PRESTWICH CLINCH WALKDEN CUP

PRESTWICH skipper Andy Bradley says it is full steam ahead for the Lancashire County League title after completing the first half of the double by winning the Walkden Cup in emphatic fashion on Sunday.

The Heys Road men registered a huge 132-run triumph at Denton St Lawrence thanks to a man-of-the-match display from Sam Holden (87 and 4-38).

Holden and pro Ali Raza (83 not out) helped set a huge total of 356-5 with Ryan Stanbury (45) and James Wharmby (42) chipping in after the visitors had won the toss.

In reply, Luke Dempsey top scored with 75 but Holden was supported by Tom Gibson (2-52) and Tom Scott (2-59) as the hosts were bowled out for 224.

Bradley was delighted to win the cup in its last season and felt there was maybe an element of fate involved.

The skipper told The Guide: “It was the Walkden family who presented the cup to the league in the early 1900s and Mr Walkden was our president at the time so it feels right it should be back at the club in the last season.

“It was a brilliant day with some great performances.

“It went to plan winning the toss and then setting a big total in just 50 overs.

“Then the bowling saw us home and the fans who went with us were brilliant.

“It’s fantastic for everyone at the club and thanks has to go to chairman Brian Lorenzini for his support.

“Sixteen-year-old Nathan Bailey also deserves a mention for stepping in to the team at the last minute and fielding well.”

The cup win came off the back of an eight-wicket home triumph against lowly Stretford the previous day in the league.

Prestwich take on Woodbank on Saturday then local rivals Stand on Sunday and Bradley, who took four wickets against Stretford, believes two wins would see them within touching distance of the title.

He added: “Win both those and we are nearly there and that would just cap a fantastic season to make it a double.”