Prestwich are the inaugural pacesetters in the GMCL Premier Division as an eight-wicket victory at Clifton extended their unbeaten start.
Pro Marty Walters had struck up an undesirable partnership with Armitage Shanks during the week, but it was his unbeaten third-wicket partnership of 125 runs with Sam Holden on Saturday which saw Prestwich flushed with success.
Despite not feeling 100 per cent, Walters continued his purple patch with the bat with a superbly crafted 79 not out, while the in-form Holden showed a mature mix of patience and aggression to hit an unbeaten 59.
He had come to the crease with the score on 77 after another classy innings from James Wharmby, who struck eight fours in his 46.
Clifton’s total of 199 for 8, for whom former Lancashire star Gareth Cross cracked 89, was overhauled with more than seven overs to spare. Holden grabbed 4 for 64 and skipper Andy Bradley 2 for 34 from their 15-over spells, but teenager Nathan Bailey bowled admirably in the closing overs, claiming one wicket and a run out.
It had seemed a challenging target, with Steve Cheetham and Liam Hurt providing a pacey opening test. Haris Aziz survived an accidental beamer from Cheetham, glancing off his helmet to fine leg, but survival was short-lived as he was given l.b.w. for 1.
But after that early setback, Wharmby and Walters assumed control, progressing at run rate of five over, and the ultimate loss of just two wickets enabled Prestwich to claim a bonus batting point.
On Friday night, Prestwich earned a six-wicket victory in the T20 Cup at Radcliffe. Chasing 113 for 6 (Tom Scott 2 for 26), 41 not out from Walters, 26 from Mike Hudson and 18 from the returning Ali Raza guided them over finish line with four balls to spare, while Radcliffe’s JP Dixon recorded the excellent figures of 2 for 9 from his four overs.
Prestwich win in the last over. Good game of cricket.
— Radcliffe CC (@RadcliffeCC) May 27, 2016
Old adversaries Denton St Lawrence are the visitors to The Heys this Saturday, lying second in the division, six points behind Prestwich.
On the cup front, it has been confirmed Prestwich will travel to Clitheroe on Sunday June 12 in the next round of the Lancashire Cup, while they have been drawn away to Heywood in the next round of the Per Fit Windows Cup, to be played on Sunday June 26.
In the 2nd XI Cup, a dramatic one-run victory over Unsworth on Sunday has earned Prestwich a home tie with Greenmount.
