PRESTWICH collected seven points from last weekend's double header, but their lead at the top of the Lancashire County League table was cut to just a single point.

Local rivals Cheetham Hill and Roe Green were the visitors to The Heys in what was a vital weekend.

With ten points up for grabs and the chasing pack closing in, it was imperative that defeat was to be avoided.

After winning the toss and electing to field, skipper Craig Duxbury's side were cruising along against Cheetham Hill on Saturday, with the visitors struggling at 101 for 5.

This was until Waqar Ahmed entered the fray for Hill and proceeded to hit a six off almost every shot he played.

With the score at 182 for 7, the rearguard batted out the remaining five overs and set a total of 210 for 9.

In reply, Prestwich started well enough until Mike Hudson was caught by Ali.

At 36 for 1, new batsman Ian Walker set about the Hill total and went on to score a superb unbeaten 92.

Wickets did fall during the Prestwich reply but with all batsmen chipping in with runs, the outcome was never really in doubt.

On Sunday, Prestwich were asked to bat by the Roe Green captain and were soon rocked by the second over lbw dismissal of Duxbury.

The Prestwich middle order, however, dug-in and all contributed decent knocks in the thirties to help the home side to a 182-6 total.

Green opener Steve Higson went cheaply after being trapped lbw from Duxbury but as long as pro Paul Green was involved, the visitors always stood a chance of pinching the points.

Green finally went in the 41st over after being caught by Duxbury from the off Humphreys.

With the chase now at 128 for 5, the three-quarter mark was the objective of the visitors to make sure they took a point from the encounter.

This was achieved and with the light failing fast, the decision was made to finish the overs off with the slower bowlers.

With Duxbury at one end, makeshift off-spinner Andy Bradley brought the match to a close with a superb wicket maiden as Green closed on 157 for 7.