Clither-Woe

Prestwich crashed out of the Lancashire Cup at the hands of Clitheroe as their batting failed to find a spark in the damp conditions.

The Ribblesdale League leaders made excellent use of a helpful deck, and no Prestwich batsman ever looked comfortable.

However, a total of 113 all out was arguably their worst batting display for nearly two seasons. A sixth-wicket stand between Tom Gibson (18) and Tom Scott (21) took the score from 68 for 5 to 99 for 5, and had threatened to repair the early damage, until Gibson was trapped l.b.w. by Kershaw, whose nine-over spell conceded just 13 runs.

Guneratne returned the home side’s best figures of 3 for 18, including the wicket of top scorer James Wharmby (24).

A Nathan Bailey run out was all Prestwich had to show for their second-half endeavours as Clitheroe eased to a comfortable nine-wicket win.

Sunday’s cup exit made it a bit of washout weekend, as their clash with Greenmount on Saturday had to be abandoned due to rain, with Prestwich on 33 for 2.

The only bright interlude came on Friday when the Heys side clocked up a 10-wicket victory in the T20 competition at East Lancs Millers.

The Radcliffe side made 93 all out, with Nathan Bailey taking 3 for 14. Then Ryan Stanbury, returning from injury, showed his well-being with a feisty 34 not out from 18 balls, and Ali Raza struck an unbeaten 40 from 28 balls.

Prestwich Heat are back on T20 duty this Friday when they host Bury Storm. This is followed by a league double header, with Edgworth the visitors to The Heys on Saturday, and familiar rivals Denton West re-treading the Prestwich pastures on Sunday.

Pic: Clitheroe CC Website