Weather forecast: Let’s hope for a Finan

Thursday August 25th 2016 | Cricket

Prestwich’s resurgence will be put to a stern test this Saturday – weather permitting – when Greenmount are the visitors.

The Heys team lie in third place in the GMCL premier division, just four points behind leaders Clifton, who have played a game more.

Greenmount currently occupy eighth position, but are a side packed with experienced performers.

Rain brought an early end to their clash earlier in the season, and it is hoped a repeat is not on the cards.

Prestwich’s match with Denton St Lawrence last Saturday fell foul of the weather, although 32 overs were played, during which DSL had reached 134 for 8 before the rain performed a victory dance. DSL pro Scott Kirwin made an unbeaten 47 while Wilf Reeve picked up 3 for 29.

The abandonment followed two excellent victories for Prestwich: a 108-run defeat of Bury on August 6th and a six-wicket triumph over close rivals Clifton on August 13th.

Prestwich had racked up a total of 293 for 8 at Bury with James Wharmby top scoring on 70, Ryan Stanbury 64, Marty Walters 56, and Ali Raza 37. Bury were dismissed for 185 with Mike Finan taking 3 for 17.

In the Clifton clash, Finan produced season’s best figures of 6 for 40 to restrict the visitors to 163. An innings of 69 from Stanbury off 51 balls set up a comfortable victory, aided by 30 from Marty Walters and an unbeaten 30 from Sam Holden.

Prestwich 2nd XI managed to beat both the weather and Deane & Derby last Saturday to catapult to the top of division 3, and will play their game against Greenmount 2nd XI this Saturday at Elton Vale, because of work being carried out on the Greenmount pitch.

Prestwich 3rd team are also in action on Saturday when they travel to play Bolton 1st XI.