NORMAL service was resumed for Prestwich on Saturday when the league leaders recovered from defeat at title rivals Denton West to sweep aside fourth-placed Dukinfield.
Ryan Stanbury fell 11 runs short of a century and captain Andy Bradley helped himself to six wickets as the Lancashire County League table toppers eased to a comfortable win at The Heys.
Prestwich will be aiming to extend their five-point lead at the top with victory against second-placed Glossop on Saturday before coming up against Lancashire star Kate Cross and Heywood in the Lancashire Knockout on Sunday.
And although skipper Bradley believes both games pose big tests he his confident his fearless side can win both.
“Every team in the league has played the same number of games now and we are still on top so it proves how well we are playing right now,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough weekend but we will go out to attack and get the wins.
“Glossop are a team bang in form. Their opening batsmen Lee Dale and Dale Pennington are two of the best in the league.
“You pretty much have to get them out early otherwise they will be setting a big score or chasing down any target you set.
“They are two class players but we have got a few of our own so we won’t be worrying too much about them.
“Heywood are a good side and Kate and her brother Bobby are both likely to be playing, so we know that will be difficult.
“They beat us in a pre-season game a couple of seasons ago but we are definitely a stronger team now.
“We will both be in the Greater Manchester League next season so it will be a good gage to see how we are doing.”
Dukinfield’s openers Chris Marrow and Lewis Riley were both out for one apiece on Saturday and although professional Marty Kain top scored with 68, Bradley took 6-50 and Tom Scott also took two wickets to put the brakes on their innings as the visitors were all out for 131.
Stanbury smashed his way to 89 off 42 balls and James Wharmby chipped in with an unbeaten 29 as Prestwich knocked off the target with 38 overs to spare.
And Bradley was delighted with Stanbury’s batting prowess and the overall effort of his team.
“Stanbury just smashed it everywhere. He took them apart. He was brilliant and it was great to watch.
“Everyone chipped in which was great to see.
“Wilf Reeve did well to get their main batsman Marrow out for just one run.
“Marrow is a young South African player who’s been getting a lot of runs recently.
“He got 50 or 60 against us in the Lancs knockout earlier in the season so it was a big wicket for us to get early on.
“Sam Holden bowled nice and tight and took three catches, while Tom Gibson took a spectacular catch to finish the innings off.”
