than  run  a  ball  total  of  243  was  never  seriously  threatened  as  Lewis  Keogh (Pictured in action) and  Tom  Worthington  secured  early  strikes  to  leave  the  reply  in  tatters  at  16-3.  Mirroring  events  at  Trent  Bridge,  every  West  Indies  wicket  was  followed  by  a  Roe  Green  scalp  as,  once  again,  every  bowler  took  at  least  one  wicket  with  Lewis  perhaps  shading  the  honours  list  with  his  2-18  off  seven  overs,  by  virtue  of  those  two  wickets  being  from  the  top  three  batsmen.  Greenfield’s  defeat  means  Mac’s  men  are  now  the  only  unbeaten  team  in  the  league,  but  with  games  already  in  hand  and  another  cancellation  next  week  due  to  the  2nds  cup  semi  final,  the  only  concern  is  a  fixture  backlog  and  insufficient  dates  to  complete  the  list.

Match Report Sat 20 July: 1st XI vs Shaw CC (Away)

Sun 21 Jul 2024
1st XI Were 'Shaw' Not Good Enough

It was an all-round shocker of a day at the office for the firsts in the hills overlooking Oldham at Shaw CC on Saturday.

A plethora of half-volleys, full-tosses and half trackers allowed the home side to put together a succession of partnerships after a good start saw them on 24-2, with the final, unbroken 7th wicket partnership of 35 in quick time, nailing the coffin tight shut on 222-7, despite three wickets apiece for Ben Hamilton and Richard Dempster. It was a total that was never seriously challenged as a partnership of 41 between Sam Dorsey (28) and Ryan Ayres (31) was all that the visitors could muster in reply.

The Shaw pro mopped up with six wickets, more or less handed to him on a plate, as the innings closed on 142. Matt Howarth (24) and Mason Turner (20) showed some late resistance, but in truth, this was a day best forgotten as the side that marmalised Roe Green last week simply didn’t turn up.

The ‘away’ form is becoming a bit of a concern now, with only four wins out of ten all season, in cup & league, wheras it’s eight out of nine at home. Bradshaw will become visitors number ten next week, and they’ll be looking for the five points that will possibly take them out of the bottom three. 

Match Report Sun 14 July: 3rd XI vs Shaw CC 3rd XI - Premier Sunday Cup (Quarter Final) (Home)

Mon 15 Jul 2024
And The 3rds Go Marching On!

The  thirds  emulated  the  seconds  by  reaching  the  semi-final  of  their  cup  competition  courtesy  of  a  routine  dismantling  of  Shaw  who  play  two  divisions  below.  Batting  first,  the  batting  line  up  was  in  positive  mode  from  ball  one  until  the  introduction  of  the  slow  bowling  option  and  a  minor  irritation  of  a  few  wickets  lost.  Once  his  spell  of  eight  overs,  with  three  wickets  for  fourteen  was  over,  it  was  back  to  business,  with  Dan  Jones  dominating  every  bowling  option  in  a  sparkling  knock  of  83  in  63  balls  with  13  fours.  The  innings  closed  on  230-9  with  contributions  of  36  in  35  balls  from  skipper  Steve McManus  and  a  swashbuckling  25  in  22  from  Jack  Barton  adding  to  the  excitement  from  the  near  frozen  crowd.  Young  Hiruka Perera then  took  a  decent  catch  in  the  first  over  of  the  reply  and  then  the  writing  was  truly  on  the  wall  when  an  unfortunate  batsman  had  to  be  unceremoniously  carried,  ‘fireman’s  lift’  style  from  the  field  after  popping  a  leg  muscle.  The  rest  of  the  batting  order  then  melted  away  in  the  face  of  good  bowling  by  all  four  selected  bowlers  with  Owen  Hogben  taking  the  plaudits  with  4-11  off  7.4  overs.  So  it’s  all  eyes  on  the  draw  now,  with  Prestwich,  Denton  West  and  Heywood  standing  in  the  way  of  silverware  for  Steve  and  his  youthful  team.

Match Report Sat 13 July: 1st XI vs Roe Green CC (Home)

Sun 14 Jul 2024
High Flying Green Chopped Down.

The  firsts  managed  a  second  home  demolition  of  the  top  two  by  following  up  the  early  season  97  run  win  over  Edgworth  with  a  comprehensive  trouncing  of  Roe  Green  on  Saturday.  After  convincing  the  umpires,  who  seemed  to  think  that  a  few  spots  of  rain  would  melt  them,  to  ‘get  the  game  on’,  Richard  Dempster  tore  into  the  prolific  Roe  Green  upper  order,  removing  the  first  four  batsmen  with  just  31  on  the  board  after  the  ‘Green’  had  won  the  toss  and  elected  to  bat.  Without  the  services  of  Danny  Higham  and  with  Ryan  Ayres  unusually  firing  blanks,  up  stepped  Ben  Hamilton  (4-33)  to  continue  the  work  in  reducing  them  to  48-6  and  60-7,  before  a  patient  partnership  of  42  took  the  score  over  100.  Partnership  breaker  Mason  Turner  ended  that  annoyance  and  Sam  Dorsey  produced  a  boundary  direct  hit  with  one  stump  to  aim  at,  that  was  worth  the  admission  money  alone,  to  send  the  ‘not  very  dangerous’  Andy  Hough  back  to  the  pavvy  as  the  innings  closed  on  115.  The  batsmen  then  cruised  to  victory,  with  Joe  Settle  and  Max  Meyer  scoring  24  apiece  and  Sam  (33no)  and  Ryan  (29no)   securing  the  eight  wicket  win  with  22  overs  to  spare.  Edgworth’s  win  puts  them  five  points  clear  of  champions  Roe  Green  with  Richard’s  men  a  further  two  points  behind  and  rueing  some  inconsistent  lapses  during  June.  A  trip  to  the  delights  of  Shaw  awaits  next  week,  whilst  the  top  two  face  in-form  Denton  West  and  a  Flixton  side  who  can  beat  anyone  on  their  day.  All  to  play  for. 

