STORMS and gale-force winds did their level best to halt Alderley Edge women’s firsts on Saturday.

They had no joy, however, as they swept past opponents Pendle Forest to record a fine 3-1 victory, thus completing a league double over their higher-flying hosts.

Edge started on the front foot and after 14 minutes, they finally found their breakthrough.

A lovely ball through from Becca Downing-Holmes set up Sacha Currie-Hateley, who found the net to give her side the lead.

Just one minute later, things got even better for the visitors.

A quick pass down the right from Sarah Hopkins set Izzy Reynolds-Duffy free and her measured ball into the D was tapped in by Bex Ward.

Alderley had further chances to extend their lead while at the other end, captain Sophie Hetherington and goalkeeper Grace Hardy led a solid defensive effort as Pendle struggled to get back into the game.

There were no further goals until the fourth quarter when Pendle pulled a goal back through Steph Bedford, but Edge remained composed.

They won a number of penalty corners late on as they ground their hosts down and from one of them, Hopkins’ slap pass deflected kindly for Currie-Hateley to force the ball home.

The victory takes them to sixth in the Investic National League North Conference.

The women’s seconds enjoyed a fine 6-0 win at home to Oldham but it was another tough weekend for the men’s firsts.

They lost 3-0 at Barford Tigers on Saturday before going down 4-2 at home to high-flying Timperley on Sunday.