Prestwich suffered their first defeat of the season as Clifton secured a nail-biting victory, thanks to a stunning innings from 15-year-old Sam Dorsey.
The Clifton youngster struck a composed and undefeated 86 to guide his side to a tense two-wicket victory, as they chased down the Prestwich total of 189 for 9 with six balls to spare.
The game was packed with high quality and fluctuations to keep the spectators warm on an afternoon more akin to the start of November than May.
This was no slow-burner as Prestwich opener Ryan Stanbury made his customary fiery start, almost piercing the boundary netting with a stupendously powerful pull shot for six, from a Liam Hurt short ball.
But Hurt gained his revenge as Stanbury snicked off for 17, and Hurt trapped James Wharmby l.b.w for 3.
Prestwich could never quite get on top of the Clifton bowlers, as practically every batsman made a start, but failed to capitalise. Pro Gihahn Cloete (20), Sam Holden (19), Mike Hudson (25) and Lewis Smith (16) came and went while Tom Gibson grafted his way to a top score of 38 and Nathan Bailey remained 16 not out. Nevertheless, the combined team effort meant the total was not far off the 200-mark which set a fair challenge. Steve Cheetham proved hardest to handle as he took 4 for 61 from his 15 overs.
A superb opening blitz from Holden and Stanbury reduced the home side to 17 for 4, but a crucial fifth-wicket partnership of 86 between Dorsey and James Evans (48) restored the balance of the game.
Wickets fell intermittently and the pendulum was positioned dead centre when Clifton were 165 for 8.
Two late missed chances didn’t help the Prestwich cause, but with Dorsey playing a mature innings beyond his years, no-one could argue that his knock wasn’t worthy of winning the match.
Holden was the outstanding bowler for Prestwich, taking 5 for 51 from 14 pacey overs.
This was Prestwich’s third league match of the season, and all three have exhibited a high standard of competitive cricket.
Another mouth-watering feast is expected on Saturday with the arrival of old foes Denton West who, like Prestwich, have won two out of their opening three league games. Wickets are pitched at The Heys at 1pm.
On Sunday, Prestwich visit Heywood in the second round of the ECB National Knockout.
* Prestwich 2nd XI turned in another valiant performance against Whalley Range 1st XI in the GMCL division two, but fell just 10 runs short of their target. Olly Holt struck 58 off 50 balls as Prestwich reached 214 all out. But Prestwich can point to a series of dropped catches whilst Whalley Range amassed a total of 224 as pivotal to the outcome.
The second team travel to Swinton Moorside 1st XI on Saturday hoping to chalk up that elusive first league victory.
* The 3rd XI kicked off their season with a dramatic 11-run win over Droylsden 2nd XI after Joe Murphy top scored with 51 in his side’s 209 for 9.
Adam Cheshire took 6 for 60, including a red-hot caught and bowled, as the visitors were dismissed for 198.
The third team host Wythenshawe 2nd XI on Sunday: start time 1.30pm.