Many thanks to photographer Kate Peterson (@worsley_girl) for today's photo. More of which can be found in the 'Gallery' via our 'News' tab.

Match Report Sun 7 July: 1st XI vs Westhoughton CC (Home)

Tue 9 Jul 2024
Max Goes Big! Very Big!!

On the second part of the double header weekend Clifton welcomed Westhoughton to Manchester Road after a successful away win on Saturday. The forecast was looking iffy with rain due to come in the afternoon so it was possible that we were in for a stop and start game. 

The Clifton skipper won the toss and elected to bat, which was smart with the upcoming forecast. Clifton lost Dorsey early in the innings bringing Meyer in to bat with a score of 15/1. It wasn’t long before Settle was dismissed too, bringing Clifton’s Pro up to bat. The partnership between Meyer and Ayres worked well. Ayres was dismissed later in the innings with a score of 68, leaving the overall score at 194/3. Hamilton was next into bat and himself and Meyer saw the rest of the innings through with Meyer (150*) not only hitting his first 100 for the club but his first 150, leaving Clifton with a total score of 284/4 after Hamilton was bowled in the last ball of the innings. 


Throughout the break there was a short spell of rain, but luckily caused no delay to the second innings. The innings started well for Clifton with both Higham and Ayres taking wickets early, leaving Westhoughton with a score of 6/2. Westhoughton’s Pro came in and started hitting well, but his team mates couldn’t withstand the excellent quality of the Clifton fielding, even if they did find time for a rest (Pictured) when team mates were looking for the ball, which was dispatched aggressively by the Westhoughton Pro. He found his way to 100* in 59 balls, hitting 9 fours and 6 sixes along the way. He was unfortunately for him left standing in the 30th over as the game came to a close with Clifton winning by a massive 140 runs. 

Clifton came out on top this weekend by winning a full 10/10 points putting the team into 3rd in the league table. 

Match Report Sat 6 July: 2nd XI vs Little Hulton CC 1st XI (Home)

Tue 9 Jul 2024
Tough day at Home for the 2nds

The  seconds’  losing  streak  continued  again  on  Saturday  when  Little  Hulton  were  the  visitors  to  Manchester  Road.  Those  of  us  with  longer  memories  will  recall  some  epic  encounters  with  the  ‘noisy  neighbours’  from  down  the  road,  but  sadly  those  days  are  no  more  as  their  only  senior  side  plies  its  trade  alongside  our  seconds  in  a  division  5  that  is  effectively  the  10th,  11th  and  12th  tiers  of  the  league  structure.  Having  said  that,  there  is  often  some  decent  cricket  on  show  and  Saturday’s  defeat,  which  left  Liam’s  side  4th  and  some  12  points  off  a  promotion  spot,  was  no  exception. 

After  Tom  Worthington  snatched  an  early  wicket,  the  second  wicket  partnership  batted  extremely  well  and  effectively  punished  every  bad  ball  in  a  stand  of  108  and  when  this  was  followed  up  with  a  stand  of  70,  the  bowlers  began  to  look  tired  and  raggedy.  Late  inroads  couldn’t  prevent  the  visitors  from  posting  a  healthy  228-8  with  Jordy  Higham  and  Lewis  Keogh  picking  up  late  wickets.  The  Clifton  reply  never  really  got  going  and  although  several  batsmen  got  starts,  they  weren’t  able  to  turn  those  solid  bases  into  the  one  big  innings  that  would  have  challenged  the  visitors’  total.  Steve  McManus  (31)  and  Dan  Jones  (27)  batted  with  promise  but  then  wickets  started  to  tumble  in  pursuit  of  the  big  total  and  when  Rockin’  Rob  Meredith  succumbed  to  his  first  ball  with  four  overs  left,  they  were  still  some  88  runs  behind. 

This  young  side  though,  continues  to  improve  and  if  promotion  is  a  bridge  too  far  this  season,  then  next  year  will  surely  see  them  get  away  from  the  league’s  dark  nether  regions.

Match Report Sat 6 July: 1st XI vs Westhoughton CC (Away)

Tue 9 Jul 2024
A close finish at St. Georges Oval


Westhoughton CC welcomed our 1st XI to their home, St. Georges Oval, this week. Clifton’s skipper lost the toss and was asked to have a bat. Clifton’s opening partnership started well with Dorsey (15) being the first batter to depart after 16 overs leaving Clifton with a score of 47/1.  6 overs later saw the departure of Settle (30) leaving Clifton with a score of 61/2. Ayres was next in joining Meyer. The Clifton pro lasted 5 overs before being caught out. Hamilton and Richard Dempster didn’t have too much luck with their batting leaving Meyer waiting at the stumps for the next batter. Howarth (26) and Meyer (61) made a good partnership, putting on a useful 54 for the 6th wicket. The Westhoughton Pro had a good day with the ball picking up 5 wickets and bringing the innings to a close with a score of 185 all out in the final over of the innings.


The second innings started in our favour with Danny Higham dismissing 3 of the Westhoughton batters within the first 10 overs, the score sitting at 20/3. 30 overs in, both Richard Dempster and Hamilton were successful in taking wickets leaving Westhoughton 6 players down with just under 100 runs to chase in 20 overs. Unfortunately for Clifton, with around 12 overs left, Hamilton had to depart from the field with an injury leaving Clifton with only 10 players on the pitch. Westhoughton took advantage of this and started hitting. It took until the last over where Clifton dismissed the final batter after a catch from Dorsey, leaving Clifton winning by 8 runs, bringing a crucial 5 points for the Kingfishers. 











