Down to the wire at Alderley as Cheshire draw with Wiltshire

NCCA Cluberly Western Division 2, Alderley Edge CC, 27-29 July 

Wiltshire 239 (65.4 overs) & 349-9 dec (84.3 overs), Cheshire 263-8 (90 overs) & 287-9 (74 overs). Match drawn. Cheshire 10 points, Wiltshire 9 points.

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Cheshire edged the points 10-9 in a dramatic draw with Wiltshire at Alderley Edge that saw last over drama with Dan Wilson dismissed with a ball remaining and Andy Dufty and Henry Murray surviving in the gloom with light rain in the air. 

Wiltshire had bossed much of the game and having set Cheshire 325 to win, a spirited performance saw them finally aim for a draw at 274-8 with eight overs remaining.

It was an eventful and at times, fiesty game from start to finish, worthy of the fine setting and hospitality at Alderley Edge.

Cheshire made three changes to the side that drew with Shropshire last week, Seb Botes and Wilson linking up after after fine performances for the 2's, and a return for Luke McCoy.

Wiltshire won the toss and batting first managed 239, Jack Mynott making 55 and Ed Young 48. The introduction of Luke Young to Cheshire's bowling attack at 63 without loss, changed the innings as the Hyde all-rounder grabbed 6-75.

Cheshire replied well and were disappointed when a confident McCoy (31) fell just before the close on day 1. However skipper Dave Wainwright (82) and Young (73) - having excelled with the ball, added 106 for the sixth wicket. Cheshire closed on 263-8 with a slender 24 run lead,

An impressive second morning for the hosts turned into a poor afternoon as Wiltshire dominated a lacklustre Cheshire, batting on into the third morning to eventually declare on 348-9. Mynott shone with an outstanding 105 Jake Goodwin smashing 109 to set up a 325 target. Botes excelled with 4-82.

With an unusual obstruction dismissal for Josh Kelly causing some confusion when the ball was handled after an attempted reverse sweep, competiveness grew as the sides locked horns. 

Cue further drama as Cheshire looked to chase down 325 from the off,  Ryan O'Brien (46) and Tom Haffil (62) relishing the challenge. And with McCoy blasting 72 and Wainwright anchoring with 22, Cheshire had their tails up.

When Young went at 213-5, Murray confidently took charge. Max Law's toe injury from bowling the day before restricted his progress but it was late on that Cheshire ran out of options and aimed for the draw.

Late drama in the darkness ensued with all four results possible. With ten Wiltshire men around the bat, Cheshire held their nerve. Murray looked assured with 41 but when Wilson fell with a ball to go, it was enter Dufty to ensure his side held out.

A good three day watch that ebbed and flowed and proved a decent advert for NCCA cricket.

Cheshire 10 pints, Wiltshire 9 points.

Shropshire 312-9 (90 overs) & 122-2 (28 overs), Cheshire 226 81.5 overs). Match drawn

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