*🏆 U13 Division One SMJCL Champions – Whalley Range CC Lions finish the league season unbeaten! 🏆*
On a scorching Friday evening at Alderley Park, with temperatures still soaring at the 6pm start, the Whalley Range CC Lions travelled to face Toft CC knowing victory would secure an unbeaten league season and the U13 Division One SMJCL title.
After losing the toss and being asked to field, the Lions made the perfect start. Opening bowlers Mustafa and Isaac applied immediate pressure, restricting Toft to just 45 runs from the opening 10 overs. Mustafa led from the front with an outstanding spell, finishing with 2-12 from his three overs, including the prized wicket of Toft’s captain for just 3.
The pressure never eased. Fazal exploited the turning wicket superbly, returning figures of 2-4 from two exceptional overs, while Frankie, Fred, Ismaeel and Aidan all chipped in with a wicket apiece. Backed by excellent fielding and energy in the heat, the Lions bowled Toft out for 96 in the 19th over.
Chasing 97 to become league champions, Anas and Frankie provided a confident start. Frankie struck two crisp boundaries before departing, bringing captain Zakki to the crease. Despite plenty of sledging from the home side, Zakki showed great composure, letting his bat do the talking with a superb innings of 30 from 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
At the other end, Anas played a magnificent attacking knock, retiring unbeaten on 33 from 27 deliveries, striking six boundaries. Their partnership broke the back of the chase before Fazal and Fred calmly guided the Lions home in just the 14th over to seal a memorable victory.
The celebrations that followed reflected what this talented group has achieved throughout the season. The Lions were presented with the Division One league shield, sparking joyous scenes as players, coaches and families celebrated an unbeaten championship-winning campaign. An even more remarkable achievement is that several members of this squad were also part of Whalley Range’s U11 SMJCL title-winning team in 2024, highlighting the exciting future of junior cricket at the club.
Congratulations to every player, coach and supporter on a fantastic season. League Champions once again! 🦁🏆🏏
On a scorching Friday evening at Alderley Park, with temperatures still soaring at the 6pm start, the Whalley Range CC Lions travelled to face Toft CC knowing victory would secure an unbeaten league season and the U13 Division One SMJCL title.
After losing the toss and being asked to field, the Lions made the perfect start. Opening bowlers Mustafa and Isaac applied immediate pressure, restricting Toft to just 45 runs from the opening 10 overs. Mustafa led from the front with an outstanding spell, finishing with 2-12 from his three overs, including the prized wicket of Toft’s captain for just 3.
The pressure never eased. Fazal exploited the turning wicket superbly, returning figures of 2-4 from two exceptional overs, while Frankie, Fred, Ismaeel and Aidan all chipped in with a wicket apiece. Backed by excellent fielding and energy in the heat, the Lions bowled Toft out for 96 in the 19th over.
Chasing 97 to become league champions, Anas and Frankie provided a confident start. Frankie struck two crisp boundaries before departing, bringing captain Zakki to the crease. Despite plenty of sledging from the home side, Zakki showed great composure, letting his bat do the talking with a superb innings of 30 from 28 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
At the other end, Anas played a magnificent attacking knock, retiring unbeaten on 33 from 27 deliveries, striking six boundaries. Their partnership broke the back of the chase before Fazal and Fred calmly guided the Lions home in just the 14th over to seal a memorable victory.
The celebrations that followed reflected what this talented group has achieved throughout the season. The Lions were presented with the Division One league shield, sparking joyous scenes as players, coaches and families celebrated an unbeaten championship-winning campaign. An even more remarkable achievement is that several members of this squad were also part of Whalley Range’s U11 SMJCL title-winning team in 2024, highlighting the exciting future of junior cricket at the club.
Congratulations to every player, coach and supporter on a fantastic season. League Champions once again! 🦁🏆🏏
