Alderley Edge 1st produced what was easily their best performance of the season when, despite fielding a depleted team, they came within a whisker of victory against top of the table Neston.
Batting first, Alderley's innings were held together by a well-constructed partnership between Adam Wildig, whose excellent 84 was his highest 1st XI score, and Jon Steele with 50.
As the innings drew to a close, acceleration was provided by a rapid 44 not out from in-form Charlie Reid, leaving Alderley with a useful total of 241-6.
A gripping run chase followed, throughout which any result was always possible, right up until almost the very last ball. Neston's innings closed on 234-9, with Alderley captain Alan Day taking 4-29 and opening bowler Ben Davis 3-58.
Alderley gained 15 points from the match against their opponent's 7, a very commendable return. The 2nd XI's bright start to the season, however, stalled a little with a 103 run defeat to a strong Neston side.
Match report by Richard Davis.
