Alderley Edge Girls’ School finished as runners-up in the recent Kwik Cricket tournament.

Edge’s representatives were pipped to the title by a very strong team from Altrincham Preparatory School in the competition at the ninth Hale Barns Festival.

It was their second appearance in this event and they reached the final in competition with six other independent primary schools in the Hale Barns Trophy Competition, having beaten two teams made up largely of boys.

Receiving, as did each team, a bonus of five runs per girl, Alderley progressed to the semi-final by beating a team at the group stage with whom they had tied in their match last year.

They then won a thrilling semi-final by just three runs.

Although well beaten in the final, they defended their wickets with determination and fielded well, with every member of the team bowling over-arm.

Edge were joined in this year’s competition by a second girls team from Wilmslow Preparatory School and a team from Beech Hall School, both taking part for the first time.

All three Cheshire teams helped make the festival as enjoyable and exciting as ever, playing with great enthusiasm in the full spirit of the game.

Although neither of Edge’s Cheshire colleagues made it through the group stage of the competition, both made admirable contributions in their first year.

A school spokesman said: "We look forward to them both following the splendid example of Alderley Edge and doing even better in future festivals."