1. May 2026
Dufty ton powers Oulton Park to opening day victory
Oulton Park CC 1st XI vs Romiley CC 1st XI | 18th April 2026
There’s no better way to kick off a campaign than with a commanding win — and that’s exactly what Oulton Park’s 1st XI delivered against Romiley at Pinfold Lane.
After losing the toss, skipper Andy Dufty was asked to set a target on a surface that still had a bit of early-season unpredictability about it. No panic. No fuss. Just a captain leading from the front.
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Early wobble… then the skipper takes charge
It wasn’t all smooth sailing early on.
George Moss was snapped up behind the stumps in just the second over, and when both Danny Leech (33) and Frank Farrington (25) fell in quick succession — thanks to some smart work from Romiley’s Paul Garner — Oulton Park needed someone to steady the ship.
Enter Dufty.
Calm, composed, and completely in control, he built the innings brick by brick. Alongside Nick Ball (25), he shifted the momentum with a crucial 74-run partnership that started to put Oulton Park back on top.
But this innings was about to go up another level.
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From steady… to spectacular
When Owen Williamson (56*) joined Dufty at the crease, the tempo changed.
The pair were clinical — not reckless, not overcautious — just smart, controlled aggression. Gaps were found, boundaries came at the right time, and the running between the wickets kept Romiley under constant pressure.
Their unbeaten stand of 108 in just over 14 overs turned a solid total into a daunting one.
And at the heart of it all?
Dufty, finishing unbeaten on 103* — a captain’s innings in every sense.
Oulton Park closed on 257, a total that always felt just out of reach on that surface.
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Litler leads the charge with the ball
If the batting laid the platform, the bowlers wasted no time in putting the game to bed.
Jonny Litler (4 wickets) set the tone early, striking twice in the opening exchanges to leave Romiley rocking. Sharp, accurate, and relentless — it was top-class new-ball bowling.
Jamie Sandlands joined the party soon after, and suddenly Romiley were in deep trouble at 43 for 4 inside 9 overs.
From there, it was all about control.
Dufty chipped in with two key wickets, while James Bell and Frazer Heginbotham kept things tight and picked up important breakthroughs. Even when Romiley tried to rebuild, Oulton Park never let the pressure drop.
Brodie Richardson (24) threatened briefly, but once he fell, the result felt inevitable.
Mark Flattley battled hard for his unbeaten 44, but wickets kept tumbling at the other end, and Romiley were eventually bowled out well short — 85 runs adrift.
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A complete team performance
This was as close to a perfect opening day as you’ll see.
- A century from the skipper
- A dominant middle-order partnership
- Four wickets for Litler
- Contributions right across the side
Even behind the stumps, Farrington set the tone with a sharp display, while the fielding backed up every ounce of pressure the bowlers created.
And for those who like a bit of history — Dufty clearly enjoys facing Romiley. Another century, another match-winning performance.
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Momentum building…
It’s only the first game, but this had all the signs of a side ready to compete.
Confidence is high. Standards are set. And there’s plenty more to come.
Next up: a trip to Cheadle Hulme.
If this is how Oulton Park start the season… it could be a very exciting summer ahead.