ECB Premier
Alderley Edge 227-9d
Poynton 229-5

PREMIER Division pacesetters Alderley Edge were brought down to earth as Poynton completed their biggest successful run-chase on home ground in recent memory.

Set an imposing 228 in a rain-reduced 48 overs, openers Jason Rudge and Brian Kingham led the London Road side to the brink of victory before the ever-dependable Derwin Thompson completed a superb five-wicket victory.

From the first over, Rudge and Kingham were cutting and driving boundaries, while also remaining alert to any singles that were on offer, and 29 came from the first six overs.

The scoring rate remained at five an over until the partnership was finally broken with the score on 137 when Kingham, whose 68 included 12 fours and one six, fell.

At 172-1 with 11 overs left, the home side were in a fantastic position, but the wicket of Rudge, who departs for Australia next month, for 76 triggered a slump to 199-5.

Poynton still needed 29 from four overs, with Alderley's main spin bowler Andrew James proving particularly difficult to score off, but Thompson (37no) and Simon Turner saw Poynton home in the 47th over.

Earlier, Alderley's Jonathan Usher struck a belligerent 71 from 52 deliveries as the visitors recovered from 101-5.