Derbyshire Premier League match reports - 31/08/02

Ockbrook 236-7 lost to Sandiacre 237-6 by 4 wickets

This was undoubtedly the match of the day, and for the neutral observer it provided an intriguing contest, which was finally settled with just one over to go. Batting first Ockbrook set a challenging score, with valuable contributions from Trevor Smith (25), Johnny Owen (37) and Brian Gladwin (25 not out), but the crucial innings was by skipper Dave Hallack who held the side together in making 55. Paul Standring was the most successful of the Sandiacre bowlers, taking 3-50. The Sandiacre reply was dominated by John Trueman who played a genuine captain’s innings, despite suffering from a severe leg strain which forced him to have a runner. He battled his way to 93, helped along initially in an opening stand with Chris Attwood (21) and later in an even more important stand with Rob Attwood who made 43 not out. So, Sandiacre completed the double against their rivals, and this left them in second place, 29 points behind Ockbrook, but with a game in hand. Much now depends on the outcome of Sunday’s re-arranged fixture with Wirksworth. Then, next week-end’s double set of fixtures involve both teams in opposition to Dunstall who remain as possible winners of the League.

Wirksworth 209 lost to Dunstall 261-8 dec by 52 runs

Dunstall’s challenge was given a boost by this 27 point win against bottom placed Wirksworth, but they had to fight for their victory. Paul Shaw came good in this match, hitting 113 not out, with strong support from Jamie Benstead (56) and Alan Gough (38) and they were able to declare with six overs to spare. Wirksworth’s brave reply included 59 from Andy Barlow and 30 from Neil Smedley, with Dunstall’s Carl Eyden taking 4-37. One thing is certain, Dunstall are in no mood to yield the advantage to either of their two rivals.

Alvaston & Boulton 171-7 beat Quarndon 170 by 3 wickets

Batting first Quarndon returned a modest total, with main contributions coming from John Siddall (38) and Duncan Player (31). Much credit must go to A&B’s bowlers Steve Ottewell (4-36), Rick Crowther (3-55) and Skipper Darren Pooley (3-44). Pooley then went on to confirm his all round ability by opening the innings and scoring 68, setting the standard which saw them home to their fourth victory with four overs to spare. They were given a bit of a fright by Gary Myers who took 4-14.

Clifton 173 lost to Chesterfield 235-6 by 62 runs

This was a good win for Chesterfield against their close rivals. They were well served by Alex Hibbert (90) and Brad Ediriweera (74) and their total was a little too much for Clifton despite the efforts of their overseas player Ant Botha who took 4-54 and scored 44. Roger Jones scored 38 and for Chesterfield Tim Kirk took 3-44 to complete a victory with three overs to spare.

Denby 175 lost to Ilkeston Rutland 178-5 by 5 wickets

Ilkeston Rutland are ending the season with a flourish, and this win takes them into fourth place. Batting first this was a below par performance by Denby’s batsmen, with top score coming from Ian Parkin (41). They came up against some steady bowling from Ian Banks (3-37) and Martin Brandrick (3-46), and when Ilkeston batted there were winning knocks from Martin Green (72), Nick Dawson (50) and Stewart Edge (34 not out). Michael Deane toiled away for Denby, taking 4-67.

Langley Mill 141 lost to Sawley 226 by 85 runs

Langley Mill are going through a bad patch at the moment, though they remain in mid-table. Their bowling took a bit of a hammering from Dan Birch (69) and Ken Wilson (52), though there was a good spell from Rahim Karim who took 4-58. Then they were dismissed in 33.3 overs, with some resistance from Josh Mierkelns who was 46 not out and Andrew Ball who made 25. For Sawley Richard Lawton took 4-23 and Ahmed Gondal 4-56.