CCL Premier
Alderley Edge 162
Neston 165-4
Neston won by six wickets
ALDERLEY Edge lost ground in the Cheshire ECB Premiership after a comprehensive six-wicket defeat at the hands of Neston.
Edge failed to recover from the loss of a string of early wickets and were held to a 162 all out total, consigning the team to seventh place in the league.
Edge lost the toss at Moss Lane on Saturday and were promptly inserted by erratic performers Neston.
Australian Jason Voros bowled the best opening spell faced by Edge this season, taking 4-19 in his first seven overs, supported by accurate medium pace from Neston's other opening bowler Chris Finegan.
This left Edge reeling at 54-6 after 16 overs but Edge number seven Simon James then played his best innings of the season, scoring a fluent 51.
Opening bowler Phil Kay then showed the rest of the Alderley batsmen how to graft and never looked in serious danger of losing his wicket.
Batting at number 10, he scored 28 not out and helped to put on 50 runs for the last two wickets putting Edge at 162 all out at tea.
When Neston batted Alderley did all they could to put them under pressure, and were reasonably happy at 63-3 after 15 overs, having already dismissed Lancashire's Simon Marshall.
But there followed an onslaught from Neston's Chris Hackett, who powered the away side to victory, smashing 75 not out, including six sixes along the way.
Edge's Indian star Sohail Rauf took 2-47 off 12 overs but could not prevent a comprehensive win for the Wirral side.
Edge face in-form Christleton next Saturday (start 1pm) in another home game, where they will be looking for an improved performance.
- ECB QUALIFIED first-team Alderley Edge players are offering one-to-one cricket coaching for all ages throughout the summer at the club.
For further details contact first team captain Mark Currie on 07932077897.
