Four-midable! Prestwich recorded wins from all four weekend games, with a scattering of star performances.
Some turbo-charged batting propelled the 1st XI to the summit of the GMCL Premier Division with a comfortable 71-run victory over Greenfield on Saturday, and another strong batting display was at the heart of their 17-run victory over Ramsbottom in the prestigious Lancs Cup on Sunday.
The 2nd XI came back from the dead to beat Dukinfield 1sts, spearheaded by a brilliant return of 7 for 40 from Wilf Reeve (pictured), whilst the 4th team battled to victory over Greenmount 4ths.
The 1sts had posted an imposing total of 285 for 6 from 50 overs in their Greenfield clash. Marty Walters made a rapid start, racing to 20 before falling to an unplayable delivery from the impressive Adam Robinson. James Wharmby likewise made an untroubled 26 before he fell unexpectedly offering Brad Woolley a very sharp return catch. However, it paved the way first for Danny Pawson (43), then Sam Holden to take centre stage, mixing patience with aggression, to make an excellent 94. The Prestwich run-gathering artillery was further boosted by Ryan Stanbury who stroked his way to 70, notably using the cut shot to great effect early on in his innings.
A move by skipper Walters to open the bowling with Nathan Bailey (3-42) paid dividends as he struck twice early, and when the visitors were languishing at 66-6, it only seemed a matter of time before proceedings were wrapped up.
However, Robinson’s arrival at the crease to join pro Ayaz Tasawar resulted in a century stand, and whilst the run-rate spiralled into double figures, Tasawar’s innings of 128 was only finally ended by Pawson (2 for 47), before they were finally dismissed for 214.
On Sunday, Stanbury was again in red-hot form, with a stunning innings of 87, well supported by Aaryaman Roy (35), Holden (32), Wharmby (30) and Walters (21).
At 70 for 2, Andy Bradley made a key breakthrough when he trapped Ramsbottom pro Daryn Smit for 41, a player who has recently acted as sub pro for the Prestwich side. At 118-6, Kieren Grimshaw (63) and Harry Caton (63 not out) staged a feisty rally and it was Alex Taylor who provided the defining moment for the home side, bowling Grimshaw to end Rammy hopes in what was an excellent game of cricket.
From the depths of 76 for 8, an 8th wicket stand of 37 between Stephen Ritchie (30) and Umar Arif (21 not out) only appeared to be a facesaver for Prestwich 2nds as they posted a below-par total of 121 at Dukinfield.
However, Reeve’s devastating 15-over spell removed 7 home batsmen and two late wickets from Alex Taylor gave them an unlikely 23-run triumph.
Father and son Pete and Sam Staley both grabbed two wickets each in a low-scoring friendly match against Greenmount 4ths last Saturday. Anees Arif claimed 3 wickets and Liam Potts two, as the home side were all out for 80.
In reply, the target was reached with 3 wickets to spare, with Gary Prescott unbeaten on 24, after youngsters Tom Prescott made 18 and Ellis Compton 13.
Last Thursday, there was further success for Prestwich Heat as they swooped to conquer Whitefield Eagles in the GMCL T20 Cup. Pawson (58), Wharmby (57 not out), Stanbury (33) and Walters (24) combined to post a total of 191-4. The Eagles were bowled out for 102, as Bailey, Uwais Khaliq and Aaryaman Roy bagged two wickets each, and a wicket for Umar Arif signalled his first scalp in the first team.
It was no laughing matter for Prestwich Patriots last Friday in their T20 encounter with Heyside Hyenas. Patriots could only muster 67 which Heyside passed with ease, Alex Taylor yet again in the wickets, getting the only two to fall.
