Aquell goes from zero to hero for Prestbury
A BIG weekend for Prestbury started with a league game against Ashley.
Captain Ben Oakes won toss and put Ashley into bat. Aussie Tim Braender picked up an early wicket but Ashley steadied themselves and reached 106 for 4. They looked to be building a good total but wickets were coming Prestbury’s way.
Sam Gilding was the main man, taking 3 for 20. He was supported by some good fielding and in the end Ashley made 224 all out.
It was the first time Prestbury have bowled a side out this season.
At 17 for 3 it looked like the game would be all over very quickly but Tom Livesley, in one of his steady innings, made 57.
He was well supported by Abdullah Waseem (31) and Rommel Gondal (23) while others chipped in – Ben Oakes (13), Archie Thorneycroft (13).
Prestbury only fell short by 23 runs at 201 all out, so this set up Sunday’s clash against Stockport Trinity in the Cheshire Shield.
Oakes won the toss and put Trinity into bat. They made a solid start and were on top at 161 for 5 at over six an over.
There was a collapse to 169 for 8 but a good effort by the 10 and 11 batsmen meant Prestbury were chasing off 45 overs 218 to win.
Up stepped Aquell Ahmed – having been out for a duck on Saturday – and he proceeded to hit 129 not out. It was a super innings including 14 fours and seven sixes, backed up in a 112 unbroken partnership with Akbar Vohra who made 13 but played his part. Prestbury were home and hosed with nine overs to spare.
POYNTON’S difficult start to the season continued and the club remain in the relegation zone in second bottom position.
Poynton were already up against it at 32-3, and then from 63-3, the remaining wickets fell for just 16 more runs, as Ross Arrowsmith (5-18) scythed through the Poynton line up. Rob Bowden top scored with 27. With 34 not out from Andrew Clarke and 30 from Will Ritchie, Disley reached their target in just 18 overs for the loss of only one wicket.