Prestwich 1sts lost out in a tight finish in their rain-affected clash with Denton St Lawrence last Saturday despite an unbeaten 94 from pro Nikhil Gangta.
A partnership of 117 for the 4th wicket between Gangta (above), who hit 9 fours and 3 sixes, and Ali Raza, who made 58 off 71 balls, had resurrected the home side’s innings. With a useful 19 not out from Ryan Maddock, a total of 220 for 4 set a fair challenge
Due to intervention from the rain, the DLS method came into play – as did the skiddier surface – and the visitors knitted together some neat little partnerships to grab the glory in the final over by reaching the reduced target of 166 for 5.
It was hard luck for the Prestwich bowling attack who stuck to the task well in the face of the changing conditions. Nathan Bailey returned a commendable 1-19 off his 9 overs, and 14-year-old Charlie Jackson impressed in his six-over spell on his first team debut.
The 2nd XI recorded their first victory of the season at Micklehurst 1sts by 55 runs.
They scored a total of 127 all out with Thomas Orrell hitting a dashing 41, with support from Sean Flegg (19) and Wilf Reeve (14).
Excellent opening spells from Sam Staley (3 for 15) and Reeve (3 for 32) put Micklehurst on the rocks, and this was followed by Tarun Kumar (3 for 4) and a wicket from Muhammad Arif to ensure there were no last wicket heroics from the opposition.
Disappointing was somewhat of an understatement to sum up the 3rd team’s trip to Whalley Range 3rds on Sunday as they were comprehensively beaten.
Stephen Ritchie took 4 for 34 in the home side’s total of 152 for 8. But Prestwich crumpled to 65 all out as the last five wickets fell for just 9 runs. Ellis Compton top scored with 21.
The 4th XI suffered a washout at The Heys on Sunday.
Meanwhile the 5th team were in action twice, although Saturday’s trip to Middlewich was eventually abandoned. The hosts made 148 for 2, and in reply Prestwich were 83 for 7 (Thomas Orrell 33, Nathan Flegg 13) when the rain stopped play for the day.
Skipper Richard Hatchett top scored for the 5XI in their win against Mottram.
The 5ths had a better outcome on Monday, defeating Mottram by five wickets. Mottram progressed to 40 without loss before losing wickets at regular intervals, and finishing on 124 for 9 with Sami Khan (2-2) and Sahil Khan (2-11) heading the bowling honours.
Richard Hatchett (39) and Haider Sajid (32) enjoyed a fruitful opening stand which paved the way for a comfortable victory.
