It looked like the elements would have the final word last Saturday as steady drizzle fell for much of the day at Bramhall, before relenting for a 3pm start that meant that the premier league match was reduced to 68 overs.
Bramhall batted first and immediately found it difficult to score runs quickly, which is what is required in an innings only lasting 34 overs. Edge had a pace attack of captain Jason Whittaker, and Richard Wilkinson, and they had Bramhall in difficulties throughout their innings with a steady fall of wickets and only Cheshire wicket-keeper Matt Dawson with 33, showing any real consistency for the home side.
Whittaker finished with 4 for 55 and Wilkinson 3 for 68, both bowling uninterrupted for 17 overs each, Bramhall declaring at half-way at 128 for 9. This total looked to be well below par and Edge were strong favourites to rack up another win at tea as long as the weather held fair.
Edge openers Mark Currie and Alan Day never looked in any real trouble with a strong reply for the visitors. Only Simon Wilkinson’s spin bowling for Bramhall looked like it might delay an early Edge victory as he opened with four successive maidens. Eventually Edge accelerated to an easy 10-wicket win with 9 overs to spare, Currie scoring 75, and Day 42.
Currie now averages over a 100 after 7 league games for Edge, having scored over 400 runs and is in prime form as Edge approach their busiest time of the season with matches in four separate competitions this month.
On Saturday Edge have a crunch top-of-the-table clash with leaders, and championship favourites, Neston at Moss Lane in a game they simply cannot afford to lose if they are to maintain their title challenge with the season not yet at the half-way point. Such has been Neston’s form, that despite Edge being the only unbeaten side in the league, they are 32 points clear at the top with Alderley still in second place.
Final Score in the Cheshire County Cricket Premier League: Bramhall 128-9 Alderley Edge 130-0 Alderley Edge won by 10 wickets.
