Having not won the Cheshire Cup for 32 years, Alderley Edge are on the brink of retaining the trophy with a second successive final against Elworth from the North Cheshire and South Cheshire League. Having triumphed last September in the closely fought 2009 final at Elworth, Alderley Edge are looking forward to a re-match this Sunday at Moss Lane to decide the outcome of the 2010 final hoping for a another great game.
Last Sunday however Edge had to negotiate a tricky semi-final at Cheshire County League rivals Neston. Edge won the toss and choose to bat first on a surprisingly good-looking batting track after the recent bad weather. Edge opener’s Alan Day and Mark Currie had 75 on the board by the 11th over before Day was out for a useful 30. There were substantial contributions of 78 from Currie, 88 from Richard Wilkinson and 44 not out from captain Jason Whittaker as the visitors piled on the runs.
Alderley finished on 284 for 6 off their 45 overs and looked strong favourites to win at tea with the home side needing to get off to a good start to have any chance of victory.
The second over of the Neston innings was bowled by Whittaker off a short run-up due to being hampered by a leg injury but resulted in a sensational triple wicket maiden including Neston captain Jack Smith, the home side’s best player. Neston were never in the running from that point and were eventually all out for 96 with Whittaker taking 6 for 15 off 9 overs to completely destroy the Neston innings and leave Edge the victors by the massive margin of 188 runs.
The previous day Alderley had a rain affected draw in the Cheshire County Premier League against title chasing Hyde at home. Set 221 to win, Edge almost got there after fine knocks from Alan Day and Jonny Usher but were thwarted by the weather after 8 overs were lost to rain during the Edge innings. Although Edge cannot win the league, they are up to fifth in the league table with just two games left to play and want to maintain at least their current position having lost only three league fixtures all season.
Ob Sunday, 5th September, Alderley have their big day at home against Elworth in the Cheshire Cup Final with a start time of 12.30 pm, with free admission, and everybody welcome to come along to watch.
Final Score Cheshire Cup Semi-final: Alderley Edge 284-6 Neston 96 all out Alderley Edge won by 188 runs.
