PRESTWICH captain Andy Bradley admits he has a welcome selection headache to ponder following the return to the fold of prolific batsman Ali Raza.

The middle-order batsman scored more than 800 runs last season in his first year at the club but was unavailable for the start of this campaign due to work commitments.

The Heys men have coped admirably in his absence, storming to the top of the inaugural Greater Manchester League Premier Division and progressing in both the Lancashire Knockout and Derek Kay Per-Fit First XI Cup.

But with four first-team regulars missing over the bank holiday weekend, Raza's return was perfectly timed.

He scored 18 runs coming in at number three in Prestwich Heat's six-wicket victory over Radcliffe Racers in the Archway GMCL20 last Friday, and was not called upon in the club's impressive eight-wicket win at second-placed Clifton in the league the following day.

Raza dropped down the order to number five in that game, and Bradley admits it will be difficult to keep everyone happy when all of his squad is fit and available.

"Ali scored more than 800 runs last season batting at number five so we are obviously thrilled to have him back," said the Prestwich captain.

"He was an important player for us last year and I have no doubt he will be again this season.

"My problem is going to be fitting everyone in.

"I know Ali would like to bat further up the order, but it is just about finding the right balance and I know I won't be able to keep everyone happy all the time."

The players who came in to start at Clifton on Saturday did more than enough to stake a claim for a regular place after they waltzed past their early-season challengers.

Sam Holden starred again with the ball, taking 4-64, including the key wicket of former Lancashire batsman Gary Cross (89) as Clifton were kept down to 199-8 on their home ground.

Holden (57) then hit a half century, putting on a partnership of 125 for the third wicket with pro Martyn Walters (79) as they reached 202-2 with eight overs to spare.

"To go to Clifton and win so comfortably with four first-team regulars missing was a brilliant performance," said Bradley.

"I guess you could say it was our first big test as we have played a lot of the teams that are in the lower reaches of the division so far."

Prestwich have another test coming up on Saturday when they host Denton St Lawrence, who replaced Clifton in second place.

"We know them well from the Lancashire County League," added Bradley.

"We won three times against them last season after beating them in the final of the cup as well as both league games, but they have got a couple of new players that we will have to be on the lookout for."

Prestwich were handed a walkover into the last 16 of the First XI Cup after Division Three side Irlam forfeited their tie. They will play at Premier Division rivals Heywood in the next round on June 26.

And after Blackpool were disqualified from the Lancashire KO for fielding an ineligible player in the last round, Prestwich will now play at Ribblesdale League leaders Clitheroe in the second round on June 12.