Match Report Sun 30 June: 3rd XI vs Uppermill CC 2nd XI (Away)

Tue 2 Jul 2024
ONE FOR THE POOLS COUPON AT UPPERMILL.

Sunday saw the third team make the long journey to Uppermill CC, after losing the toss Clifton were sent in to bat on a very green looking wicket. Captain Steve McManus accompanied Ethan Kite to the middle but the partnership was short lived, Steve was dismissed by a delicious ball in the first over. Experienced batsman Chris Lord took to the crease and got to work with Ethan to get Clifton back on steady ground.

A steady and sensible partnership gave Clifton a good foundation to push on from with big Steve’s side 74-2. Middle order batsmen Higham, Winstanley and Keogh all fell for a combined 9 runs leaving the situation looking a lot more precarious. Owen Hogben looked comfortable with his promotion to 6, attempting to bat through the remaining overs to guide his team to a decent score.

Unfortunately, poor shot selection and wild running between the wickets meant that the remaining batsmen were on the way back to the pavilion in little time, leaving Clifton 115 all out off 31 overs.

The usual partnership of Keogh and Worthington began Clifton’s defence of a low score on ground a lot smaller than most, Lewis and Tom bowled well from either end ,but struggled to get the wickets necessary to gain the upper hand. Captain Steve turned to Owen early in the game for a breakthrough, a superb combination in the field between Owen and Tom led to a run out of Uppermill’s experienced opener. Economical bowling from the two young lads again saw the prospects of defending the low target grow. Tom was replaced by Elliot at the end of his spell and the Hogben brothers began to work their way through the Uppermill middle order. Owen 2-22 and Elliot 3-31 thought they had pulled the game back round with Uppermill requiring 36 runs to win with one wicket remaining. A short spell from Jordan Higham did not get the wicket that Clifton desperately needed together with a superb knock from Uppermill’s last stand meant that loose balls were punished and the game took yet another turn.

In the 29th over, just as the locals piled out of the bar in search of real entertainment after 45 minutes of watching Gareth Southgate’s England Uppermill pulled level much to the delight of the home support. With many thinking the game was a forgone conclusion Tom Worthington had one last throw of the dice and rolled his fingers down the back of a now trademark slower ball, forcing the batsman to divert the ball down onto his own stumps. Both teams had been bowled out for 115, the game was a tie and three points were shared, something that must surely be a first for most of the juvenile Clifton team.

Pick of the bowlers must go to T. Worthington for holding his nerve at a crucial moment to finish with figures of 27-3 from 7.5 overs.

The tie means that two streaks are continued for another week - Steve McManus’ 3rd XI remain unbeaten so far this season, a feat to be proud of as we enter July. As well as this, young Charlie Seddon has still not played in a winning or losing side after turning out 6 times at senior level - 5 games abandoned in play and one tie!

Match Report Sat 29 June: 1st XI vs Denton West CC (Away)

Mon 1 Jul 2024
Da Plane! Da Plane!

On another overcast and jumper wearing June Saturday, our 1st XI made the journey around the M60 to the East side of Manchester to Windsor Park, home of Denton West CC.

Winning the toss, Richard Dempster elected to field and hopefully take advantage of the overhead conditions. Three early breakthroughs from the opening attack of Ryan Ayres (3/45) and Danny Higham (3/50) put the Kingfishers on top with the host struggling on 11 for 3. Denton West took stock and patiently rebuilt their innings with a 68 partnership for the 4th wicket.
Intermittent wickets in between a few hefty blows saw Denton West all out after 48 overs for a useful total of 208 from 48 overs.

In reply, Clifton got off to a steady start, with openers Joe Settle (33) and Sam Dorsey (33) laying the foundations for a comfortable run chase. With Joe and Sam back in the pavilion in their 30s, Ryan Ayres (33) dropped at mid-off without troubling the scorers, it looked like lady luck may help Clifton claim the 5 points. Ryan and Max Meyer (37) added momentum and increased the run rate, but it was all in vain. Once again, losing them both, also for scores in the mid 30's the bowling side took a squeeze and control of the game. Wickets tumbled quicker now and the only highlight for the away support was the passing sight of the Airbus A380 - With a maximum capacity for 853 passengers, a length of 3.5 cricket pitches and wingspan of 4 cricket pitches, it was a distraction from the days play and the end of the Clifton innings. Falling disappointingly 15 runs short, on 196/9 off their 50 overs.

Match Report Sat 22 June: 1st XI vs Woodbank CC (Home)

Wed 26 Jun 2024
Saturday saw our first team welcome Woodbank CC to Manchester Road. Winning the toss, the Clifton skipper elected to start the game by batting. After seven overs Clifton were 14-1 after losing Settle to an unfortunate catch, bringing Meyer to the crease. Both Dorsey and Meyer kept the game steady and with 40 overs gone both batters had hit their 50's, with the Clifton score of 132 with 10 overs to go. Dorsey and Meyer made a quick switch into second gear and started hitting the ball to all corners and in the last over of the innings Sam Dorsey celebrated his first senior 100 for Clifton CC. 

The Clifton innings ended at 227-1 with Sam Dorsey ending on 100* and Max Meyer on 93*. 

