DENTON recorded their third win of the season on Saturday, their second against title-chasing opposition, as they got the better of Prestwich.

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Denton got off to a slow but steady start with Humphries (1-44) and Kyle (3-66) proving a handful early on.

Steve Wharton (44) and Martin Leech (73 not out) then built a partnership of 94 with some delicious shots all round the ground, including a mighty six by Leech off the bowliing of Prestwich’s professional Dalagouda.

Wharton departed with the score on 128 and another wicket fell quickly, bringing Janak Patel to the crease.

Patel brought up his half-century from 25 balls, hitting five sixes and four fours in a rapid, unbeaten 67, and with Leech, took the score to a credible 215-4.

Prestwich’s response was typically robust, racing to 51 from 10 overs.

However, when Hudson was caught behind off the bowling of Jamie Garde (1-29) and Neill (4-44) bowled Orrell, Denton took control of the game.

A late stand from Mercer and Dalagouda created some nerves, but a fine ball from Colin Parker (1-53) removed Mercer to put the pressure back on Prestwich.

From out of nowhere, a sudden cloudburst then brought an end to the game with Prestwich delicately poised on 142-6 an an exciting finish anticipated.

The game never resumed though, leaving Denton with a 31-run victory based on the league’s Duckworth-Lewis method of scoring.