INJURY to Prestwich’s opening batsman and strike bowler Ryan Stanbury took the shine off a convincing victory at Heywood.
The nine-wicket win moved the Heys Road men into top spot in the Greater Manchester League Premier Division.
Stanbury was a focal point of Saturday’s victory, taking 2-20 and scoring 18 from 18 balls before retiring hurt.
“Ryan was lining up another big hit after launching a huge six into the car park in the previous over when his knee just seemed to collapse from under him,” said captain Andy Bradley.
“He went to hospital to get it checked out and is having to go back for tests this week.
“At this point we don’t know what the problem is but it did not look good.”
Stanbury is expected to miss this weekend’s matches, at bottom side Unsworth in the league and against Division Two Radcliffe in the first XI cup.
But while Bradley is concerned his star all-rounder could be missing for a number of weeks, he is confident the side will be able to maintain their fine early season form.
“We have players who have opened the batting and bowling in the past that can step up,” he added.
“Obviously, we will miss Ryan and I hope he is back fit sooner rather than later, but we have great depth to the squad so in the short term we should be fine.”
Bradley was given plenty of cause for optimism after watching his side bowl out Heywood for 117 then reach their target in 25 overs with the loss of just one wicket.
The captain’s spin bowling was particularly effective on a turning pitch, helping him to figures of 5-20 from 15 overs. Sam Holden also weighed in with 3-26.
Long-time Prestwich opener Chris Thomas (19) was one of only two Heywood batsmen to reach double figures. Dominic Humphreys was the other, coming in at number three and grinding his way to 52 from 133 balls.
But wickets continued to tumble at the other end while Prestwich’s tight bowling attack made scoring difficult.
“I think they managed only six boundaries in just less than 50 overs, so I was really pleased with our economy,” added Bradley.
“We bowled really well as a unit, and while I was happy with my five wickets, the most pleasing thing was I only conceded 20 runs from 15 overs.
“James Wharmby did well again with the bat to make 35 and our pro Martin Walters hit 55 not out and looks to be on top, top form.”
A second bonus point from their second win in two games put Prestwich into pole position in the Premier Division, level on points with Flixton at the top.
“It’s obviously great to be up there, but I don’t read anything into the table at this early stage,” added Bradley.
“The table only really gives a true picture after the half way stage.”
Bradley expects more good news this week, with plans in place for the first team to return to their home pitch, which was damaged by flooding over the winter.