The second innings started and Woodbank had a decent score to chase, which they were willing to fight for. After 10 overs Woodbank fell one player short leaving them at 32-1 after being caught by Richard Dempster. Halfway through the innings Woodbank were 98-1 which was looking like it was going to be a very close game, which indeed it was. A change in both bowlers, bringing in Hamilton and Turner, Woodbank started to up the anti. 30 overs in, Clifton found a break, with Ayres bowling Abbas out, leaving Woodbank at 130-2. Ayres dismissed two more in over 33 with one catch from Jordan Higham. With 10 overs left Woodbank were 147-3 which was looking promising for Clifton. Meyer and Ayres had a positive bowling spell and Meyer managed to get his first wicket for the club with help from Hamilton with the catch. 

It all went down to the last over of the game. Woodbank started the over with only 8 runs required for a win. Hamilton was on to bowl. A 6 flew over the boundary just two balls into the final over, making it look more promising for Woodbank. The Woodbank batter tried to attempt the same shot but fell short, the ball landing straight into Turners hands. The new batter arrived and on his first ball was run out with the help of Turner and Flaxman. Things were on a knife edge as with 2 balls left, Woodbank needed 2 runs for the win. The new batter started on strike and on his first ball ended up being run out by Hamilton himself. In what was an incredible final over, the final batter hit the ball but couldn’t reach the other end in enough time before being run out by Higham and Flaxman. With 4 wickets in the final over Clifton ended by one run and five points were awarded to the home team. 

Match Report Sun 16 June: 2nd XI vs Worsley CC 2nd XI (Home)

Wed 19 Jun 2024

On Sunday Worsley visitedManchester Road in a rearranged league fixture due to the start of the season beingdelayed. Clifton won the toss and followed usual procedure by sticking the oppositionin to bat as usual the plan was coming together with Worsley 56-4 andstruggling Clifton were on top. Unfortunately, a good rear guard action andseveral dropped catches saw Worsley tick over 200 and set a good target for Cliftonto chase.

In reply Clifton were always thereand there abouts but a much depleted batting line up struggled in the lattermiddle overs to keep up with the required rate. Ethan batted nicely for a halfcentury but never really hit 2nd gear due to some patient line andlength bowling. Higham Dorsey and Barton looked to kick the run rate on butonce all 3 had fell, the Worsley total was just a step too far. Clifton ended30 short whilst giving it a good go but could’ve come away with the 5 points ifthe normal line was fully available.

 

Match Report Sat 15 June: 2nd XI vs Whalley Range CC 3rd XI (Away)

Wed 19 Jun 2024

Saturday saw the 2nd XIvisit Little Hulton CC despite playing Whalley Range CC in a strange turn ofevents due to them having 3 Saturday teams.

The pitch was a damp soft onewhich looked like it could misbehave in a number of ways so the toss could becrucial. Unfortunately, Liam lost it and Clifton were inserted. Sam Winstanleyand Christopher Royle started our innings and it looked as though earlypredictions of the wicket were correct. We lost Sam quickly and thenunfortunately lost Dan Jones not too long after. This brought Jordy and Chris togetherwhich was the start of a glorious partnership. Both lads battled through thetough stuff and made sure the bad ball went to the boundary. Both ladseventually fell for well made centuries, Chris 118 of 133 and Jordy 133 of 104,giving Clifton a mammoth total of 308-6.

In reply WRCC never really wantedto chase the total and their cautious approach was personified by their number 5batting 101 balls for 14 and not scoring a single boundary.  

Lewis Keogh picked up a remarkable5 for 1 (the one was a wide) and WRCC were dismissed 225 shy of the Cliftontotal!

 

Sue Judge

Tue 18 Jun 2024
All of us at Clifton Cricket Club are deeply saddened by the recent passing of Sue Judge our Junior Secretary. She had been the loving wife of Bob for over 50 years and a wonderful mother to our star wicket keeper/batsman Steve and his brother Christopher. Sue was born in 1950, so she was 74 when she died. She took over the Junior Secretary role a couple of years ago and carried out the duties most diligently. A minute’s silence was held at a recent 2nd team home match in order to show our respects.

Match Report Sat 15 June: 1st XI vs Egerton CC (Home)

Mon 17 Jun 2024

It was a strange weekend for the firsts as a comprehensive win on Saturday against 2nd placed Egerton, was followed by an equally comprehensive defeat against bogey side Roe Green on Sunday. With the forecast in midweek predicting little or no cricket for the weekend, we should, I suppose, be grateful that both teams got games in where some clubs didn’t bowl a ball all weekend. All that kicked off on Saturday with Egerton winning the toss and electing to bat in the damp and drizzly conditions. Danny Higham made early inroads with two wickets with only twenty on the board, before Ryan Ayres clean bowled danger man Abid Ali who had scored more than a third of his team’s runs in the first twelve games in all competitions during the early season. At that stage, it looked like Egerton may fold like a deck of cards, but they managed to put together a couple of useful partnerships in the face of nagging slow stuff from Mason Turner (3-31) and Ben Hamilton (2-35) and the final total of 157 felt like one of those that could go either way. An opening partnership of 43 settled the nerves and after Joe Settle departed for 20, Max Meyer (pictured) arrived at the crease like someone whose bus was due as he produced an array of shots all round the wicket, scoring 41 out of a partnership of 63 with Sam Dorsey. Despite Egerton’s own slows then getting a bit of a stranglehold, Sam (60no) and Ryan Ayres (24no) saw it through with a comfortable seven overs to spare, to propel the side, temporarily at least, into second spot.


