THE Spitfires and Hurricanes sides took centre stage for Stretford Cricket Club last weekend after both the first and second teams fell to defeat in league matches.

The Spitfires were looking to extend their 100-per-cent winning start to the season as they continued their campaign at Europa Exiles and they did just that with a six-wicket victory.

After losing the toss, young skipper Ethan Page could not have been happier with opening bowlers Hussain and Renforth, who kept the early overs tight.

After Page dropped one off the bowling of Renforth the skipper made a change, bringing Tresnan and himself on to try and change Stretford's fortune.

The change worked and when Tresnan took two wickets quickly, and Renforth made no mistake off Page's bowling, Europa looked in trouble at 60-5.

However, with Lawton taking control, Europa quickly racked up runs and blew Stretford's bowlers away with a quickfire 50 seeing them reach 172-8 after 40 overs.

The Spitfires took little time getting started in their reply, as Laker smashed Lawton for four with the opening ball of the second innings.

Stretford looked comfortable but when both Laker and Stamper fell, it was left to Tresnan (33) and Walmsley (29) to pick up the pieces.

With Walmsley looking comfortable as always, and Tresnan finding form after a long break, Stretford quickly reached 100.

After both batsmen were dismissed, it was left to O'Malley and Kilcourse to steer Stretford home.

Stretford Hurricanes faced Astley and Tyldesley at Lesley Road.

After being bowled out for 110, with few highlights in the Stretford innings with skipper Peter Murphy falling over mid-shot and stumped, Hurricanes looked set for a league defeat when Astley set themselves at 60-3.

However, after clutching one out of the sky, John Grant was the man of the moment as he took 2-3 off just three overs. After a collapse by A&T, Stretford managed to rattle through their order and clinch a 16-run victory.

Stretford are looking for the next generation of young cricketers to join the club.

Any youngsters interested in taking up the sport or joining are welcome at junior training on Monday evenings between 6.30pm and 8pm.