STRETFORD Cricket Club's first and second XIs completed a winning double for the second weekend in succession.

In the Greater Manchester Cricket League Division One, firsts captain Karl Taylor led his side to victory against his former club Denton.

However, it was not all plain sailing.

Oral Rankine once again provided the goods with the ball, bowling 15 overs for figures of 6-55.

Denton dragged themselves to a respectable 126-9 on a pitch that would prove difficult later on.

Stretford seemed in control early in the second innings with opening batsmen Adrian Holmes and Christopher Sharp giving them a steady start.

Gus Harman looked comfortable until he chipped one to short leg for just eight.

Rankine was dismissed shortly after scoring a straight four, however Brad Holmes joined his brother in the middle and saw Stretford to 107-4 at drinks.

Victory looked a certainty until a number wickets started to fall.

Fortunately for the Lesley Road outfit, juniors Muhammed and Armstrong saw Stretford home with eight wickets down despite a few tense final moments in a game that could have gone either way.

Sunday gave the seconds the opportunity to continue their winning start which they did in style.

After Greenfield posted a strong 161 after 45 overs Stretford looked in trouble when they found themselves 58-5 after Ben Riddell chipped one lazily to mid-off after posting 25.

However, a superb 56 not out from John Foulkes, supported by debutant Jeff Marshall (36), saw Stretford cruise to victory in a game that had twist and turns throughout.

Both sides look ahead to tricky games on Saturday with the first XI away to Edgworth, while the seconds face Rochdale firsts at home.