Chauhan’s classy display sinks Astley

A powerhouse performance from pro Shivam Chauhan spurred the first team to success at Astley & Tyldesley last Saturday.

Chauhan took 6 for 66 as the home side racked up a challenging total of 226 all out, of which pro Ockert Eraseus struck an unbeaten 95, with Nathan Bailey taking 2 for 52.

After a solid 81-run start from openers James Wharmby (31) and Aaryaman Roy (37), they stalled at 93 for 4 before Chauhan was joined by Mike Hudson.

Chauhan took full control with a superb 89 not out from 56 balls, hitting 8 fours and 4 sixes, whilst Hudson played his valuable part with an excellent unbeaten 47.

Prestwich won with 15 balls and six wickets to spare, but it was the unbeaten partnership of 134 between Chauhan and Hudson which made the margin of victory look comfortable, when it was far from.

• The 2nds sauntered to a 10-wicket victory over Bolton Deane & Derby 1sts after Wilf Reeve ripped through the top order taking 5 for 35, with good support from Adam Cheshire (3-19) and Uwais Khaliq (2-31).

The target of 94 was reached without any hiccups thanks to Haris Aziz (52 not out) and Lewis Smith (23 not out).

• Sunday’s games were thwarted by the weather as the 3rd’s cup tie and 5th team friendly were abandoned while the 4th team managed to reach a total of 101 all out at Saddleworth (Anees Arif top scoring with 33) before the rain came.

• On the Bank Holiday Friday, a very good crowd saw some explosive action between Prestwich Heat and Heywood Monkeys.

There was also a good welcome back to former Prestwich players Marty Walters and Chris Humphreys.

Heat rattled up 170 for 8 in their 20 overs, Wharmby leading the way with 52 and Chauhan cracking 47.

Ryan Stanbury hit a couple of trademark big sixes in his 21, and there was a handy 18 from Alex Taylor. At 91 for 3, the game was still there for the taking. But when Walters fell for 26, one of Chauhans’s two wickets, the target proved 45 runs too much for the visitors. Bailey finished with 3 for 19 and Stanbury 2 for 26.

ASTLEY & TYLDESLEY v PRESTWICH GALLERY