PRESTWICH’S pipe-opener smouldered into an early-evening thriller when they beat Little Lever by six runs in the National Knockout Cup.
Sam Holden smoked a run-a-ball half century while spinner Damon Montgomery marked his first team debut with a wicket from his very first delivery.
Prestwich set a standard total of 173 for 7 from their 45 overs, but Little Lever were sending out distress signals at 98 for 7 before a late order rally sparked the tense finale.
Prestwich now await the winners of a Marple versus Kearsley clash in the next round of the competition, now known as the Kingfisher Beer Cup. They reached the last 16 last year, where they were beaten by the eventual winners Shrewsbury.
Missing the batting of Matt Wiley, who was inelegible, and leading wicket-taker Andy Bradley, who was on holiday, it was an excellent workout for the Heys team ahead in preparation for opening weekend of the Lancashire County League.
With the March warmth and sushine replaced by the April bitterness and overcast skies, the pitch was of typical early-season damp mould; some help for the bowlers hitting a good length, but fodder for anything short.
Holden’s breezy 53 in 54 balls was the cornerstone around which the Prestwich target was built, with opener James Wharmby making a dogged 30, and promising contributions of 19 from Chris Thomas and 19 not out from skipper Steven Lorenzini.
Depsite tight opening spells from Danny Jones and Oliver Holt, the breakthrough was made when the changes were inflicted as Holden yorked Kelly for 20, and had Ashworth smartly snapped up by Holt at mid-wicket, while Elliot Woodage trapped Wilson l.b.w. for 12.
Montgomery then made his mark with his first wicket, despite pitching it near his toes than the batsman’s, lulling Rushmore into a false shot and bowling him. He struck twice more to finish with a commendable 3 for 19 off seven overs.
Mike Taylor’s introduction to the attack paid dividends as he induced Worden to sky the ball to Holt for 20, but a plucky stand between Gent (31) and Anderton (19) left the home side needing 20 off the last four overs.
Steve Orrell sprinted Bolt-like 30 yards to hold onto a catch at deep mid-wicket to dismiss Anderton for 19, Jones bowled Rushmore for 5, leaving Tom Gibson to pin Gent l.b.w for victory.
With legside wides in operation, Prestwich conceded 40 extras – including 24 wides – which will need addressing as the same restriction now applies to league games.
Flowery Field are the visitors to The Heys for the opening league encounter on Saturday, followed by a trip to Denton West on Sunday.
