Arifs leads the way in 3rd and 4th team successes

Thursday June 24th 2021 | Cricket

A five-wicket haul for Muhammad Arif and an unbeaten century from his father Anees helped the 3rd and 4th teams record excellent league victories last Sunday.

Facing Bury 3rds, the 3rd team racked up 190 for 9, mainly thanks to an unbeaten 71 from Steven Lorenzini (pictured) – his first time at the crease this season! Thomas Prescott made 25 and George Neill-Platt hit 23.

In reply, Bury were bundled out for 86 with Muhammad Arif taking 5 for 31 and his older brother Umar also getting in on the act with 2 for 11.

The 4th XI’s trip to Golbourne 3rds resulted in a well-earned seven wicket victory.

The hosts were dismissed for 137. Anees Arif returning 3 for 30, Dave Eckersley 2 for 11, Thomas Hatchett 2 for 21, and Daisy Hunt 1 for 15 from her 7 overs.

The Prestwich reply was dominated by a swashbuckling 104 not out from Anees- and he was given excellent support from Matthew Eaves (20), with Will Lightfoot unbeaten on 14 when the winning runs were struck.

Both weekend fixtures for the 1st XI had to be postponed for Covid reasons, while the 2nds fell to defeat against Oldham West 1sts after they made 200 for 8 from their 50 overs. There were two wickets each for Stephen Ritchie, Alex Taylor, Tom Scott and Wilf Reeve.

Only Alex Taylor (33) could fend off the West attack for whom Muhammad Choudry took 5 for 26, and the 2nds were routed for 86.

Earlier last week, Prestwich Heat were on fire against Clifton Kingfishers in their T20 clash. Heat rattled up 173 for 5, led by 62 from Marty Walters and 42 from James Wharmby. Clifton’s reply was restricted to 118 for 9, with Nathan Bailey grabbing 3 for 13 and Sam Holden 2 for 10.