STRETFORD Cricket Club's first XI added a league win to their impressive victory over Walshaw in the cup when they recorded a confidence-boosting four-wicket victory in Greater Manchester Cricket League Division One A over Stayley on Saturday.

After winning the toss, Stayley enjoyed some good fortune in reaching 29 before Steven Bird edged behind for the first of Alex Grant’s five wickets.

Peter Skuse fell just prior to the first drinks break for 47 when he was stumped off the bowling of Corey Fagan with the score on 62.

In the face of some gargantuan hitting from Aqeel Ahmed (58), Stretford’s lines and lengths became more disciplined and proved too much for Stayley.

Ahmed was brilliantly run out by Tom Coulson, who threw down the stumps at the non-striker's end which provided a vital turning point.

There was also a wonderful catch by Matt Armstrong, tumbling one-handed down leg side, behind the stumps off Grant.

On a small ground with a rapid field, Grant finished with figures of 5-55, his second first-team five-wicket haul.

The popular Grant has endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury and was impressive, particularly in the second half of his spell, beating the bat on numerous occasions.

Although being hit for five sixes, Corey Fagan returned figures of 2-44 and miserly skipper Benjy Evans took 1-32 off 12 overs.

Important contributions from Dillen Watson (28 not out) and Ben Riddell (16) guided Stretford home with 16 overs remaining but a blistering 76 from 59 balls from Fagan damaged a shell-shocked Stayley early in the second innings after Stretford slipped to 30-2.

His 70-run partnership with O’Malley proved pivotal in securing victory.

This week Stretford will be looking to continue their good form against Royton at home to make it three wins out of four.