With yet another Saturday washed out by rain, the monsoons relented for Sunday to allow Alderley Edge's table-topping 3rd XI to host Bowdon Vale.
A fine batting display enabled Alderley to run up an impressive total of 215-5 from 40 overs, Luke Wolstenholme making an immaculate 108 not out. Needing 10 wickets to notch up another 25 points, things could not have started better for Alderley with quick bowlers Davies and Bateman each clean bowling one of the opening batsmen early on.
Then when mystery spin wizard Kumar Bhamidipati was introduced into the attack and took 3 wickets in his first two overs, it looked all over bar the shouting. But stubborn resistance came from Vogt, who made an excellent 76 not out, and captain Stacey, who together saw out the final 20 overs for a draw.
13 points for Alderley – not quite what they had hoped for but still enough to maintain a solid lead at the head of the league table.
Match report by Richard Davis.
