Agony for 2nds after thrilling win

Thursday September 23rd 2021 | Cricket

A brilliant last-day victory was not enough to save Prestwich 2nds from the drop.

They recorded a dramatic one-wicket triumph over Austerlands 1sts last Saturday – but other teams fighting for survival also won, and meant the 2nds will be relegated from the GMCL division one by just one point.

However, it was a sterling performance by the 2nds to record their 7th victory of the season against an opposing first team.

Austerlands were bowled out for 133, championed by Alex Taylor who took 4 for 15, as well as instigating a run-out and taking a catch. Lewis Jarvis (2-28), Adam Cheshire (2-37) and Wilf Reeve (1-18 off 10 overs) also played their part in restricting the visitors.

Prestwich stumbled to 65 for 7 but Cheshire (pictured) played a starring role with the bat to hit an unbeaten 33 to guide the team over the line, helped by Uwais Khaliq (7 not out) and a glorious off drive for four.

The 3rd team’s final game welcomed divisional champions Greenfield 3rds to The Heys and it was another cracking game.

Fielding 9 players aged 18 or under, the 3rds set a total of 174 for 9 from 40 overs.

Umar Arif struck 41, and Matthew Korab 40, with useful knocks of 26 from Uwais Khaliq and 20 from Thmoas Prescott.

Greenfield reached the target with 9 balls to spare and 5 wickets in hand. Muhammad Arif took 2 for 41, with Thomas Orrell (1-16) and Karl West (1-12 off 8 overs) also taking a wicket.

The 3rd team finished off in a highly commendable third place in the GMCL Sunday Premier division to add to their cup triumph.

The 5th team ended on a high with a win on their visit to Mottram.

They hunted down the Mottram target led by Charlie Jackson who cracked a superb 69, backed up by Martin Regan (48 not out), Anis Khaliq (31) and Thomas Hatchett (23 not out).