Bailey’s super six as Firsts get back on the victory trail

Wednesday May 25th 2022 | Cricket

The first team bounced back to form with a 168-run victory over Moorside with Nathan Bailey grabbing a six-wicket haul.

James Wharmby cracked 75 in a 101-run opening stand with Aaryaman Roy, and Danny Pawson (49) and pro Shivam Chauhan (31) built on the solid start.

A total of 256 for 4 was reached after 50 overs, and Roy was unbeaten on 66 – his maiden first team half century.

Ryan Maddock made the early incisions, striking twice, including the wicket of Moorside pro Stuart Els, before Bailey (pictured) took centre stage. He finished with his best-ever figures of 6 for 32, also ranking as the best recorded against Moorside. Previously Harry Lewis had taken 6 for 40 in 1979.

Pawson’s 3 catches took him to 44 in first team records – level with Ted Birtwistle. Coincidentally, Pawson’s innings of 49 took him to 25th spot in the post-war batting records, overtaking none other than – Ted Birtwistle.

• The 2nd team and 4th teams emerged victorious in strangely low-scoring affairs.

The 2nd XI travelled to Adlington 1sts and bowled them out for 75. Wilf Reeve was the main trigger, taking an excellent 6 for 35, and Adam Cheshire 3 for 22. Wicketkeeper Dylan Kane took 3 catches.

Prestwich were coasting at 59-1 after Haris Aziz made 31 and Kane 21, but a sudden collapse plunged them to 64-7 before the experienced heads of skipper Steven Lorenzini and Stephen Ritchie knocked off the remaining runs without further hiccup.

• On Sunday, the 4ths made a trip to the grassy surrounds of Alexandra Park to play Friends Sporting 2nds and mowed them over for 64. All the bowlers played a part, headed by Sam Staley (3-4), Ben Pinkus (2-5), Charlie Jackson (2-19), Anis Khaliq (1-5), Simon Jackson (1-8) and Finlay Lester (1-17).

The loss of two early wickets left Prestwich at 9 for 2, but 33 from Shaheryar Khan steadied the ship in a partnership with Ben Pinkus (10) and the total was surpassed with 4 wickets to spare.

• The 3rd XI had no fixture.