STRETFORD lost both games at the weekend, though their much-improved batting effort against high-flying Edgworth was a positive on Sunday.

A good bowling display in the first day’s match against Denton limited their opponents to 165-7 with Ahmad Muhammad taking 4-32. Adam Hayes scored 59 for Denton and a run-a-ball stand of 46 late on gave Denton a reasonable total.

Stretford again struggled with the bat with wickets falling regularly as Stretford ended on 99 with Bradleigh Holmes finishing on a creditable 25 not out.

The following day Stretford again fielded first and bowled tidily to hold Edgworth to 169 all out with Brett Ernst scoring 59. Captain Karl Taylor took 6-49 from 15 overs and Holmes chipped in with 2-32.

Stretford’s batting struggled to maintain the required run rate with Taylor (27), Holmes (46) and youngster Thomas Coulson (32 not out) the main contributors as Stretford finished on 155-7 in the face of miserly bowling.

Stretford’s second team beat Greenfield thirds by three wickets on Saturday, but fell to defeat to Rochdale Cathloic Club the following day.

Against Greenfield they limited their opponents to 178 all out with Coulson and Kamran Hussain taking three wickets each.

Stretford had an excellent opening stand of 115 to thank for their victory, with Matthew Armstrong scoring 37 and Michael Tresnan 71 to see them home.

Sajid Imam hit 63 from 48 balls to help Stretford set 169 on Sunday but the Rochdale side reached the target with five wickets in hand.