Prestwich gained a much-needed win over Clifton after finishing on the wrong end of a thriller at Flixton.
Ryan Stanbury produced an exhilarating all-round performance to trigger victory against Clifton in last Sunday’s clash.
He returned superb figures of 3 for 18 from 14 overs of classy pace bowling, before cracking 60 not out in run-a-ball fashion to see Prestwich comfortably past the target of 168.
Sam Holden was another key figure in the six-wicket triumph, striking 59 off 62 balls.
Prestwich had to bring their A-game to the table, especially when Clifton had made good progress at the halfway stage. At 88 for 1, skipper Andy Bradley made the breakthrough to dismiss pro Gareth Cross for 28, caught by Nathan Bailey. A succession of wickets took the sting out of Clifton’s forward momentum, with Bradley claiming three wickets in addition to Stanbury’s remarkably tight spell, while Bailey grabbed 2 for 27 – including the scalp of top scorer Will Davidson for 53 – and Holden and Tom Scott chipped in with a wicket each.
A rare failure for Gihahn Cloete and the loss of Ali Raza had the home side in need of repair work at 15 for 2. James Wharmby made 24, but when Holden was out with the score on 113, there was still some work to be done. Mike Hudson (14 not out) gave sensible support to Stanbury, who began to gather runs at an increasing rate, particularly with some exquisitely-timed cuts to the offside boundary.
A game of swinging fortunes on Saturday saw Prestwich again lose out in a tight game, this time at Flixton. Prestwich had posted a very respectable total of 199, with Cloete forming the backbone of the innings with a composed and unflustered 82. An unbeaten 26 from Sean Haslam in the latter overs boosted the total to the verge of 200 on a wicket offering variable bounce and help to the bowlers.
Three early wickets had Flixton in trouble at 20 for 3, but Ashley Perry with 51 and Alton Beckford (35), redressed the balance. At 171 for 8, the outcome was truly on a knife edge, but Johan Wessels was unbudged on a match-winning 54 not out, aided by two fours and a six from number 10 Alex Castle.
However, Prestwich would also reflect on five missed chances which proved crucial to the outcome.
• Prestwich 2nds found it tough going, suffering an eight-wicket defeat to Astley & Tyldesley 1st XI. Lewis Smith cracked an excellent 83 in the Prestwich total of 161, but Wilf Reeve’s two wickets were the only successes as the visitors cruised to the target.
On Sunday, they gave valiant chase to a total of 197 for 8 set by Whalley Range 1st XI, who had been pinned back by Adam Cheshire’s excellent haul of 5 for 43.
Smith again was the standout Prestwich batsman with 59, well supported by 15-year-old Jack Doyle , who was run out on 43, but Prestwich finished 52 runs shy.
• Prestwich 1sts go on their travels this weekend, first to Denton West on Saturday, and then to Liverpool Competition leaders Ormskirk in the quarter final of the Lancashire Cup.
• The 2nds are at home to Swinton Moorside 1st XI, followed by their GMCL semi-final away to Clifton 2nds on Sunday.
• The third team are also in action twice, with away fixtures at Wythenshawe 2nds on Saturday and Bolton Indians on Sunday.
