Alderley Edge chalked up a second successive victory on Saturday and took a huge step towards ensuring they will be playing Premier League cricket again next season.
Facing reigning triple champions Nantwich on their own ground, Alderley’s batsmen enjoyed their best day of the season so far.
Putting the county champions to the sword Edge racked up a mighty score of 299-5 from their 55 overs, with excellent innings coming from Calum Rowe (89), Adam Worrall (71 not out) and Mark Currie (66).
When Nantwich batted, Chris Cook picked up two quick wickets but then followed an impressive stand of 126 between Cheshire batsmen Jonathon Kettle and Robert Cooke-Sievewright, who scored an immaculate maiden century, and while they were together Nantwich were very much in the hunt. However, Kettle was dismissed by
Charlie Reid to the first ball after the drinks interval, and further wickets fell regularly thereafter – with Jason?Whittaker bowling Cook-Sievewright for 119 – until Nantwich were finally dismissed 50 runs short on 249.
One very pleasing aspect of the day was the extent to which Alderley completely out-fielded their opponents, Jon Steele leading the way with a fine catch and a key run out.
On a good day for the club, the second XI also rediscovered their winning ways with a five-wicket win at home to Nantwich.
The visitors’ useful score of 225-4 was overhauled by Alderley with just under three overs remaining, the principal contributors to a very good team performance being Jonnny Usher (57), Paul Manton (55) and Oliver Wildig (45).
