STAND lost their grip on the Walkden Cup following a humiliating 131-run derby defeat at Prestwich on Sunday.

But they cruised to a six-wicket Lees Lancashire County League home win against Dukinfield the previous day.

Stand’s wicket takers against Prestwich, who were restricted to 215 runs for the loss of eight wickets, were Amila Weththasinghe (2), Carl Sutcliffe (2), Stuart Catterall (2) and Matt Holt.

John Walters then took six wickets for 24 runs with the only Stand batsmen to reach double figures being Weththasinghe, 22 runs, and Chris Holt, 10.

Weththasinghe was also the stand out performer against Dukinfield, claiming 7-19 with the ball as the visitors were skittled for just 75 runs.

Stand passed that total with ease thanks to solid batting from Dave Taylor, 23 runs, Weththasinghe, 19, Catterall, 10, and Holt, 15 not out.

Stand’s second team booked a Hulme Trophy semi-final meeting with Flowery Field on Sunday, July 12, by recording a 24-run home win over Prestwich seconds, who had reached the final of the cup in each of the previous six seasons.

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