CAPTAIN Andy Bradley hailed the “unbelievable” batting masterclass of Prestwich trio James Wharmby, Ryan Stanbury and professional Marty Walters as the league leaders sent the records tumbling with an emphatic 202-run victory at reigning champions Denton St Lawrence.
All three smashed their way to centuries as the Lancashire County League table toppers hit 431-6 at Sycamore Park to move 10 points clear of second-placed Denton West following their surprise defeat at the Heys Road men’s next opponents, Woodhouses.
Stanbury, who in the final game of last season recorded the league’s fastest-ever century from 44 balls, rewrote the history books again, this time racking up a century from 39 balls.
It was the South African’s fourth ton of the campaign, which also saw him pass 600 runs for the season, and he went on to make 124.
Fellow opener Wharmby notched up his 500th run when he smashed his way to his first ton and highest-ever score of 126 as the opening partnership put on 163 for the first wicket.
Top scorer Walters (133) hit his second century of the season, while fourth bat Sam Holden (eight) also passed the 600-run mark.
Neil Mistry’s five-wicket haul was the only highlight for the Denton St Lawrence bowlers.
“It was a seriously impressive batting display from the three guys at the top of the order,” said Bradley. “It was unbelievable and a joy to watch.”
Luke Dempsey (45) and Mark Dillnutt (23) tried to launch an unlikely comeback but even before captain Adam Hawley came to the crease with a top score of 63, Denton SL’s efforts looked doomed.
Wilf Reeve, who showed his commitment to the cause with a 250-mile round trip from Durham, was the pick of the Prestwich bowlers taking 4-49, while Bradley also helped himself to 3-57 as the hosts were all out for 229.
“They did try to chase the score down,” said the skipper.
“They smashed the ball all over the place.
“But they needed 302 to get even a point and it never looked like happening.”
Prestwich, who have lost just one league game this season, will look to continue their push for a league and cup double when they host sixth-placed Woodhouses on Saturday before travelling to near neighbours Roe Green in the semi-final of the Walkden Cup on Sunday, both 1pm starts.
