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League leaders Prestwich strengthened their grip at the topof the table with a comprehensive victory over Clifton on Saturday, builtaround a composed innings from sub-professional Anuk Fernando and a ruthlessbowling display that turned early pressure into a comfortable win.

Clifton, having opted to field, made an encouraging startwith the ball. Early strikes from Oliver Sleight and Ben Hamilton reducedPrestwich to 23–2 inside the first eight overs, before a watchful partnershipbetween Sam Kershaw (57) and Fernando began to wrestle back control. The pairadded 125 for the third wicket, mixing patience with aggression as Kershawanchored while Fernando played fluently.

Fernando’s 91 from 94 balls, featuring 14 boundaries, provedthe 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 50overs. 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. ZachFlaxman (37) and Jack Stanley (39) put on 60 for the first wicket, playing withdiscipline against the new ball and giving the visitors a platform. But onceFlaxman fell to Richardson, and Stanley departed shortly after, the inningsfaltered under the weight of scoreboard pressure.

Wickets fell in clusters as Andy Bradley tore through themiddle order with an inspired spell, finishing with outstanding figures of5–26. Nathan Bailey (3–46) provided excellent support, while Richardson andJackson chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite a late flourish from OliverSleight (18* off 17), Clifton were bowled out for 171 in the 41st over, falling96 runs short.

The result underlined Prestwich’s all-round strength, depthwith the bat, led by their sub-pro Fernando, and relentless pressure with theball. Clifton will take encouragement from their start in both innings but willreflect on missed opportunities to convert those platforms into genuinepressure on the league leaders.

It was a tough day at the office for Clifton as Horwich claimed a comprehensive victory in their latest league clash at Manchester Road.

Batting first, Horwich set a strong platform despite losing Jacob Swindells early for just 5, caught by Parikh off Sleight. Baldwin (46)and Josh Little (78) steadied the innings with a solid partnership, Little in particular playing fluently with 11 fours and a six in his knock. Clifton’s bowlers found chances hard to come by, though Ben Hamilton impressed with 4–40from his 13 overs, supported by Mason Turner’s 2–72. Despite wickets falling steadily in the later overs, a quickfire 31 from Brett Pelser and an unbeaten28 from Sam Little pushed Horwich to a competitive 256–8 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Clifton’s innings started poorly with Flaxman dismissed without scoring. Stanley (17) and Van Dyk (53) fought back, the latter showing great composure to anchor the innings.

Professional Sam Dorsey (24) added support, but regular wickets kept Clifton under pressure. Hamilton (18) chipped in, but no one was able to go on with Van Dyk after his dismissal. The lower order struggled against Horwich’s disciplined attack, with Jack Berry (2–26) and Sam Little (2–37) particularly effective. Louis Johnson led the way with 3–51, ensuring Clifton were bowled out for 160 in the 45th over, 96 runs short of the target.

For Clifton, Van Dyk’s half-century and Hamilton’s four wickets were positives on a difficult day, but Horwich’s depth with bat and ball proved too strong. Clifton will look to regroup quickly ahead of their trip to table topping Prestwich.