League leaders Prestwich strengthened their grip at the top
of the table with a comprehensive victory over Clifton on Saturday, built
around a composed innings from sub-professional Anuk Fernando and a ruthless
bowling display that turned early pressure into a comfortable win.
Clifton, having opted to field, made an encouraging start
with the ball. Early strikes from Oliver Sleight and Ben Hamilton reduced
Prestwich to 23–2 inside the first eight overs, before a watchful partnership
between Sam Kershaw (57) and Fernando began to wrestle back control. The pair
added 125 for the third wicket, mixing patience with aggression as Kershaw
anchored while Fernando played fluently.
Fernando’s 91 from 94 balls, featuring 14 boundaries, proved
the defining innings of the day. Supported by a brisk 56 from James Wharmby,
Prestwich pushed on in the final overs to post a commanding 267–8 from their 50
overs. Clifton’s bowlers worked hard, with Hamilton (2–69) and Parikh (2–47)
the most successful, while Sleight and Turner chipped in with a wicket apiece.
In reply, Clifton’s top order initially showed promise. Zach
Flaxman (37) and Jack Stanley (39) put on 60 for the first wicket, playing with
discipline against the new ball and giving the visitors a platform. But once
Flaxman fell to Richardson, and Stanley departed shortly after, the innings
faltered under the weight of scoreboard pressure.
Wickets fell in clusters as Andy Bradley tore through the
middle order with an inspired spell, finishing with outstanding figures of
5–26. Nathan Bailey (3–46) provided excellent support, while Richardson and
Jackson chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite a late flourish from Oliver
Sleight (18* off 17), Clifton were bowled out for 171 in the 41st over, falling
96 runs short.
The result underlined Prestwich’s all-round strength, depth
with the bat, led by their sub-pro Fernando, and relentless pressure with the
ball. Clifton will take encouragement from their start in both innings but will
reflect on missed opportunities to convert those platforms into genuine
pressure on the league leaders.