Prestwich’s bowlers were on target again to give the Heys Road side a cup and league boost. Their double header at home to Irlam realised a comfortable six-wicket victory in the league but a more frenetic 24-run triumph in the first round of the Walkden Cup.
And it’s the batting frailties which will be causing concern for the Heys outfit after their bowling attack dismissed the visitors for less than 90 on both days.
Andy Bradley and Amal Dalugoda were in the thick of the wickets on Saturday after the Irlam openers Ahmed and Jackson had survived the opening bursts of Chris Humphreys and Oliver Holt.
The wicket was wet and unpredictable after a week of inclement weather, and the spin duo took full advantage as the visitors slumped from 26 for 0 to 54 for 8; Bradley grabbing four victims and Dalugoda dismissing three, both conceding an identical 20 runs.
Holt grabbed two late wickets and Irlam were all out for 84.
Prestwich made stutttering start in reply as both openers Mike Hudson and Gareth Barnes were back in the pavilion with the score on 5.
However, Dalugoda ensured there were few hiccups to come as he cracked nine fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 64, and although Prestwich lost two further wickets, the five points were safely bagged and leadership of the Lees Lancashire County League retained.
On Sunday, Prestwich batted first and again found themselves up to their necks in treacle.
The top five were all dismissed with just 23 on the board as Thomas (2 for 14) and Blackman (3 for 19) ran riot, and included the prize victim of Dalugoda.
Humphreys then survived an easy chance and made the visitors pay by hitting a match-winning 43 to push Prestwich up to the 100-mark on another uneasy playing surface.
Sam Holden and Tom Gibson gave the skipper good support but a total of 112 put the onus on the bowlers to excel again.
All five bowlers rose to the challenge in giving Prestwich a thrillng victory as Irlam could not cope for the second time in two days.
Although Dalugoda struck twice and Tahir was run out via Humphreys, Irlam made steady progress, and at 58 for 3, looked to be in the driving seat.
Then Bradley spun a double blow when Quinn was caught by Chris Thomas for 12 and the stubborn resistance of Ahmed was ended for 28 after his intended sweep trapped him l.b.w.
Humphreys and Phil Kyle put a further stranglehold on the batsmen, picking up a wicket apiece, before Holt was brought back into the attack and cleaned up the tail with an eye-catching spell of fiery bowling.
He finished with 3 for 22 while the brace for Dalugoda and Bradley was at a cost of 20 runs each, exactly the same as the day before!
Prestwich now face a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with neighbours Stand on June 21.
On Saturday, a top-of-the-table clash faces Prestwich when they visit second-placed Denton West followed by a tough game at home to Flowery Field on Sunday.
