Prestwich 1sts and 2nds suffered comprehensive league defeats last weekend – but things were looking more up’beet’ for the 2nd team’s cup adventures.
It started off last Thursday when the 2nds, taking the guise of Prestwich Patriots, shot down Elton Rifles in their T20 clash after a man-of-the match performance from Andrew Beet (pictured above). He smashed an undefeated 73 before taking 4 for 12. Adam Cheshire played an integral part too, making an unbeaten 28 in an unbroken stand of 99 with Beet which took the total from 75-4 to 174-4 at the end of the 20 overs. Earlier in the innings, Thomas Orrell struck 36 and Khalid Noori 24. Elton were dismissed for 131 with Cheshire returning figures of 4 for 20.
On Sunday, the 2nds found themselves embroiled in a nerve-jangler at home to Friarmere 2nds in the GMCL Cup.
Batting first, Prestwich had to show plenty of steel to reach a total of 159 for 8. Despite 30 from Daniel Ahern and 20 from Charlie Jackson, prospects of setting a half-decent total were in the balance when skipper Dylan Kane (24 no) and Finlay Lester (27) came together. But they put on a sturdy 45-run stand which ultimately proved crucial.
The visitors fell 10 runs short of the target when Uwais Khaliq (2 for 30) claimed the last wicket, Wilf Reeve having taken 4 for 43 and Jackson 2 for 30.
On Saturday, the 1st team were outgunned by table-topping Edgworth after being bowled out for 90.
After losing the first five wickets for 32, Alex Bradley and Ryan Maddock dug in to provide some resistance, taking the score to 73, but when Bradley fell for 22 and Maddock for 16, only Nathan Bailey (14) thereafter could reach double figures. Edgworth’s quickie Adnan Ghaus finished with 5 for 16.
Alex Bradley top scored for Prestwich 1XI in their defeat away at Edgworth.
Ally Dickson (37) wasted no time in reply, and pro Harry Dearden made an unbeaten 32 as Edgworth coasted to victory by 8 wickets.
Also in the league, the 2nd team found themselves chasing a big total at home to Wythenshawe 1sts, whose Matthew Taylor hit a century in their total of 239 all out. Finlay Lester was the star bowler, taking 5 for 30, curbing what could have been a far bigger total to chase when the visitors were perched on 213 for 2, and Sam Staley returned 3 for 66.
Only Hassnain Ashfaq showed any sustained resistance in the Prestwich reply, striking 52, but the side crumpled to 123 all out.
The 3rd team had no game, but the 4ths and 5ths were pitting their bats and balls against each other in a friendly on Sunday until a sudden stormy downpour made conditions at the Brooksbottom venue unplayable.
