Champions!

Prestwich 1st team clinched the GMCL Premier League title on a dramatic final day.

The side, captained by Marty Walters, cracked 321 for 7 from 50 overs at Heyside.

Sam Holden smashed 95 and Walters 80, putting on a third wicket stand of 147, before excellent knocks of 48 from Ryan Stanbury and an unbeaten 38 from Tom Gibson kept the run juggernaut rolling.

After Nathan Bailey struck twice to reduce Heyside to 17 for 2, the home side staged a breathtaking comeback,led by pro Chiraq Khurana, taking the score to 232 for 3, with more than 16 overs left.

Sub pro Stephen Parry (3 for 52) then caught Khurana off his own bowling for 114, triggering a spate of wickets and Heyside were bowled out for 258, giving Prestwich victory by 63 runs. Stanbury took 4 for 54, Bailey 2 for 48, and Andy Bradley 1 for 30.

Nearest challengers Denton St Lawrence were also involved in a thriller, winning at Moorside by 16 runs, to finish second, 4 points behind.

The league and cup double caps a fantastic season for the 1st team.

Today’s triumphant side (pictured) was: Marty Walters, James Wharmby, Andy Bradley, Danny Pawson, Ryan Stanbury, Sam Holden, Tom Gibson, Alex Taylor, Aaryaman Roy, Nathan Bailey,and Stephen Parry. Scorer: Toby Orrell

HEYSIDE v PRESTWICH GALLERY

(Mostly) By Leo Michaelovitz