Another rain-ravaged weekend left Prestwich mopping their brow with exasperation.
It was a case of sod’s law as both the 1sts and 2nds fell foul of the weather last Saturday when looking in strong positions.
The first team were on the cusp of clinching victory by the DLS method only to fall 10 balls short of constituting a game.
They had restricted Denton St Lawrence to 201 for 5 from 48 overs, with Andy Bradley the standout performer taking 2 for 24 from a measly 15 overs. For DSL, Daniel Moriarty hit 50 and pro Neville Madziva made 61 before he drilled the ball chest-height to Lewis Smith at deep mid-on who clasped it nonchalantly like picking the proverbial cherry.
Danny Pawson (pictured above, 52 no) and James Wharmby (47no) staged an 120-run partnership to put their side well ahead on the DLS run rate but the rain became too incessant and the teams were taken from the field after 18.2 overs, and were unable to return.
Marty Walter’s 133 in 2015 remains highest Prestwich score at DSL. Best bowling remains 7-37 by Bob Hinchliffe in 1979.
The 2nds had bowled out Micklehurst 1sts for 111 thanks to Wilf Reeve (5-56), Muhammad Arif (3-17) and Charlie Jackson (2-13) but never got chance to take to the crease as the rain proved the winner.
On Sunday, the 3rd team game at Roe Green 3rds was abandoned without a ball being bowled. However, the 4ths beat both the weather and Ashton CC to record a 57-run victory.
It was a real team effort in the batting stakes as Prestwich reached 132 for 8 from 32 overs. Liam Potts made an unbeaten 22, Anees Arif 20, Ariz Sajid 19, Samir Rashid 18, and Ben Pinkus 17. In reply, Pinkus (4-35) and Potts (2-5) were again in the thick of the action as was Anis Khaliq (2-21) to dismiss the home side for 75.
Ben Pinkus took 4 wickets in a 57 run win over Ashton.
The 5th XI lost in their friendly game at Alvanley CC who made 120 for 9.
It was father and son Pete and Oli Staley who took centre stage as Oli, making his senior debut, returned figures of 3-10 and Pete 2-3.
Prestwich fell 24 runs short in the run chase, Chris Heys top scoring with 23, Matthew Korab 17 and Oli Staley 11 not out.
The 6th XI also managed to complete their friendly game but lost to Stretford 3rds.
Richard Hatchett (36) and Leo Michaelovitz (35 not out) helped their side reach 113 for 5. The home side passed the target with 7 wickets to spare, with a victim each for Max Hunt, Sam Bardsley and Jamal.
