Alderley Edge 1st XI's superb start to the season gathered even more momentum on Saturday when they ran out comfortable 7-wicket winners against hot title favourites Chester Boughton Hall at Moss Lane.
The predicted monsoon just about missed Alderley allowing a 100-over match to be played, and Alderley captain Adam Worrall soon saw his decision to put Boughton Hall into bat justified as terrific, extended spells from Richard Wilkinson and Tom Foreman reduced the visitors' stellar batting line-up to 123-8.
Good stands for the last two wickets allowed the Chester team to reach 198-9 in their 50 overs, but the in-form Alderley top order made quick inroads into the total. An opening stand of 63 between Alan Day and Calum Rowe was followed by another outstanding partnership between Richard Wilkinson (79) and Rowe, who finished on 74 not out. Another 25 points means that only local rivals Toft now head Alderley in the League table as the half-way mark in the season approaches.
An under-strength 2nd XI proved no match for their Chester counterparts, and the table-topping 3rd XI looked like suffering an unexpected defeat against a depleted but very spirited Sandbach team when, chasing a score of 165, they were reduced to 56-6, but maiden senior half centuries from Mike Higginson and Henry Scanlon snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as Alderley got home by 3 wickets.
Photo: Man of the match Richard Wilkinson.
Match report by Rick Davis.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.