The victory margin of 88 runs does not tell the full story of Prestwich’s trip to Flixton last Saturday.
There were a few harem scarem, twists and turns which had the visitors bearing sweaty palms and squeaky bottoms.
But Ali Raza was on hand with the bat, hitting a vibrant 50, and skipper Andy Bradley was on hand with the ball, taking five wickets for just four runs, to allow Prestwich to wipe their perspiring brows.
There was also the surprise return to the bowling ranks of Ryan Stanbury following his knee injury earlier this season. He played a key part in Flixton’s downfall with a nine-over spell reaping figures of 3 for 15.
After a delayed start, and subsequent two short stoppages for rain, the contest became a 35-over affair. Yet it did not look as if it would last that long, as Flixton’s opening duo of Baig and Perry reduced Prestwich’s top order to 7 for 3, and then 24 for 4, with all their leading runscorers back in the pavilion.
However, despite a difficult wicket, Raza took centre stage with a controlled mix of attacking shots and placement to help steady the boat, and Tom Gibson playing another excellent supporting innings. When Raza’s knock of five fours and a six was ended with the first of three stumpings by Clues, Gibson went the same way for 32, and there was still work to be done at 104 for 6.
A run-a-ball knock of 16 from Lewis Smith injected momentum, along with Tom Scott who carved out and scampered a vital 31 off only 23 balls, to push the total to a most pleasing 155 for 9.
Luke Perry seemed to have a ticket for the Prestwich barbecue to get to, as he plundered 26 off the first four overs with some powerful, clean hitting. He was then trapped by Wilf Reeve, shortly after Stanbury had made the breakthrough at the other end. When Stanbury claimed his second quick wicket, that of Beckford, three wickets had fallen for one run, and Prestwich were back on an even keel.
It was then time for Bradley to turn the screw as he grabbed the wicket of the dangerous Welcome-Goodman for 13 to make it 55 for 4, sparking a frequent succession of wickets for the skipper, and a maximum six points in the bag for the team.
Prestwich 1st XI are at home to Glossop on Saturday as they bid to cement their position at the top of the Premier Division.
