Blood, Sweat and Tears – 1st XI Secure Premier League One Status
Clifton sealed their Premier League One status for 2026 in unforgettable fashion on Saturday, beating Denton West in a game full of grit, drama, and emotion. For Sam Dorsey’s young side, the 6-wicket win capped a season of resilience and marked a fantastic achievement.
Having won the toss, Clifton chose to bowl, and their attack delivered with relentless discipline. Ben Hamilton (1–20) struck early before Oliver Sleight (4–69) and Finlay Testa (3–27) tore through the Denton West order. Despite a fighting 49 from Flynn and 38 from Marshall, West were bowled out for just 133 in 36.3 overs. Even the fielding carried drama, Zach Flaxman showed typical bravery after suffering a nasty blow to the mouth from a ball that reared awkwardly out of the foot holes.
The chase was never straight forward. Flaxman himself gave Clifton a rapid start with a fluent 24 from 18 balls, and Steve McManus (34)added calm support. Yet wickets tumbled, and at 89–5 the nerves were jangling. That was when captain Sam Dorsey showed his class, guiding the innings with a composed and unbeaten 42*. Supported by the determination of Mason Turner (2* off 24 balls), who soaked up the pressure at the other end, Dorsey steered Clifton home in the 33rd over.
When the winning runs came, there was no holding back the emotion. It was more than just a win, it was confirmation that this young side belongs in Premier League One.