STRETFORD'S first XI made short work of beating Brooksbottom by seven wickets in Greater Manchester League Division One A on Saturday and secured a third win in five games in the process.

It was another magical day for Alex Grant and Corey Fagan, both producing match-winning performances against a side boasting two of the league's leading run scorers.

Skipper Benjy Evans removed the dangerous Zohair Quereshi without scoring and strangled Brooksbottom's run rate with figures of 1-12 off eight overs.

Brooksbottom slipped to 42-4 when Grant had overseas player David Bonavia caught behind and then trapped run machine Ashley Gowers lbw.

Despite a battling 38 from opener Paul Hopton, Brooksbottom continued to lose wickets without showing any determination to bat their allotted overs.

The gregarious Grant claimed 5-26 and Fagan chipped in with a further three wickets as Brooksbottom were rolled out for 89 with 18 overs remaining.

Stretford gained a bonus point by chasing down Brooksbottom's meagre total for the loss of only three wickets. Fagan punished the hosts' dismal fielding by blasting four sixes and seven fours.

His 66 not out was far from being blemish free but was essential in securing the victory while the merry-go-round of batsmen at the top of the order continues to spin around him.

Stretford reached 90-3 from only 16 overs to seal the win.

They travel to mid-table Walshaw this weekend with increased confidence while the second team host Dukinfield.