Prestwich skipper bows out with title win (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Prestwich skipper bows out with title win

11:00am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

CAPTAIN Steven Lorenzini lifted the Lees Lancashire County League trophy on his farewell appearance for Prestwich on home soil.

A move to London for career reasons means he will not be playing at The Heys next year.

Lorenzini, who made his first-team debut in 2000 at the age of 15, said: “I am particularly proud of this success as this is the first time Prestwich 1st XI has ever retained any trophy. ”

He spent five years as skipper, having taken over from Steve Orrell in 2007, although he missed one year injured.

He added: “It has meant the world to me to lead Prestwich for five seasons and to win the title three times will stay with me forever.”

Last Saturday's game against Glossop, for so long their nearest challengers for the title, was another classic.

Prestwich amassed a daunting 289-7 from their 50 overs, but the visitors spectacularly overhauled it with seven balls to spare.

Home professional Danny Jones led the run spree with a magnificent 121 – but he was matched by his Glossop counterpart Lee Dale, who cracked an equally brutal 109.

Jones has been in imperious form for much of the season, and gave his side another fluent start, leading the way in a 75-run stand with opening partner James Wharmby. He smashed 12 fours and seven sixes before he was caught by Dale for his highest score of 121.

But a match-winning partnership between Lee Dale and Dale Pennington, which blossomed to the tune of 151, helped reach the target.

Prestwich’s last league game on Sunday is at Roe Green.