As a fixture between two of the most successful teams in the history of the Cheshire County league, this match between near neighbours and possible Cheshire Cup final opponents, certainly failed to deliver the expected level of entertainment, yielding only 234 runs in over 100 overs of cricket.
Edge made the short trip to Bowdon and batted first in damp conditions, with three separate stoppages for rain which made batting conditions difficult and the bowlers generally held sway throughout the entire match. Edge’s top run scorers, Richard Wilkinson and Mark Currie were again Alderley’s most successful batsmen but even they failed to register a half-century. Currie made 42 and Wilkinson 39 in a well below par score of 156 all out off 50 overs. Bowdon’s 15 year-old swing bowler Matt Tully certainly enjoyed the conditions as he registered a 4 for 25 return off 12 very good overs.
At tea it looked like Edge were big odds on to be defeated by their long-term rivals despite the poor weather and bowler friendly conditions.
However, with Bowdon 37 for 6 the game had turned on its head after inspired bowling from Wilkinson and Edge captain Jason Whittaker. Wilkinson returned the remarkable figures of 20 overs, 8 maidens, 6 for 30. With the home side reeling they decided to try to bat out for a draw which they eventually achieved with a display of determined defiance from their late order batsmen but at the expense of providing any real entertainment for the watching spectators.
An innings that yielded only 78 runs in 52 overs, with 25 maidens, cannot really be said to provide much of a spectacle. However, Bowdon’s stubborn approach certainly prevented an Edge victory, and Alderley’s failure to capture the last Bowdon wicket meant a 13-point swing in the away side’s favour was prevented.
With six games left in the league, any one of the top five can win the trophy with Edge in fourth place but only 14 points behind the leaders. Next Saturday Edge face a visit from form team Nantwich on Saturday before competing in 20/20 finals day at Chester on Sunday, when they face Didsbury in the semi-final.
Final Score Cheshire County Premier League: Alderley Edge 156 all out Bowdon 78-9. Draw
