STRETFORD Cricket Club is looking ahead to the inaugural Greater Manchester Cricket League under newly-appointed cricket director Guy Robinson and first XI coach Scott Webb.

The club is approaching its 160th year and is also planning refurbishments to the pavilion at The Boundary – its base off Urmston Lane – at the end of the forthcoming campaign.

With a number of new senior players and the junior membership as strong as ever, club bosses are hopeful of a positive season.

Robinson said: "The Club is looking forward to a great season.

"The winter nets have been supported by all age groups and a number of new senior members will be signing-up to ensure the club can field a fourth senior XI."

The Club has nearly 100 juniors who had a very successful 2015 season – especially at U15 level.

Junior manager Andy Fletcher added: “The club will field sides in every age group in the South Manchester Junior League from U9s to the U18s.

"Additionally, under the name ‘Stretford Spitfires’, it will be fielding a team in the ECB’s new national U19 competition.”

Speaking about the refurbishment off the field, chairman Paul McGuffog said: “The club has an excellent ground, but its pavilion was built back in 1955/56 and is due to be refurbished and modernised at the end of the coming season.

"Its dressing rooms will be extended to include new showers, a new umpires’ room is to be created, the kitchen enlarged and the disabled access arrangements are to be improved."

Juniors practice on Monday evenings and the seniors on Thursdays.

Anyone or any group interested in membership of the club or in using its facilities should contact chairman Paul McGuffog on 07803 697814, cricket director Guy Robinson on 07879 623390 or communications manager Paul Walmsley on 07815 630834.