Alderley Edge 70

Toft 3rd 72 for 1

TOFT put themselves in prime position for promotion with this comprehensive victory over second placed Alderley Edge.

Toft fielded a severely depleted team due to holiday commitments and cautiously put the opposition in to bat.

This paid off handsomely as their bowlers responded with a match winning performance.

Leadbeater bowled a tight line and only went for 12 runs off his six overs.

He was replaced by Adam Cornes who had the opposition in a real spin taking 4 wickets for 14.

But the bowling star was undoubtedly Mike Farrell.

Coaxed out of retirement he tore the heart out of Alderley and returned the excellent figures of 5 for 33.

Wounded

The bowlers were well supported by some fine fielding from the inexperienced team, with young James Needham getting a fine run out.

Andy Bell was unlucky not to emulate him when skipper Chris Spanton inadvertently blocked his fine throw and was left nursing a sore back and wounded ego.

Needing to win to keep top spot, Toft set about the run chase with openers with an age difference of 40 years.

Paul Freedman, fresh from his three wickets behind the stumps, hit 27 in an opening partnership of 61.

This left teenager David Bell to finish off the game with a fine 19 not out.

Alderley handed them 24 extras with wayward bowling.

A win in next week's home game against Tattenhall could see promotion clinched for Toft.