It’s the middle of August and there’s everything to play for – in contrasting terms – for Prestwich 1st and 2nd teams.
For the first team, it’s a fight against relegation with four games of the season left as they languish in 10th place in the Premier division, but a mere one point from safety.
They face one of their most difficult trips of the season to title-chasing Denton St Lawrence after successive tame defeats against Egerton and Walshaw, who have both leapfrogged over them.
In the Egerton clash, former Prestwich pro Amal Dalugoda did the most damage with a return of 5 for 50 as Prestwich were restricted to 144 all out. The Bolton-based side reached the target with seven wickets to spare.
Last Saturday, Walshaw chalked up a total of 212 for 6 in their 50 overs, with Dylan Blignaut scoring his second successive ton against Prestwich.
It proved too tough for the home side who folded to 147 all out, Sam Holden making 44 and Ryan Stanbury 40.
Meanwhile, the second team hope their Per-Fit 2nd XI Cup Final clash against Woodbank will not be spoilt by the weather on Sunday, after their first meeting two weeks ago was abandoned at the halfway stage.
Woodbank had been in dire straits at 14 for 7 thanks to a wicket blitz from Olly Holt (pictured) who took five top order scalps, but the Woodbank tail wagged ferociously to end on a respectable 126. Rain then halted any further play, and a replay was organised.
The two teams will meet again at Elton CC this Sunday, wicket pitched at 12.30pm.
The 2nds warmed up for their cup final with a convincing win over Hindley St Peters last Saturday.
Holt’s 5 for 38 and skipper Peter Lorenzini’s 4 for 22 were key in registering a five-wicket success. They are at home to Thornham 1sts on Saturday.
The third team continue to hold their own in the GMCL 5th division with their mix of experience and youth, currently lying in fourth place.
Their youthful exuberance and talent was personified two weeks ago, when a team containing eight teenagers won by 17 runs against Springhead. Edward Whitehead bagged 5 for 31 and Karl West 4 for 11 to chalk up a superb victory.
The side couldn’t repeat the dose against Newton Heath last week, but put up a spirited show in losing by only four wickets.
The 3rds play host to Bolton Indians at The Heys on Sunday.
