Prestwich 1XI made history last Sunday as they progressed through to the Lancashire Knock Out Final for the first time following a 73 run win over Kendal at Shap Road.
Sam Kershaw’s unbeaten 70 anchored the Prestwich innings after they were put in to bat by the home side, going on to post 197-7 from their 45 overs.
The third over dismissal of Sam Dutton set the tone and once Evan Williams found the hands of Kershaw, only bats 9 and 10 offered any resistance. Kendal finally succumbing in the 36th over as James Wharmby’s team booked a final date with Ormskirk on Sunday 8th September at Blackpool Cricket Club.
• Prestwich 1XI 197-7 (Kershaw 70); Kendal 1XI 124ao (Bailey 4-26)
24 hours earlier, Tom Gibson’s bat carrying 70 helped the Firsts recover to 147-9 at Elton after being in serious trouble at 27-5.
Going into the 50s for the loss of just one wicket, the home side looked to have their reply under control. But 6 middle order wickets for just 35 runs swung the match back in Prestwich’s favour, Barlow’s resistance not enough as the Elton tail fell away and James Wharmby’s team collected the 5 points.
• Prestwich 1XI 147-9 (Gibson 70*); Elton 1XI 111ao (Van Zyl 3-28)
Stuart Els celebrates after catching Elton’s Nick Haynes.
Back at Heys Road second placed Prestwich 2XI saw off the challenge of third placed Adlington by 63 runs.
Alex Bradley’s 53 and Adam Cheshire’s 37 the highlights as Dylan Kane’s team set their visitors 192 to win.
Another reply that started off well but once the opening pair were back in the changing room only two other Adlington bats reached double figures. Prestwich secured the win with 14 overs remaining.
• Prestwich 2XI 191ao (Bradley 53); Adlington 1XI 128ao (Reeve 4-55)
Back to Sunday now and the remaining games of the weekend involved the 3rd and 4th teams.
Prestwich 3XI lost by 5 wickets in the last over at Uppermill while Prestwich 4XI enjoyed a comprehensive win over Friends Sporting Club at Heys Road.
• Prestwich 3XI 165ao (Sherazi 60); Uppermill 2XI 166-5 (Carter 1-25, Staley 1-27, Lester 1-28, Ritchie 1-29, West 1-41)
• Friends SC 2XI 45ao (Shah 4-7); Prestwich 4XI 49-2 (R Hatchett 26*)