Match Report Sun 16 June: 1st XI vs Roe Green CC (Away)

Mon 17 Jun 2024

A Sunday morning downpour exacerbated the well documented ground issues at Roe Green in the re-arranged game from April, and there was a considerable delay before the game could go ahead. Richard Dempster must have wondered if he’s done the right thing by electing to bat, as the early order struggled at snail's pace to come to terms with the conditions, whilst losing crucial wickets in the process and only some spirited late order resistance rescued the total from 47-6, to edge past the three figure mark on 108 with only Zach Flaxman reaching the 20 mark. On a day best consigned to the dustbin of mediocrity, Roe Green cantered to 109-3, leapfrogging into 2nd place in the process. Egerton’s points from a washed-out game moved them to 3rd and Richard’s men must go again next weekend to chip away at Edgworth’s seven-point lead, with a home game against Woodbank, who were dumped to the bottom of the league courtesy of Westhoughton’s win over Denton West. We all know that there’s no such thing as an easy game in this most competitive of divisions, however, and the lads will have to be at their best to take the points.

MATCH REPORTS 8th JUNE 2024 1st XI v Flixton C&SC (A)

Mon 10 Jun 2024

Saturday saw the 1st XI visit some familiar facesat Flixton CC in a game that contained 4 sets of brothers and also included 17 playerswho had represented Clifton.

Unfortunately, it looked like the main talking point wasgoing to be the pitch due to it not being covered the day before and all ofFriday night’s torrential rain landing directly on it. Both umpires were not entirelyhappy to start due to the fact you could literally put your finger in thepitch.

Former Clifton skipper and professional Gareth Cross won thetoss and unsurprisingly stuck Clifton in. The pitch played as expected with someballs pitching and rolling and others popping and spitting over the batsman’shead. Unfortunately, Clifton lost Settle and Meyer quickly whilst Sam battled througha tough period along with professional Ayres. Just as Dorsey was looking settleda leg stump half volley popped and sent the ball vertical off the bat and wewere potentially in a bit of trouble. Hamilton joined Ayres and both went onthe counter. Ben made a brisk 34 in 34 balls and put some serious pressure onthe Flixton attack. When Hamilton fell Ayres continued to accumulate runs butonce he got to 50 he went into overdrive. Ryan took 100 balls to get to 50 but then got to 103 in the next 21 ballswith some ferocious hitting including one which nearly landed in Urmston. It was an innings of immense class and the kind of thing we're getting used to seeing from Ryan. Clifton finally posted 222-9 in their 50 overs which in all honestly was worth around400!

In reply Flixton went with a bit of a chalk and cheeseapproach with Luke Perry going on the attack and Harry Singh playing very muchan observing role. Singh’s barrier was eventually broken when our skippertrapped him in front for 21 of 68 balls and out came Gareth Cross. The feelingwas that this was the key partnership to break with Perry in his forties andCross capable of destroying any attack. Cross latched quickly on to a shortball which was hit hard to the boundary and I think the feelings were he’d got “in”very quickly until Richard Dempster decided it would only be short stay for theformer Clifton pro.

Dempster ran his fingers across one with a bit of rip on itand managed to produce a ball which I genuinely think would’ve removed any batsman.The delivery pitched just outside leg stump and clipped the very top of offstump and meant that Gareth had to go.

A low bouncing shorter ball from Ben and a great piece offielding from Jordy saw the back of McCann and Holt and Clifton tails were up.

There was a brief period of hitting from 2 other ex-Cliftonlads in Hurt and Cheetham but never really enough to worry about. In the endFlixton fell 71 short and Clifton took 5 points back to Manchester Road.


Match Report Sat 8 June: 2nd XI vs Westleigh CC 2nd XI (Home)

Mon 10 Jun 2024

There was double delight for the firsts and seconds on Saturday as both sides moved into the top three with convincing wins.

At Manchester Road, in the absence of the usual ice cream van, it was Westleigh that provided the 99 as, with skipper Liam on 1st XI wicketkeeping duty, Rob Meredith’s young side restricted the visitors to under 100 with, remarkably, every one of the six bowlers taking at least one wicket. As a result, there was no ‘pick of the bowlers’ although Owen Hogben’s 2-9 off 6 overs is worthy of mention. As 25-0 became 28-4, the prospect of a repeat of last week’s three o’clock finish was on the cards, but some resistance on an easy paced wicket allowed the visitors to close on 99. The reply was punishing, despite the early loss of Ethan Kite, as Steve McManus (pictured) and Dan Jones took the score to 80-1 before Steve was out to a jug avoiding* 49. Dan (35no) and Sam Winstanley saw out the victory, achieved in just 20 overs, to move the side into second spot with games in hand over some of their rivals. 

*For the uninitiated, the term ’jug avoidance’ refers to the days when a batsman’s half century resulted in a cap being passed around the spectators who would chuck in their loose change in appreciation. The recipient was then expected to buy a jug of ale for his team mates, but frequently, the contents of the cap did not meet the cost of the jug and the player had to make up the difference. Hence the term ‘jug avoidance’ for a player getting out on 49. The tradition seems to have died out due to covid, the move away from ‘loose change’ in the pocket and the greater number of under 18 players in teams.


