Heywood firsts through on bowl out, seconds solid in victory

Heywood first and second teams are through to the quarter-finals of their respective Per-Fit Cup competitions after a day full of tension.

The senior side beat Greater Manchester Premier League pacesetters Prestwich 6-2 on a bowl-out, after the Bury area team had amassed 203-8 before rain washed out any chance of further play.

And the second XI pulled off a notable 30-run victory at Edgworth in a match reduced to 20 overs per side amid the threat of rain during the afternoon.

It’s a big boost for the club with the draws for both competitions to be made this week.

Heywood’s first team were set a stiff task after Prestwich made 203-8 from their 50 overs, with South African professional Marty Walters anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 112.

Simon Dawson produced one of his best spells of the season with 3-29 from his 10 overs.

Chris Humphreys claimed 2-20 from six overs,.

There was a wicket apiece for Dominic Humphreys, Andy Dawson and professional Danny Pawson.

The innings finished in rain, however, and the weather did not relent to allow the sides back on the field for Heywood’s innings, necessitating a bowl-out at around 6.30pm.

Heywood have been on the wrong end of such situations in the past but made no mistake this time. Pawson, Simon Dawson, Wes Hunt, Mikey Grogan, Sean Burrill and Liam Mason all hit the stumps, which proved too much for Prestwich.

The second XI – featuring a last-minute call-up for veteran cricket chairman Dave Fare – turned in a sound all-round performance at Edgworth, making 121 from their 20 overs after double figure contributions from skipper Chris Kaye, Joe Humphreys, Rob Bennett, Chris Booth, Adam Fawcett and James Mills.

That proved out of reach for Edgworth who lost wickets at regular intervals and finished on 91 all out from 17.2 overs, with Kaye claiming five of the last seven wickets in a 5-18 return from just four overs.

Mills also had a commendable game and followed up his contribution with the bat with 2-9 from three overs.