4XI retain the Sunday Plate

The 4th XI retained the GMCL plate last Sunday by defeating Werneth 3rd XI.

Skipper Pete Staley lost the toss and Prestwich, having been inserted, soon found themselves 16 for 3. Mercer (58) and Potts (31) steadied the ship carrying us through to 77 (a partnership of 61) when another 2 wickets fell to leave them 5 down.

As they have done all season though, the 4s scrapped their way to a decent total of 147 thanks largely to a rearguard from Tom Hatchett who chipped in with 28. However having been bowled out in 36 overs there was a feeling that they’d left a few runs out there and were a little short of par.

Werneth felt they were favourites at the tea break but hadn’t factored in the strength of the Prestwich bowling attack and fielding. Ben Pinkus, with 4 for 14, was the pick of the bowlers but he was supported by Ani Khaliq, 3 for 15 and Ariz Sajid 1 for 17.

Special mention here for Liam Potts, who although wicket less, bowled a tight spell at a crucial time. The bowlers were ably supported by a really good fielding performance (for this level) including direct hits from Mercer and Potts.

So the 4s do the ‘double’ with 6x u18s in the team and with 4 games to go promotion is still a realistic possibility.

Well done everyone.

• Elsewhere last weekend the 1XI’s Premier Division status hangs in the balance after their 9 wicket loss at Heaton. Wins for Flowery Field, Woodbank and Heyside leaves Prestwich in 9th place on 43 points with Egerton 10th on 42 and Heyside 11th on 33.

Biggest game of the season coming up next Saturday as we entertain Heyside, 12pm start. Egerton host Denton West.

Prestwich 1XI 87ao (Wharmby 20, Alex Bradley 20); Heaton 89-1 (Jackson 1-16)

• Prestwich 3XI lost at home to Royton and the 5XI lost their friendly away at Timperley.

Prestwich 3XI 116ao (Noori 28); Royton 3XI 120-3 (Noori 2-6)