BUTLER SLAMS THE DOOR ON PRESTWICH

Hopes of a flying start to the league season for Prestwich came crashing down against Woodhouses.

Professional Josh Butler sent the Heys team spinning to defeat last Saturday with an outstanding performance, taking nine wickets at a miserly cost of 37 runs.

With Prestwich invited to bat on a wicket looking incredibly firm, granted recent wet conditions, a total which just sneaked over the 100-mark was always going to be a tall order to defend.

Butler had sent Carl Hey, James Wharmby and Sam Holden back to the pavilion with just 16 runs on the board, and whilst glimmers of a revival flickered on a couple of occasions, Butler slammed the door firmly shut.

Tom Gibson made 15 before Butler deceived him with a beauty and David Taylor made 14 before he likewise fell to the Butler guile.

The main bright spot was provided by South African Ryan Stanbury, who played some exquisite back foot shots and cracked five boundaries in making 38. Whilst he was at the crease, there was a chance Prestwich could set a reasonable target, but he was well caught and bowled by Nick Hardman – the only wicket to fall at the other end.

The visitors had to dig in to overhaul the 101-run target as the Prestwich bowling attack made life tough, with Holden snaring Mike Cassidy l.b.w. for 5 to give them an early boost.

But despite the home side’s best efforts, Chris Reeves and Sam Crook ground out a vital 58-run partnership, forcing captain Andy Bradley to make regular changes in pursuit of the breakthrough.

Holden succeeded again in his second spell, bowling Crook for 25, and although he took two more scalps – Danny Ball and Nick Hardman – opener Chris Reeves’ unbeaten innings of 41 proved pivotal in his side’s six wicket triuimph. Holden finished with an excellent 4 for 24 return from 11.3 overs.

An early season derby clash arrives on Saturday as Prestwich make the short trip to Stand, and then play host to Flowery Field on Sunday as part of a league double header.