1ST TEAM ARE DOUBLE CROSS-ED

by | Thursday September 24th 2020 | Cricket

Another titanic ton from Danny Pawson could not wrestle away Clifton’s unbeaten record who responded with a Gareth Cross masterclass.

Former Lancs player Cross had been pivotal to his side’s victory earlier in the season when he hit 75, and then took 4 wickets in one over.

This time he stroked an unbeaten 115 to overhaul Prestwich’s challenging total of 212 for 6 with seven wickets and 4 overs to spare.

Pawson (pictured) was again the centrepiece of the Prestwich innings last Saturday, smashing 104 – thus totting up 496 in 10 innings (including 33 sixes!) in this truncated season – a simply Herculean effort from the all-rounder who has also taken 20 wickets.

His ton also signified the 100th 100 for Prestwich first team since the end of World War Two.

Haris Aziz struck 24, while Luke Prescott (22 not out) and Danny Ahern (12 not out) made quick late runs to push the score beyond the 200-mark.

Nathan Bailey picked up two of the 3 Clifton victims, leaving him top of the wicket list for the season with 27. But Cross, together with Will Davidson (52 not out) staged an unbroken partnership of 146.

It was also a very welcome sight to see Marty Walters back in action for Prestwich, albeit he was not able to trouble the scorers on this occasion. He will be a key and influential player next season, granted the game can return to its normal format.

The 2nd team found Thornham 1st XI’s total of 180 for 9 a few runs too many – despite Hassnain Ashfaq’s excellent return of 5 for 26. Pete Lorenzini’s side were dismissed for 91.

On Sunday, the 3rd XI lost by exactly 100 runs to Egerton 3rd XI in a friendly.