Prestwich 2nd XI stole the limelight last weekend with their much-awaited first league victory to end a frustrating run of near-misses in division two.
A return of 6 for 36 from spinner Nick Carter brought Wythenshawe 1st XI to their knees as they lost out by 28 runs in pursuit of a sizeable total of 176 for 2, in a match reduced to 24 overs per side.
Sean Haslam was the backbone of the innings, with a superb 74 not out, assisted ably by Adam Taylor with 39 and a quickfire 52 from Haris Aziz.
Carter took two wickets in his first over to disrupt Wythenshawe’s flow, as they had been moving well on 80 for 1. Stevie Ritchie grabbed three lower order wickets to finish with a creditable 4 for 34.
The following day, the side was unable to give a repeat performance against Glossop 2nd XI who ran out comfortable winners by six wickets. Qasim Memon made 37 and Daniel Ahern 31, but the total of 140 all out was below par.
However, they don’t have long to wait for revenge as the two sides meet again on Sunday – this time at The Heys in the cup. On Saturday, the 2nd XI travel to play South West Manchester 1st XI.
Meanwhile, the first XI endured contrasting fortunes. They lost to Woodbank on Saturday in a 25-over game by seven wickets.
Prestwich struggled to get into top gear, and could only make 118 for 9 with Sam Holden top scoring on 35. Ryan Stanbury could call himself slightly unfortunate, hitting 20 before he was dismissed by an outstanding diving catch on the long-off boundary by T Murphy. A short rain break reduced the target to 113, and pro Johnny Whitehead cracked 49 to ensure victory.
Andy Bradley was the pick of the bowlers, taking 1 for 15 from 7 overs.
The following day, Prestwich skittled Saddleworth in the Lancashire Cup first round for just 22. It was Prestwich’s SAS combination of Stanbury (5 for 17) and Scott (5 for 4) who polished off the Pennine League side in 17.2 overs.
Wilf Reeve and Bradley opened up the Prestwich innings and coasted past the total for a bloodless victory to set up a seaside trip to Blackpool in the next round on June 11.
The first XI welcome last year’s league champions Egerton to The Heys on Saturday before travelling to Westleigh in the Per-Fit Cup on Sunday.
The third XI are in action on Monday, away at Glodwick in the cup.
