NEIGHBOURS Alderley Edge and Lindow played out a thrilling Cheshire Cup clash on Sunday, with Edge emerging as victors by three wickets.

Opener Patrick Ashling struck 99 to anchor Alderley’s pursuit of Lindow’s 200-9, but his dismissal started a wobble as the hosts lost four wickets for 11 runs.

Subhaan Mahmood eased nerves but he was dismissed as part of a double-wicket maiden from Lindow’s Rob Herriot, but the visitors' fightback came a little too late with Edge already on the brink of victory, which was sealed shortly afterwards.

Alex Matthews and Dan Newton also claimed two scalps each for Lindow, for whom Charlie Hodge (46) top-scored with the bat in the first innings with Edge bowlers George Valentine, Daniel Fesmer and Oliver Kenyon taking two wickets each.

On Saturday, Lindow had been beaten by 45 runs at Marple in Cheshire County Cricket League Division One after being bowled out for 110 in pursuit of 156 for victory.

Sam Battersby (25) top-scored with the bat having earlier finished with impressive bowling figures of three wickets for just two runs, with Matthews also taking two wickets.

Lindow are in league action against Davenham at Upcast Lane on Saturday while Alderley Edge, whose scheduled CCCL Premier Division game at Bowdon last weekend was cancelled, are due for T20 action at home to Hawk Green on Thursday before hosting Chester Boughton Hall on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Toft’s wait for a victory in 2024 continues after their batting let them down in both of their games over the weekend.

They were dismissed for just 113 in their CCCL Premier Division trip to Widnes on Saturday in pursuit of 202 for victory, with only Liam Clorley (50 not out) and Henry Hughes (32) reaching double figures.

It was a similar story in their Cheshire Cup trip to Brooklands the following day – chasing an imposing 251 to win, they were bowled out for 119 to succumb to a 132-run loss.

They open up their T20 campaign at neighbours Lindow on Thursday before the league campaign continues with a trip to Oxton on Saturday.