Football and cricket came together at The Heys on Friday to show support for a cause close to many hearts.
Prestwich Heat welcomed Bury Storm in the last of the scheduled Archway T20 cricket group games, while a team of Prestwich CCFC All Stars, made up of players from the old Sunday football team, played a friendly against Broadoak Legends.
A total of £880 has been raised for Bury Hospice from Prestwich’s two T20 games and the football match, in honour of Sarah Taylor, and also the Derbyshire family.
On the cricket field, Bury Storm produced a late flood of runs inspired by Alex Brechin, who top scored with 32, in a total of 138 for 8 from 20 overs.
Prestwich Heat wilted slightly with the loss of Ryan Stanbury for 8, but James Wharmby (52 not out) and Ali Raza (40) warmed to the challenge with a second wicket partnership of 81 to lay the foundations of a six-wicket triumph with 10 balls to spare.
On the football field, Prestwich CCFC All Stars emerged weary but with a 3-1 victory.
In addition to the players, there was an excellent turnout of spectators, including from Bury CC, who all combined to make the evening a success.
Heat win by 6 wickets against @burycc in what was a fantastic fundraiser for Bury Hospice in the memory of Sarah Taylor
— Prestwich CTBC (@PrestwichSport) June 17, 2016
Prestwich 1st XI were back in league action on Saturday and chalked up another six-point victory with a seven-wicket triumph over Edgworth.
Only visiting skipper Guy Haynes put up any prolonged resistance, grinding out an unbeaten 45 , as the home bowling attack exploited a helpful deck to the maximum: Sam Holden taking 4 for 32, Wilf Reeve 3 for 34, Andy Bradley 2 for 12, and Mike Finan 1 for 23.
After Stanbury’s early departure, Wharmby (25) and Marty Walters (33) knuckled down to chip away at the 103-run target, leaving Holden and Raza, both unbeaten on 13, to complete the job.
Sunday’s home clash with Denton West was intriguingly poised, as the visitors had made slow but steady progress to 83 for 3, with 18 overs remaining, when the heavens opened and wiped away any chance of an outcome.
Prestwich now lead the Premier Division by 10 points from second-placed Egerton, to whom they travel on Saturday.
On Sunday, a trip to Heywood beckons in the next round of the Derek Kay 1st XI Per-Fit Cup.
The high-flying 2nds face two home fixtures, hosting Swinton Moorside on Saturday, and then Greenmount in the 2nd XI Per-Fit Cup on Sunday.