MATCH REPORTS 9th JUNE 2024 3rd XI v Springhead CC (A)

Mon 10 Jun 2024

The thirds made it a triple whammy of wins on Sunday as they progressed into the next round of the Sunday Premier Cup with a six wicket win in the June, not-so-sweltering, ten degrees of heat at Springhead. The result was by no means as comfortable as the score suggests however, as a single partnership of 106 between Jordy Higham and evergreen Chris Lord was the difference on the day. Dodging the raindrops, the hosts batted first and the Clifton attack struggled with the wet ball resulting in some inaccurate bowling and mistakes in the field which the home batsmen punished. However, the young side managed to stay in the game, although the total of 152 (reduced by Duckworth/Lewis to 141) in 31 overs was nevertheless daunting. Jordy Higham struggled manfully against both the batting and a side strain which cannot have been helped by the freezing conditions, finishing with 2-25 and Lucas Haslam weighed in with 2-6 at the end when their remaining batters were throwing everything at the ball. It was then Springhead’s turn to manage the wet ball, and sadly for them, lack of ‘cricket nowse’ saw them unbelievably rolling the ball back to the bowler along the sopping grass, rather than trying to keep it dry. Jordy (52) and Chris (60no) took full advantage and from 9 for 2, put on 106 at well over a run a ball. The final target was achieved in 28 overs and well received by the Clifton faithful that numbered almost as many as the team. Highlights of the day were a superb catch in the deep with a sopping ball by young Owen Hogben and a not so ‘gainly’ attempt at catching a ball over the boundary, that was going for six, by a certain Mr. Worthington, who ended up flat on his posterior. Special thanks to Springhead, not only for ‘getting the game on’, but for their sporting and friendly welcome and, remarkably for Sunday cricket, the provision of teas. We wish them luck for the rest of the season.

Match Report Sun 12 May: 3rd XI vs Prestwich CC 3rd XI (Away)

Tue 14 May 2024

A strong third team made the short away trip to local side Prestwich to get their season underway.  

New captain for the season Stephen McManus won his first toss of the year and elected to bat on which looked like a decent wicketIn went the openers Ethan Kite and Daniel Jones who got off to a low scoring but steady start with the new ball swinging around.  

Prestwich eventually found the breakthrough they were looking for with Daniel jones falling for a solid 25 after being bowled by leg spinner Finlay Lester which left Clifton 38 for 1 after 15.4 overs. In came captain Steve looking for his first runs of the season.  

After a steady start Steve knew we had to increase the run rate and after hitting a couple into the trees he looked in good shape. Shortly after opener Ethan kite was caught at mid-off for a steady 16. Sam Winstanley then joined the captain at the crease as they both looked to keep increasing the run rate. Steve was then bowled for an important 41 and young Sam was joined by experienced Christopher lord. Unfortunately, Chris lord’s stay was a short one (9) and Lewis Keogh entered the pitchLewis (3) then fell to a full toss and Sam once again had a new partner in the middle with him in Jack Barton.  

Jack new his role and went out with intent which was obvious from the start after he hit 7 from his first 4 deliveries. Sam then fell and Owen joined Barton at the crease. After some quick running from them both and more big hitting from Barton Clifton finished on a decent score of 185 for 7. Top scores Jack Barton, Stephen McManus, and Sam Winstanley all finished on 41 but Jack stood out as it only took him 22 balls to hit his 41 where he was stumped on the penultimate ball of the innings.  

Clifton then took the ball and opened with Lewis Keogh from one end and Tom Worthington from the other. After a brilliant opening spell and brilliant stumping by captain Steve Lewis ended up with 3 wickets and tom ended up with 1. This meant Clifton had Prestwich 22 for 4 after just 10.5 overs but still with plenty of work to do. 

After Lewis and tom had finished their spells on came the Hogben brothers Elliot and Owen to try and slow the increasing run rate. After a poor start with the ball Elliot eventually picked up the Prestwich opener after he was caught by jack Barton at mid-off. Younger brother Owen eventually picked up the wicket he was waiting for at the other end bowling the Prestwich batsmen for 37. Daniel jones then replaced Elliot (42-1 off 6) in the bowling attack and quickly got a wicket after wrapping the Prestwich batsman on the pads. After Owen (27-1 off 10) had bowled out and Dan (22-1 off 4) had a bowled a good spell Steve turned to openers Lewis and Tom (14-1 off 7.5) to try and pick up the remaining wickets. Lewis quickly got his 4th of the game as Steve also picked up his 2nd stumpingJust as tom was about to finish his first over in his 2nd spell the heavens opened and the umpires brought the players off with neither side knowing what the DLS score was. Shortly after the umpires decided to call the game with puddles quickly forming all over the Prestwich squareAfter a long wait whilst the scorers and the umpires worked out the DLS it was then figured out that Clifton had won their first game of the season by 18 runs after a brilliant team performance. Lewis Keogh was the standout bowler finishing with figures of 23 for 4 after 8 overs. 

They now look forward to the first round of the cup at home against Woodbank next Sunday! 

 

Match Report Sun 12 May: 1st XI vs Horwich RMI CC - ECB National Club Championship (Round 1) (Home)

Tue 14 May 2024
Sunday saw our 1st XI host fellow GMCL side Horwich CC in round 3 of the ECB National Knock Out.

Clifton had a slightly changed XI from Saturday's win at Bradshaw as both skipper and opening bowler Richard Dempster and Overseas Amateur Max Meyer both finding themselves on the physio's table. Selection shuffled the pack and selected club stalwart Rob Meredith & Jordy Higham to come in and join the squad.

Clifton batted first on a warm sunny Sunday and got off to a flyer. Again the opening partnership of Dorsey and Settle got us off to a great start with the ball flying to all parts and taking us past 50 before the first wicket fell. Sam, who took the aggressors role, was again unlucky to fall victim to a phenomenal catch behind square for a rapid 37 and Joe continued on in a steady fashion. Zach Flaxman, who's has been slightly out of touch in recent weeks, was promoted to 3 and it was a perfect scenario for him to thrive with a good pitch, a fast outfield and the platform set and thrive he did. Zach punished the Horwich bowlers hitting the ball long and hard when it was right to do so and with his foot on the accelerator took us to 141 before he eventually fell for 60 from 50 balls. Settle again continued working the ball well and hitting the freebies when they were offered up and once he was joined by Professional Ryan Ayres Clifton took the game and firmly but us in control. Ryan struck a fantastic 74 not out off 69 balls and when he and Joe (67) were eventually broke up the game was already gone. Clifton amassed 258-5 from 40 overs meaning Horwich in reply had to go at nearly 7's from ball one.

