Heat success in the gloom

Prestwich Heat got their T20 campaign up and running with an 8 wicket win over Walshaw Warriors this evening.

The drizzly conditions delayed the start and a 13 over game eventually got underway with the home side put in to bat by James Wharmby.

Nathan Bailey grabbed a wicket in the very first over, Ammar Baig caught behind, and finished with impressive figures of 4-26 from his 3 overs. Wickets also for Tom Gibson (1-13), Nico Van Zyl (1-16) and Sam Kershaw (1-24) as Walshaw finished on 88-7.

In reply Heat also lost a wicket in the first over as Stuart Els was caught at point but a steady partnership between Wharmby (28) and Kershaw (38 ret) kept the Prestwich worm on top.

However when Wharmby was bowled and Kershaw went off injured shortly after, two new batsman at the crease with just 9 balls remaining and 9 runs required, the home side sensed an unlikely win.

But Van Zyl (7*) and Alex Bradley (4*) kept their nerve and steered Heat over the finishing line with 2 balls remaining.