STRETFORD CC have made a positive start to the new Greater Manchester League season and recorded their sixth straight victory a crushing victory against Denton West second XI to move to second in Division 2B.

The Lesley Road club are seeking a return to Division One before the GMCL league moves to a linear structure rather than the current feeder pyramid system.

The short-term aim is to gain promotion, recruit seniors and build the junior section to produce quality home-grown players.

The signing of Ryan Williams, who plied his trade for Rainhill in the Liverpool Competition, has been vital in helping Stretford to six wins so far.

He has captured more than 20 wickets and scored 110 runs, and taken the vice captaincy.

He looks ready-made to lead the attack should promotion be achieved.

Stretford also signed two overseas amateurs from South Africa, brothers Francoise and Miguel Stoman, who have also weighed in heavily both on and off the pitch, already scoring 100 runs each which is a good return considering the club has been winning chasing low totals.

Their contribution has been important and has really helped give a vibrant feel to the club.

Ocean O’Malley has benefited from a great deal of winter training and has captured 10 wickets already this season and provided excellent support for new-ball bowlers.

He will have his sights set on higher returns as the season progresses, as will off-spinner Thomas Coulson who has continued his form from last season already taking 15 wickets

With the bat, Matthew Armstrong has again impressed, weighing in with 167 runs.

However, he will want to convert his starts into big 50s and hundreds moving forward.

With more than 20 games left to play, skipper Benjy Evans will be demanding high standards as the season goes on.