Professional Gihahn Cloete spearheaded Prestwich to a comfortable win over old adversaries Glossop.
The left-hander struck a superb 92 before he was bowled with just four runs needed to pass the total of 174.
And to say he was in “grape” form was amply illustrated when he struck a ball towards the scorebox boundary, whereupon the ball flicked up off the perimeter rope, went through the scorehut opening, and knocked a carton of grapes off the desk.
Earlier in the day, it had been Glossop intent on putting the squeeze on the home side, reaching 50 in seven overs, for the loss of one wicket claimed by Ryan Stanbury.
The experienced duo of Dale Pennington and Lee Dale were hellbent on taking the attack to the Prestwich bowlers, although it was probably at the root of their eventual downfall. Pennington was stumped by wicketkeeper James Wharmby for 20 off Andy Bradley, while Dale smashed in 46 balls in 41 balls before his bails were dislodged by Sam Holden. At 86 for 3 in the 16th over, the scoring rate slowed but it wasn’t until Chris Tipper was the fifth man out for 26 with the score on 139 that the wickets started to tumble more frequently. and Prestwich got a foothold firmly back in the game.
It also coincided with a fine spell of bowling from Tom Scott, returning excellent figures of 3 for 20 from 11.5 overs, and ending the resistance of George Dyson for 27. However, his stint ended sooner than planned due to a groin strain. He was replaced by Stanbury who picked up the last two wickets.
In reply, Prestwich made good progress, and when Wharmby was out for 23, the score had ticked over nicely to 77. Ali Raza joined Cloete to continue the good work and struck 39 not out from 54 balls, complementing Cloete’s innings which consisted of 14 fours and one six. The loss of just three wickets meant Prestwich earned a valuable bonus point as they head into a crunch weekend against two title challengers: Flixton away on Saturday, before hosting Clifton at The Heys on Sunday.
• It was a weekend to remember for Karl West with both bat and ball. West came to the rescue of the third team with an innings of 73 against Denton 2nds on Saturday, although the total of 178 did not prove enough. Denton reached the target, losing only one wicket and with 9 overs to spare.
However, West’s return of 4 for 13 with the ball helped dismiss Friends United 1st team for 74 on Sunday to record a 96-run victory.
Leg spinner Edward Whitehead also had excellent figures of 3 for 12 off six overs, and Matthew Cuthbert 2 for 21 from his opening seven-over burst.
Prestwich’s total of 170 owed much to an opening stand of 92 between Aaryaman Roy (49) and Sadam Baig (53).
The 3rd XI travel to play Droylsden 2nds on Sunday.
• Prestwich 2nd XI found Elton too strong on Saturday after posting a disappointing total of 125. The Bury side knocked off the runs in the 37th over for the loss of two wickets.
The 2nd team are at home to Astley & Tyldesley 1st XI on Saturday, before facing a trip to Whalley Range 1st XI on Sunday.
