Brands Hatch-ett

Thursday August 10th 2023 | Cricket

Prestwich 4th XI made it to their second successive cup final last Sunday after a last-ball thriller.

They required one run off the final ball against Heaton 4th XI when Anis Khaliq hit the required single, assisted by non-striker Tom Hatchett’s (above) full-hearted dive across the crease to complete the run.

That made the scores level at 138 but reigning cupholders Prestwich, led by Pete Staley, had lost fewer wickets and so they earned a place on the final scheduled for Bank Holiday Monday.

There was drama all the way as Heaton had been reduced to 25 for 5 before Ismail Dawood (43) and Tendai Mungadzi (63) helped set a score to chase. Liam Potts (3-15), Anis Khaliq (3-17) and Ariz Sajid (2 for 15) were excellent with the ball.

In reply, James Mercer (33), Matt Eaves (35) and Liam Potts (24) helped their side to the verge of victory, setting it up for the last ball sprint and lunge from Hatchett.

Rain had ravaged Saturday’s fixtures which forced the 1st and 2nd team games to be abandoned without a ball being bowled.

On Sunday, Prestwich hosted the 2nd team T20 Finals but lost in the first semi-final by just 3 runs.

Heyside Hyenas made 121 for 5, Nick Campbell striking 73. Prestwich’s valiant effort fell just short, Jack Doyle top-scoring on 21.

Jack Doyle top scored for Prestwich Patriots in their semi-final defeat.