Clifton opened up with our Mr. Economicals, Rob Meredith and Danny Higham who both bowled their 8 over spells straight through meaning that when they had finished, Horwich had only managed 58 off the bat and lost 2 key wickets. The Clifton bowlers continued the stranglehold on the game and all took regular wickets along the way which ultimately meant when the biblical storm hit, Horwich were 50 runs behind the DLS target.

So another great win for the lads and its Ormskirk away in round 4 on May Bank holiday Sunday!

MATCH REPORT 1ST XI SATURDAY 11.5.24

Tue 14 May 2024

The  firsts  made  it  back  to  back  league  wins  and  four  from  four  in  all  competitions,  with  a  comfortable win  in  the  idyllic  surroundings of  Bradshaw  on  Saturday.

With  the  out-of-action second  teamers  swelling the  numbers,  there  was  a  decent  crowd  out  enjoying the  sweltering  heat  as  Richard Dempster  lost  the  toss  and  led  his  troops  out  to  do  battle  with  the  home  side’s  batsmen and  the  unforgiving sun.  One  again, the  bowling  attack were  able  to  take  wickets at  crucial  stages of  the  game.  An  opening stand  of  41  looked  threatening, but  that  was  quickly  reduced to  47-2  with  Dan  Higham striking  twice.  Ben  Hamilton  (pictured) then  stepped  in  with  the  vital  wicket of  Dickinson,  brilliantly caught  by  Dave  Dempster,  and  despite  a  number  of  batsmen  getting into  double  figures, he  ground  out  wickets  at  regular  intervals, finishing  with  impressive figures  of  6-39  off  15  overs  to  add  to  the  4-4  he  captured in  the  midweek under  18  game.  Dan  Higham mopped  up  to  continue  his  early  season form  and  finish with  3-42,  before Sam  Dorsey  and  Joe  Settle started  the  reply  with  a  stand  of  57.  For  the  second week  in  a  row,  Sam  found  himself on  the  receiving end  of  a  stunning  catch, but  Joe  went  on  to  complete  a  composed  half  century  in  a  stand  of  77  with  Max  Meyer,  who’s  also  in  a  bit  of  form  himself,  before falling  for  64.  After  a  slight  stutter in  which  two  further  wickets tumbled,  the  game  was  put  to  bed  with  more  than  20  overs  to  spare.  Remarkably, after  two  games, only  one  other  club  has  a  100%  record  in  this  most competitive  of  leagues, and  that  will become  one  next week  as  we meet  Edgworth,  the other  100%  side, at  Manchester  Road with  a  12.30 start.

MATCH REPORT 1st XI SUNDAY 5.5.24

Tue 7 May 2024
Coloured kits and pink balls were the order of the day at CCC on Sunday as we welcomed Friarmere CC to Manchester Road.

Clifton batted first and in the first 10 were off to a flyer at just below 8 an over being scored but for the loss of 3 wickets. Both Settle (7) and Dorsey (31) were removed by some excellent diving catches at backward point and pro Ryan Ayres fell victim to a strange case of miscommunication when he appeared to call a run to extra cover from the non strikers end which Max (at the strike end) was not interested in at all. Unfortunately Ben Hamilton fell the same way with a great piece of fielding meaning a direct hit was enough to see Ben back to the pavilion. Turner was next to depart for 1 and all of a sudden we were 90-5.

David Dempster (29) came to the crease and along with Meyer rebuilt the innings steadily and kept the score ticking over nicely. A few lusty blows towards the end from Higham (22) and Howarth (34) and with Max still at the crease we got to the final ball of our innings at 278-9. Max needed a single to reach 3 figures and put the cherry on the top of a brilliant innings but unfortunately he guided one in to the keepers gloves and finished on a heroic 99!

With the ball Clifton took regular wickets and our total always seemed too high of a mountain for the opposition to climb. The Friarmere batsmen offered little resistance with the exception of Fielding who managed 62 from 74 but apart from that, the rest were shared amongst the EIGHT Clifton bowlers as follows.

D Higham 3-44
R Dempster 0-5
R Ayres 1-11
B Hamilton 2-39
J Settle 0-6
S Dorsey 2-16
M Turner 1-1
D Dempster 1-6

and Friarmere finished 127 all out!

So now on to round 2 of the cup in a few weeks so lets see who the draw brings!

MATCH REPORT 2ND XI SATURDAY 4.5.24

Tue 7 May 2024
A strong 2nd XI took a trip to Wythenshawe CC on Saturday which for most of us was a first and one we certainly wont forget.

We arrived at the ground to see the covers being pushed off what looked a very green and soft pitch only to be told we weren't playing on that one but one that was more wet and more soft! When the stumps went in we were far more aware of the 40 yard boundary towards the clubhouse which meant bowling spin from both ends would be a very difficult task.

Having lost the toss, Clifton were all together for the start of the 2024 season and as always, we opened with Rob Meredith. Rob bowled beautifully all afternoon but to no reward wickets wise as he finished with ridiculously economic figures of 12 overs 0-16. The last 11 overs from that end were bowled by the skipper who ended with figures of 2-30 bowling right to the death. The 23 overs from that end went at only 2 and over but unfortunately, some indifferent bowling from the other end meant that the opposition probably finished with more than they should have. 

Jordy Higham (1-19 off 4) struggled to find his line and length as did Tom Worthington (0-19 off 4) who followed him. Lewis Keogh was then brought into the attack and bowled 2 great spells of 6 and 3 overs, finishing with an excellent 9 overs 4 for 21. Dan Jones bowled in between Lewis' spells and also bowled with good pace and accuracy bowling his 6 over spell finishing with figures of 2 or 7. 

