‘Wich hitch as West prove best

by | Thursday July 21st 2016 | Cricket

The Premier Division title race was thrown open after Prestwich suffered defeat for the second year running at Denton West.

Last year’s only league blemish came at Windsor Park, and West proved a thorn in Prestwich’s side again.

Heavy overnight rain left conditions very soft, and the pitch was not deemed fit until 3.40pm, which meant it became a 28-over contest.

The home side’s total of 181 for 8 was always going to be a tough ask, as it would have been a decent total in a normal 50-over game.

West surpassed the 100-mark for the loss of just one wicket, with Seyibokwe in excellent form, although he was dropped on 30.

He made 73 off 67 balls, and while wickets started to fall steadily in the latter overs, a few lusty blows from John McAllister ensured West held the upper hand.

Skipper Andy Bradley grabbed four wickets, but Mike Finan was the pick of the attack, claiming 3 for 35 in his seven-over spell.

Ryan Stanbury and James Wharmby staged a 58-run opening stand before Stanbury was well held by Sam Sweeney on the mid-on boundary for 30 and Wharmby followed quickly after, caught by John Barnett, off Sweeney, for 28.

Marty Walters and Sam Holden put together a 57-run partnership, but the West attack of Oddy, Dunlop and Sweeney made the Prestwich duo work hard for their runs, and the required rate soon spiralled up to nine an over and beyond.

Mix-ups left both Walters (25) and Ali Raza (1) on the wrong end of two run outs, and the task was suddenly not just an uphill one, but mountainous.

Mike Hudson and Mike Finan lost their wickets to Seyibokwe in a desperate bid for runs, but Prestwich then settled for a point on 142 for 6, with Holden unbeaten on 45.

Prestwich remain top of the Premier Division, two points of ahead of Egerton, with Clifton a further three points away in third place.

They welcome Heywood, captained by former Prestwich player Chris Humphreys, to The Heys on Saturday.

* The 2nd XI lost their cup quarter final to Woodbank by six wickets on Sunday, but will hope to keep in the hunt for the division three league title on Saturday with an away trip to Irlam.

Pic: Denton West CC Twitter @DentonWestCC