STRETTON made a winning start in Meller Braggins Division Three at recently-relegated side Wilmslow.

Star bowler was Mark Critchley, who took 5 for 70, as Wilmslow amassed a credible 208 for 9.

Stretton reached their target with 10 balls to spare.

Young Adam Garrod scored an excellent and mature 70, ably supported by vice captain Steve Critchley, who scored 44.

Additional support came from Steve Lyons, 23, and Ehsan Malik with a cameo knock at the end.

Stretton’s second team lost to newly-relegated Hale Barns in their Meller Braggins League Division A opener on Saturday.

Hale Barns scored 155 for nine after batting first, with the veteran pace attack of Dave Smyth, 4 for 31, and Bryan Jones, 2 for 40, doing the damage.

But Stretton were bowled out for 132 in reply, as talented youngster James Wells was the only player to reach double figures with a knock of 71.

The Sunday XI, skippered again by Darran Weissenborn, also started with a win in the Cheshire County League’s third XI cup competition.

Entertaining Romiley, Stretton batted first and amassed 238 for 8 off their 45 overs, Garrod continuing Saturday’s good work with 71.

He was supported well by D Tidd, 46 not out, M Owens, 44 and C Stevenson, 22.

Romiley were dismissed for only 122, as Ray Potts took 3 for 14.

Stretton’s under 13s suffered a 22-run defeat to Neston.

Batting first, Neston scored 106 for 7 off 24 overs, with A Heath retired not out on 31 and Danny Mullins pick of the bowlers with 2 for 19.

In reply, Stretton managed 84 for 6 off 24 overs, Mullins following up his strong bowling performance by retiring not out on 31, while R White took 2 for 15.