AN EXCELLENT all-round performance by captain Danie van Schoor led the Stretford first team to a narrow Greater Manchester Cricket League Division Two victory on a rain-filled day at Westleigh.

After winning the toss, Westleigh's captain had no hesitation in inserting Stretford, an advantage in rain-affected cricket. After losing two early wickets, one to a run-out, Van Schoor steadied the ship with a 50-run partnership with David Roberts (20) and 30 with Jason Stringer (nine).

The main partnership of the innings was with 18-year-old Ocean O'Malley (32).

With Van Schoor being caught for a well-earned 61, the Stretford innings finished on 200.

After a number of rain delays, WestLeigh had to score 189 to win in 42 overs.

They made an excellent start, scoring 38 in the first 11 overs before Ahmad Muhammad struck twice.

Unfortunately for Stretford, Muhammad suffered a nasty blow to the face while fielding and had to leave the field for a short time.

Jason Stringer (1-38) bowled his usual miserly spell from 11 overs and Stretford picked up wickets regularly.

With Westleigh on 121-7 the game looked over, but a 49-run partnership looked to then give them the edge.

Van Schoor broke the partnership, finishing with 4-41, and the returning Muhammad (4-45) finished the innings off.

The victory puts Stretford second with three games to go and handily placed for promotion.

Meanwhile at Lesley Road, the second team took a step closer to promotion with a six-wicket victory against Bolton Indians first team.

The heroes of this week's game were 15-year-old Yash Raj with 6-29 and veteran Wasim Zafar (47).

Batting first after a slow start, Bolton Indians managed to finish with 156, Mark Stamper (2-32) and Daud Muhammad (2-35) the pick of the bowlers supporting Raj.

After rain, Stretford's victory target was amended to 122.

Contributions from Matthew Laker (20) and captain Ben Riddell (25 not out) saw Stretford home in 27 overs.

On Sunday, Andrew Fletcher led the third team to a seven-wicket victory at Monton and Weaste.

The hosts were bowled out for 92, with three wickets for Thomas Coulson, two for Kamran Hussain and three for Matthew Laker.

Under-13s' wicketkeeper Matthew Kilcourse also had three stumpings.

Stretford knocked the runs off for three wickets in only 20 overs, with top scorers Matthew Armstrong (22) and Mark Stamper (26no) shining.

The first XI are at home to Edenfield on Saturday and the seconds travel to Friends United.

On Sunday, the thirds visit Farnworth Social Circle and the fourths are at home to Whalley Range.

On Bank Holiday Monday the club hosts the South Manchester Junior League Under-18s' finals day.

Stretford play in the final game against Cheadle.