Wythenshawe did well in the end reaching 115-9, which on a very challenging pitch was worth 200!

The Clifton innings unfortunately never really got going - some were tempted by the short boundary, others were victims of the pitch and some just looked like it was the first time they'd held a bat since September. Only Judge (18) Keogh (20) and Hogben (12) got stuck in but even their combined 50 took 120 balls emphasising just how hard it was to score runs. Tom Worthington did a good job in hanging around whilst runs were being scored showing just how hard he has worked on his batting over winter. 

All in all a poor day at the office but some positives to take forward into the season.

MATCH REPORT 1ST XI SATURDAY 4.5.24

Tue 7 May 2024

The league season got underway  at  last  on  Saturday, with  the  club  being  one  of  very few,  if  any  at  all,  to  get first  and  second  XI  games  in.  The firstsstarted  on  time,  playing  the  full  50 overs, in  a  division  in which  two games  didn’t  even  start. 


The recent  filthy weather  made  it  a  tricky  task  for opening  pair  Sam  Dorsey  and  Joe Settle  who,  after  dispatching  a  couple of  early  gifts,  found  himself  lbw  to the  first  of  Pilling’s  five  victims. Sam,  though,  was  in  ‘they  shall  not pass’  mode,  as  he  dug  in  with Max  Meyer,  to  provide  the  sort  of platform  for  a  late  change  into attack  mode,  much  like  last  week  at Wallasey.  That  partnership  of  101,  with Max  bringing  up  his  first  Clifton  half century,  was  the  impetus  for  an scenario  that  was  very  similar  in nature  to  last  week,  with  Ryan  Ayers (30  off  49)  then    Mason  Turner (21  off  16),  Ben  Hamilton  (12  off 16)  and  Matt  Howarth  (13  off  8) all  bludgeoning  some  very  big  maximums, taking  the  score  to  an  imposing  201, considering  the  conditions  and  the  fact that  the  opposition  bowling  and  fielding was  largely  first  rate.


Shaw  started well,  but  as  always,  wickets  slow  down the  progress  and  after  skipper  Richard Dempster  removed  both  openers  with  22 and  23  on  the  board,  Shaw  were always  going  to  be  up  against  it. Again,  the  bowling  attack  complimented  each other  well,  grinding  out  wickets  and maidens  with  growing  ease,  allowing  Danny Higham  to  return  after  a  tricky  first spell,  to  demolish  the  lower  order with  5-21.  Only  Mason  found  it  difficult to  hit  a  length  and  came  away wicketless  and  it’s  heartening  to  see that,  when  one  bowler  has  an  off day,  the  rest  step  up  to  the plate.  Shaw  finally  succumbed  for  132,  but it  has  to  be  said  that  they will  surprise  a  few  teams  this  season with  their  all  round  quality.  


So,  a good  day  at  the  office  and  onward an  upwards  into  the  cup  tie  and next  week’s  visit  to  the  idyllic pastures  of   Bradshaw,  who’s  promotion party  at  Egerton  proved  a  damp  squib when  they  were  all  out  for  50.

PLAY CRICKET

Fri 3 May 2024
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TO ALL SENIOR PLAYERS (Including juniors playing seniorcricket)

  1. Log in to your play-cricket account at https://play-cricket.com
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Les Bateman

Wed 21 Feb 2024

Les Bateman who has died aged92 was a long serving member of Clifton Cricket Club who contributed muchduring the transformative years of the 1970’s and 80’s.

A middle order batsman andslow medium bowler Les played in the second team notably being part of the sidewhich won the Hardcastle Shield (BDCA 2nd XI Championship) in 1966and again in 1967. His bowling speciality was, as he described it, “my 23yarder to kid ‘em”. He was 2nd XI Captain for a season in 1974 andretired from playing in 1975.

In the late 1960’s he joinedthe General Committee and became more involved in the Club and as a localbuilding contractor he was given the job of constructing the all-new clubhousewhich opened in 1972, and with a new bar and lounge began to generate fundswhich furthered the rapid development of the Club.

Les also worked on the ground duringthis time preparing the wickets on the square. He was also the BDCA Leaguerepresentative for the Club for several years and perhaps the role he enjoyedmost was as Cricket Secretary during the 70’s and 80’s which saw the Club winboth Cross Cup and Championship to Les’ great satisfaction and pride. Lesrelished the role of talking many good cricketers into playing for Clifton.

He then stood down from theGeneral Committee to successfully take on the role of Steward along with hiswife Barbara.

Les was made a Life Member in 1986for services to the Club and in his later years continued to watch the cricketat Clifton taking a keen interest in the players and their performances, alwaysready to offer advice. In the last few years he would regularly be seen everyThursday evening quietly enjoying the company of friends in the Cricket Clubthat he loved.


Disney Disco

Mon 19 Feb 2024
🎉 Disney Disco Delight for Kids! 🎉

📅 Date: February Half Term 21/2/2024

🕺 Join us for a magical Disney-themed disco event that will make your child's February half term unforgettable! 🕺

🏰 Experience the enchantment of Disney like never before:

✨ Dancing to Disney's greatest hits
🎁 Amazing Disney-themed prizes and giveaways
🎈 Decorations that transport you to the world of Disney
🧚 Dress up as your favorite Disney character and be part of the magic! 🧚prize for the best boy and best girl dressed

Don't miss this opportunity to create treasured memories with your kids during the February half term. 🎆

Make this February half term a Disney delight your child will remember forever! 🎠✨