Captain’s pride

Cricket:
WOODHOUSES skipper Mike Cassidy hailed hat-trick hero Ashley Prescott following their Village Cup final triumph over Rottingdean at Lord’s.

Prescott, who heads the Medlock Road outfit's seam attack, claimed the wicket of George Ledden before taking Mark Grantham and Sam Shepherd caught and bowled to all but end the faltering challenge of the Sussex side, who were chasing 113.

It was the first hat-trick of his career and MCC officials believe it could be the first in a Village Cup final at Lord’s.

Cassidy said: “It was a tremendous occasion for everyone connected with this club. We have made history at the home of cricket and it can’t get much better than that.

“Ashley was unplayable and he deserves the plaudits for such a fantastic performance.

“We all held our breath when the ball was coming down from the sky for his third wicket, but he held onto it easily and then it was ecstasy all-round.”

Prescott admitted his titanic display was still sinking in, adding: “I am just buzzing, it all feels a bit surreal.

“The second wicket was a catch I would probably not have been able to pull off on any other day.

“I cannot believe my first ever hat-trick happened at Lord’s. It is brilliant but I am pleased for the team, all the lads deserve to win.”

Cassidy also praised the fans, who endured a near five-hour wait after heavy rain saw the original 40-over tie abandoned after just 13 overs, with a 10-over final played just after 4pm.

He added: “The supporters were extremely patient and I cannot thank them enough.

“We could have opted to replay the game at Rottingdean or at home — it would have gone to the toss of a coin — but there is nowhere like Lord’s.

“The memories will stay with us. It was a wonderful feeling to lift the cup.”