Final weekend of ups and downs

Prestwich finished their season off with a topsy-turvy weekend.

A 10-wicket win, two losses, and a rain-abandoned game probably summed up the rollercoaster season for the club’s senior teams which brought two cups but two relegations.

The 3rds rounded off in style last Saturday by dismissing the new league champions Whalley Range for 55 and reaching the target without the loss of a wicket.

Bowling honours went to Liam Potts (3 for 2, pictured above) and Stephen Ritchie (3 for 21) with a wicket each for Charlie Jackson, Ariz Sajid and Finlay Lester.

Thomas Orrell (41 not out) and Jackson (17 no) saw the team home without a hitch. This meant the 3rds finished in the runners-up spot in the GMCL Sunday Premier Division just 2 points behind the winners, who only had one game called off during the season, compared to Prestwich’s five abandonments.

The 4ths meanwhile were at Whalley Range 4ths and found the pursuit of 222 well beyond them. Tom Hatchett (3 for 33), Sid Chopra (2-21) and Anis Khaliq (2-47) were the main wicket-takers. In reply, Prestwich could only reach 84 for 5, with Khaliq unbeaten on 33 and Samir Rashid making 30.

On Sunday, the 4ths game against Ashton Ladysmiths 2nds was abandoned due to the rain after Prestwich had made a good start and were on 97 for 3 after 21.2 overs, with Ariz Sajid on 51 not out.

The 5ths were also in action for the final time in a friendly with Roe Green 4ths and lost by 55 runs.

The hosts made 140 after Mike Orrell took 3 for 13 and Robert Thompson 2 for 9.

Prestwich were bowled out for 85, Leo Michaelovitz top scoring with 34.