The 1st team was formally presented with the GMCL Premier division trophy last Saturday.
Although they weren’t able to add the final day sparkle with a victory, it did not stop the champagne corks from popping to celebrate their second league title in a row. They had already clinched the championship the previous week after reaching an unassailable 94 points.
Skipper James Wharmby lifts the 2022 GMCL Premier Division trophy.
Facing runners-up Woodbank, Prestwich were bowled out for 117, having looked in a reasonable fettle at 71 for 2. But the dismissal of Danny Pawson for 21, led to a steady flow of wickets, and only Tom Gibson (29 not out) gave any sturdy resistance. Usman Tariq (5 for 30) and Ryan Barker (4 for 42) did the damage for the visitors.
Skipper James Wharmby had earlier top scored with 33, taking his total to 1,115 runs for the season in all competitions, while Pawson’s knock took him through the 1,000-run barrier.
The opening attack of Nathan Bailey and Ryan Maddock did have Woodbank in a spot of bother at 19 for 3, but they rallied and surpassed the total with four wickets to spare. Bailey finished with a creditable 4 for 30, bringing his wicket tally for the season to an amazing 93. Maddock took 2 for 47, taking him to 74 wickets in his first season for the club.
Maddock, Bailey and Bradley, the Prestwich attacking trio with 213 wickets between them.
The 2nd team ended their excellent season finishing in fourth place in the GMCL Division 2A, with three 1st teams all occupying the places above them. However, they too failed to finish on a high with a five-wicket defeat against Radcliffe 1sts.
They looked set to post a total of below 100 when they slumped to 84 for 9, but an exemplary last-wicket partnership between top scorer Charlie Jackson (25 not out) and Wilf Reeve (21) not only saved face but put themselves in with a chance.
However, Martyn Coates had other ideas as he smashed 51 in 37 balls to put Radcliffe in the driving seat, and they reached the target with five wickets to spare, Adam Cheshire taking 2 for 27.
The 3rd XI chalked up another fine success against Heaton 3rds after Ali Sherazi (33), Muhammad Arif (28) and Tom Ward (22) were the main contributors in a total of 154 all out.
Heaton replied with 141 for 8 at the end of their allotted overs – 13 runs short. Umar Arif took the bowling honours with 4 for 36, and Muhammad Arif chipped in with 2 for 35, while Tom Hatchett also grabbed a wicket.
Umar Arif in action against Heaton for the Thirds.
The 3rds have two league games this weekend to round off a superb season.
The 5th XI played a friendly T16 last Friday against Roe Green 4ths – and it ended a tie! The hosts made 95 for 4, which Prestwich equalled with a single off the final ball. Ellis Compton top scored with 33 (retired).
