PRESTWICH were left cursing the weather as they looked set for victory against high-flying Woodbank last Sunday.

A total of 250, inspired by professional Craig Duxbury with his third century of the month, left their derby rivals with a mountain to climb.

But an untimely shower meant all 50 overs could not be completed, and Prestwich had to bowl out the opposition to claim all five points. However. the last Woodbank pair of Sensale and Budgen clung on at 96 for 9. It left both sides with two points each.

The rain nearly cost Prestwich victory a day earlier against lowly Sale Moor.

Chasing a target of 187, they found themselves with little more than 25 overs to score 150 runs after a showery interruption.

Coming together with the score at 38 for 3, skipper Steve Orrell and David Fitzmaurice came to the rescue, putting on almost 90 in the next 9 overs before Fitzmaurice was caught for 48.

Chris Thomas (13) and John Fiorentini (16 not out) carried on the good work while Orrell finished unbeaten on 61 off 57 balls to reach the target with a couple of overs to spare.

Earlier, Gary Mather reached 100 off the last ball of the Moor innings to form the basis of his side's total.

Andy Bradley continued his excellent form with 5 for 53, and Ian Walker took off the wicketkeeping gloves to grab 3 for 22, after Matty Walsh was injured.

Sunday's clash with Woodbank saw Duxbury smash a superb 120.

He was a batsman in a hurry as he raced to his half century in 38 balls, hitting rival pro Mark Stringer out of the attack.

His run rate understandably subsided as a more defensive field was set, but there was good support throughout as Orrell struck 33, Paul Mercer cracked a quickfire 24, Walker 26 , Hudson 16, and a late charge from Bradley, 17 not out.

Woodbank were reduced to 34 for 5, as Bradley went on the rampage with the ball, taking three early wickets , including Lomas and Loster for a duck. Young Alex Blake forced Holder into a mistimed pull and the ball was pouched by Fiorentini, also for a duck.

When Hudson's athletic leap at backward point claimed McCheyne's wicket off Duxbury's bowling, survival appeared the name of the game.

The in-form Neil Ridehaugh stood defiant with a gritty 49 and the injured Mark Stringer hit 23. But Walker, again called on to bowl, broke the resistance by grabbing Stringer's wicket with the score on 77.

Fiorentini proved an able replacement behind the stumps, taking a catch to dismiss Hargraves off a cameo over from Mercer, adding to Fiorentini's two outfield catches.

Bradley (4 for 38) finally prised out Ridehaugh one short of his fifty as Hudson made an excellent diving catch at cover. Walker (2 for 16), clipped Milnes' off stump to claim the ninth wicket, but the Prestwich team were left frustrated as the last wicket proved elusive.

Prestwich 2nd XI kept up their title hopes with comfortable away victories against Sale Moor and Woodbank. Peter Lorenzini was the star man, taking 10 wickets for 34 runs over the two matches.