STRETFORD first team's run of excellent form ended with a comprehensive six-wicket loss to Greater Manchester Cricket League Division Two promotion rivals Edenfield.

The Stretford batting never got going against excellent seam bowling with Andrew Rushton and Brandon Diplock taking four wickets each.

It could have been a lot worse as Stretford were 40-8, but they were thankful to last year's captain Wasim Zafar who, with a hard-fought 25, brought the total to 90.

The total was never going to be enough, but Stretford's much-vaunted bowling attack made it difficult for the Edenfield batsmen.

At 45-4 at tea it was game on after four wickets from pace man Thomas Wright, who finished with 4-39.

But Barnes (45 not out) and Nixon (17no) saw Edenfield home in 26 overs.

On Sunday, the young third team lost in a low-scoring game at Farnworth Social Circle.

Stretford scored 65 and had Farnworth SC six wickets down before they scored the required runs.

The fourth team had a narrow two-wicket victory over local rivals Whalley Range at Lesley Road, with the wickets shared as they bowled Whalley Range out for 155.

Stretford's reply started well and it looked like an easy win, but after Hamza Mirza (45) and Tom Sydall (51) were dismissed, wickets fell regularly.

Usman Hussain (29no), aided by veteran Merrick Weems, saw the team home.

On Bank Holiday Monday, Stretford hosted the South Manchester Junior League under-18s' finals day.

The Stretford Spitfires lost by five wickets to Cheadle despite a late rally by the home bowlers.

On Saturday, the first team are away at Flowery Field.