NEAR PERFECT WEEKEND

Delighted captain Andy Bradley says his Prestwich side enjoyed a “near perfect weekend” following back-to-back victories in the league and cup.

The Lancashire County League leaders kept up their unbeaten start to the season with a six-wicket victory against Flowery Field on Saturday to move seven points clear at the top of the table, before dumping Stretford out of the Walkden Cup on Sunday.

A match-winning unbeaten partnership from professional Martin Walters (90) and Tom Gibson (45) led the Heys Road men to 162 for the loss of just four wickets at Throstle Bank Street.

Flowery Field hit 161-8 in reply as bowler Sam Holden starred with the ball for the second week running, taking 4-24 including three maidens from his 86 balls.

“Holden bowled accurately and with good pace but the day belonged to Walters and Gibson,” said Bradley.

“We only got four points as we failed to bowl Flowery Field out, but we did get the win.

“Its now five from five in the league and are still clear at the top.”

Stretford were the visitors to Heys Road in the first round of the Walkden Cup on Sunday, with the home side looking for revenge after twice being beaten by last season’s basement club.

And again Prestwich were made to work hard for the win.

S Green top-scored with 79 as Stretford were dismissed for 219. Tom Scott was the pick of the Prestwich bowlers taking 2-39 from his 10 overs.

Opener Ryan Stanbury smashed his way to 112 from 52 balls, supported by Walters with 35, as Prestwich posted 221-8 to clinch a two-wicket win.

“We nearly managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory but we scraped over the line to get the revenge that we wanted,” said Bradley.

Prestwich will travel to Woodhouses in the quarter-final on June 21 and host Thornham on Saturday.