For the 30th consecutive cricketing weekend, the stage was yet again set for another stiflingly hot skirmish. This time, deep within the heart of the of the Golden Triangle, a struggling Alderley Edge provided the scene for Stockport Georgians’ most recent push for title championship and promotion.

A quick toss of the coin confirmed Dodd’s anticipation with the skipper electing to field. A decision nobody had any quarrels with, considering recent form at chasing targets. Friel confidently taking the ball and setting his field, the point-man began Georgians’ siege for victory. A recognisable tight couple of overs saw Friel take our first in the fifth. A slight brush of the edge and Friel had his man. We were under way. Backed up by Patel at the other end the pair made for some good watching as the bats Day and departee, Steele struggled to find rhythm. Momentum seemed to gather with the new bat, Stevinson, as the pair remain unphased, reaching 80/1 from 22 Overs. Just like the hot summer sun beating down and the tennis enthused midday marauders drinking their Pimms, Friel was not done. Taking his 2nd in the 23. Day the man. Ormerod now in the attack brought a well worked change of pace and angle whilst beginning his day with a maiden over. One change quickly saw another and Hussain was the man replacing Friel. Yet again a fantastic spell from the season-debutant. Ormerod wasn’t for waiting around in the heat much longer and opened his ledger with a wicket in the 32nd. A top Edge sent the ball high into the air findings its way into the calm palms of a disappointed Keogh, as it was just outside the frame of FrogBox. 105/3 from 32. Ormerod didn’t have to wait long for his 2nd of the day, getting Dilruk LBW in his next over. The theme of the day, being tight bowling and consummate fielding, held Alderley Edge to a reduced 119/4 from 37 overs before Ormerod taking his 3rd (bowled) and 4th (caught behind) wicket of the afternoon. The departure of Stevinson (59) brought a sense on accomplishment and the finish line was in sight for the Georgian group. FIVE for the young left-armer. Another bat succumbs to the wizarding way of the left arm spinner as he is bowled. Completing the purest 5 wicket haul. With a session of tough bowling at the other end, Hussain accompanied Ormerod fantastically and took the final wicket of the afternoon. Ormerod 5-35 (15), Friel 2-46 (15) and Hussain 1-41 (12) collecting the commendations. Alderley Edge rounding off their own rebuttal with 167-8 (50). A composed 59 from Stevison and 41 from Day, the only few to ever get going. A mad dash for shade had both teams reenergise and regroup for their efforts to continue post break.

As the field fell quiet, the Pavilion hummed. The ever-filling gallery of on-lookers and tennis extraordinaires (who had no consideration for sightscreen etiquette) created a vibrant yet humble setting. Could the prolific pair and the Georgian opening batsmen continue their stellar form and see the team to another victory?

Averaging more runs that we’ve all had hot dinners combined, Dodd and Kilbride took centre stage for Georgians and started our assault at the below par 167 posted by Alderley. Skipper Dodd, saw the first and gentle struck the second to get 2nd Innings underway. The stubborn heat created great underfoot conditions for the pair, allowing both batsmen to get off to that all desired fast start. Striking nicely and running confidently, Alderley Edge could offer no answer for the pairs early march on the total. As expected Dodd and Kilbride started to slow as they both sought to recuperate. Not well received from the rest of the team, as those Pimms started to get increasingly better looking. But there was still cricket to play. Following on from the captain’s inning produced a week earlier, Dodd, breezed to 50 runs, respected by the gallery with warming clap of approval. Another satisfactory 50 followed suit, obtained by the man averaging 124. A perfect of example of complimentary batting from the duo and a fantastic sidekicks performance from the Vice Captain. However, I am sensing a Kilbride spin-off series.

Dodd kicked on and produced another fantastic Century, brining the captain his back to back Hundreds. Just like his Boyhood Football team, can we expect the treble of Century’s upon his return in the coming weeks. For the rest of the team, they’ve certainly picked a hot season for pad rash. Kibble, Keogh and Bailey watched on, as they witnessed a chanceless chance and when I say chanceless I mean, no one else had a chance of batting. The only thing Kibble managed to hit was his head on the hanging basket, several times.

A jovial ending to the Georgian innings was the cherry on the cake in the Cheshire suburb and Georgians comfortably take 25pts into the week. Extending our lead to 31 Points over 2nd Place Timperley who couldn’t manage to break down the formidable last wicket partnership spearheaded by Honorary Georgian, Tom Drury.

The team look onward to their midweek dual with Hyde in their T20 campaign and further to the home fixture against Oulton Park. Well played to those involved and another confident display of what Stockport Georgians are capable of this season.