A MAJESTIC innings of 93 from Imran Mirza steered Prestwich to a comfortable 73-run victory over Cheetham Hill.

The youngster, playing against his former club, had taken to the crease when the Heys team were on just 3-2.

But he signalled his intention immediately with a cover drive to the boundary off his first ball, and he was the mainstay of Prestwich's 197 total.

Waqar Ahmed got a bit of extra bounce on his home wicket during an accurate opening spell that accounted for both Mike Hudson and Ian Walker.

But Mirza and Steve Davies formed a 97-run partnership at a rate of just under four an over.

When Davies's patient innings ended on 37, Mirza carried on unabated, dominating a 35-run stand with skipper Steve Orrell (12) before falling seven short of his century.

Mirza's knock consisted of 12 fours and two sixes, and was his first 50 for the side.

Pete Walters then hit an unbeaten 27 off 22 balls, including a huge six.

Cheetham Hill's reply was immediately shackled when Chris Humphreys struck with his third ball to dismiss Morpeth, but it was thanks to an excellent diving catch at cover by Mike Hudson.

Andy Bradley claimed the wicket of McNaughton, caught by Walker, in his second over and Hill were 8-2.

Sean Flegg looked in good form with three well-struck boundaries before Humphreys found the edge and Davies took a smart catch at slip.

This prompted a major slump as Humphreys and Bradley both struck again, bowling Hassan and Shebaz respectively.

The work was carried on by Steve Lorenzini who trapped Ahmed l.b.w. and Oliver Holt, who tempted Mallard into Bradley's hands at mid-on.

Hill were facing a mountain at 49-7, but then proceeded to frustrate the Heys side as Ditta and Riaz staged a lively partnership of 54.

Riaz had made 38 when he was outdone by the surprise of a Walters' full toss, which was excellently taken by the hitherto hidden athleticism of Davies.

Humphreys returned to capture Ditta, and Holt wrapped up the match with the final wicket of Cohen.

Humphreys (4-17), Bradley (2-20) and Holt (2-14) all reaped good rewards for their toil.

l The 2nd XI, seeking to lift the Hulme Trophy for the fourth successive year, booked their place in the semi-final with victory over Glossop.

Chris Thomas's half century led the way in overhauling their 160-run target. The team also kept up with the leading pack in the league with a hard-fought 12-run win over Cheetham Hill.

l The 3rd XI bagged an excellent victory away at East Lancs, who fell short of a 197-run target.