Wiltshire CCC vs Cheshire CCC in the NCCA Cluberly Championship, Western Division 2 at Alderley Edge Cricket Club on Sunday, July 27 – Tuesday, July 29 2025. Match report by Roy Honeybone.
Day 1: Wiltshire Sets the Stage
The match kicked off with a slight delay due to overnight rain, but once the skies cleared, Wiltshire won the toss and opted to bat first.
They got off to a solid start with openers Jon Sadler and Jack Mynott putting together a partnership of 63 runs for the first wicket.
Mynott was particularly aggressive, scoring 55 runs off just 59 balls, while captain Ed Young contributed a respectable 48.
However, the Cheshire bowlers, led by Luke Young, began to make inroads.
Young took an impressive 6 wickets for 75 runs, showcasing his ability to hit the stumps.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Wiltshire managed to reach a total of 239 runs, thanks to some late resistance from Ben Higton (40 runs) and Archie Pascoe, who stayed not out at 10 while adding 44 runs for the last wicket.
Cheshire's response was cautious, facing tight bowling from Chris Aubrey, who took 2 wickets for just 13 runs in his opening spell.
Unfortunately, a hamstring injury forced him off the field, and Cheshire ended the day at 80 for 4 after 40 overs.
Day 2: Cheshire Fights Back
As Day 2 unfolded, the pitch seemed to favour batting more than bowling.
Cheshire's captain, David Wainwright, led from the front with a solid 82 runs, supported by Luke Young, who remained not out on 73.
Together, they formed a crucial partnership of 106 runs for the sixth wicket, helping Cheshire recover from their shaky start.
By the end of their 90 overs, Cheshire had posted 263 runs for 8 wickets, taking a slender lead of 24 runs.
With a small target to chase, Wiltshire opened their second innings with Sadler and Mynott again, who added another 64 runs for the first wicket.
However, a controversial dismissal of Josh Kelly, who was given out for obstruction, stirred emotions on the field.
This seemed to fuel Wiltshire's fire, as Mynott, who was later named Man of the Match, scored a brilliant 105 runs off 152 balls, while Ed Young blasted 56 runs off just 40 balls.
By the end of Day 2, Wiltshire had built a commanding lead of 231 runs, finishing at 255 for 4.
Day 3: A Dramatic Finish
On the final day, Wiltshire declared their innings at 348 for 9, setting Cheshire a challenging target of 325 runs to win.
Jake Goodwin joined the century club with a fine 109 runs, helping to solidify Wiltshire's position.
Cheshire's bowlers struggled, with Seb Botes taking 4 wickets for 82 runs, and Andrew Duffy contributing with 2 for 43.
Cheshire started their chase steadily, with Ryan O'Brien scoring 46 and Thomas Hall adding 62 runs.
However, a few contentious moments, including a near-dismissal for stepping on the stumps, kept the tension high.
As the match progressed, the spinners from Wiltshire began to apply pressure.
Jack Mynott, who had already made a significant impact with the bat, turned the game on its head with the ball.
He took 3 wickets for just 13 runs in a brilliant spell, dismissing key players including Cheshire's captain Wainwright.
With the match hanging in the balance, Cheshire found themselves needing 38 runs in the final over with just two wickets remaining.
Wiltshire's captain Ed Young took the ball, claiming one wicket, but despite the pressure, Cheshire's last man, Andrew Duffy, held firm, and the match ended in a draw.
Conclusion: A Memorable Encounter
This thrilling encounter at Alderley Edge CC showcased the best of club cricket, with standout performances from both teams.
The match was not only a test of skill but also of character, with both sides displaying resilience and determination.
A special mention goes to the hospitality provided by the Cheshire committee, making this a memorable event for players and spectators alike.
Next up for Wiltshire is a clash against Dorset from August 10th to 12th.
Well played, gentlemen!
