Stayley make history

A club from Tameside are set to play at the Home of Cricket. 

Stayley CC will play at Lord’s next month in the final of the Voneus Village Cup after defeating 2022 champions Dumbleton by four wickets on Sunday afternoon. 

Hosts Stayley won the toss and elected to field, eventually bowling the visitors out for an impressive 88, with Mehmood Ul-Hassan picking up four wickets early on to set the tone of the afternoon. 

In response, Liam Parkinson got Stayley off to a flyer, hitting 29 from 22 before Sohail Khan was run out for 0, which ramped up the tension at Oxford Street. 

Despite the hosts going on to lose six wickets, captain Nick Woodhead was able to steady the ship and see his side home, scoring 25 off the same number of deliveries and sealing Stayley’s place in the final. 

“It’s the feeling of a lifetime,” said Woodhead following the win. 

“It’s not sunk in yet, I don’t think you can put it into words. 

“You play for a little club like Stayley and you just don’t expect these moments.” 

Stayley chairman Lance Bromley added: 

“This is the biggest moment in the club’s history, it’s monumental. 

“It’s going to be a massive day of celebration whatever happens, and we need to appreciate what we’ve done, but at the same time we’re going there to win. 

“It’s going to be a tough game, but I back our lads against anyone.” 

Standing in Stayley’s way are current holders, Foxton Granta CC, who they will face on September 21.