Weekend Roundup 1/2 July

Ed Wharton – record breaker!

Preston Cricket Club witnessed a stunning performance as they clinched a 177-run victory over Dunstable, propelling them to the fifth position in the Championship. The match will forever be remembered for Ed Wharton’s exceptional display, stealing the headlines with a record-breaking bowling performance.

In challenging conditions following a day of heavy rain, Preston was asked to bat first. Sensibly approaching the game, the top-order batsmen laid a solid foundation. Ed Wharton (28), Daniel Scholz (27), and Simpson (19) all made promising starts as Preston reached the 18th over at 88/3. It was skipper Jake George, however, who shouldered the responsibility to build on the team’s good start. George’s unbeaten knock of 87 anchored the innings, allowing the middle order to contribute with some quickfire cameos. The highlight was Jack Stevens’ blistering 31 off just 27 balls. Preston eventually set a challenging target of 279/8 in their allotted 60 overs.

As the sun emerged for the second innings, nobody could have anticipated the carnage that was about to unfold. Dunstable found themselves in trouble early on, reduced to 27/3, courtesy of Ed Wharton’s dangerous swing bowling. Max Anderson’s safe hands in the slip cordon proved crucial on each occasion. With Daniel Scholz and Casey Walker providing solid support from the other end, Wharton unleashed his attacking prowess, capturing a sensational 5-wicket haul. Dunstable were left desperately trying to salvage a draw at 69/5.

After the tea break, Wharton continued his relentless assault, well-supported by the slip cordon’s fantastic catching display. As Dunstable’s wickets tumbled, Wharton remarkably claimed all nine, leaving them reeling at 86/9. In the 39th over, history was made as a searing delivery found its way into the hands of a short leg fielder, leading to Dunstable’s final wicket. They were bowled out for a mere 102 runs. Ed Wharton’s remarkable figures of 10/44 from 19.2 overs not only shattered club records but also established a new league record.

Preston 2’s also recorded a comprehensive 93-run win over Luton Town & Indians in the Herts league. Ollie Catlin, Jacob Williamson, and Joe Clark led the charge, supported by the experience of Catlin Snr’s exceptional bowling figures. Preston, batting first, initially stumbled with early wickets falling. However, Ollie Catlin’s superb knock of 42 and Jacob Williamson’s brilliant innings of 65 steadied the ship. Preston posted a competitive total of 206 all out in the 48th over.

Luton Town & Indians showed resilience but faced a disciplined Preston bowling attack. Joe Clark, the young seamer, claimed crucial wickets, while Ash Catlin’s flight and guile led to a remarkable 6-wicket haul, decimating the middle and lower-order batsmen. LT&I were eventually dismissed for 113 runs in the 36th over.

Captains James Skirrow’s 56 wasn’t enough for Preston 3’s as the lost to Totteridge and Millhillians by 4 wickets.

Preston 4s were also on the losing side hosting Hitchin 4s.Hitchin made a brisk start but were contained by the impressive bowling of Srini Nanjundan (4-13) and Andrew Riant (2-11). The visitors concluded their innings at 163-9.

In response, Preston faced consistent wicket losses and struggled to stay competitive. However, late contributions from Josh Ashby (24) and an unbeaten Greig Hearne (23*) from an injured position added some respectability to the final scoreline.

Preston Sunday 1’s lost against Flitwick by 5 wickets. Arham Durhani with a well made 50.

Preston Sunday 2’s lost by 6 wickets against FM Arthurs.

In the junior teams Preston chalked up a good win v Hitchin in the U9’s. The U10’s weren’t so lucky against Baldock but with superb cricket played in both matches by all the players.

An amazing week. The Saturday 4-bagger still evades us as we head into the second half of the 2023 season but some astonishing performances recorded….