Duffield were strengthened by the return to the team of Ian Hadfield and Kevin White who was to be making his long awaited return to 1st team action, having not played for nearly 3 years.
Saturday was hot. The hottest that this "cricketer" has ever had to play in by a considerable distance. No Friday night shenanigans to note this week and reports of a 4 in a bed romp at chez Short were categorically denied. So the Duffield lads arrived and immediately berated Robin Stevenson who had failed to arrive to open the gate, so we all had to carry our bags across the outfield and then had to return to move the cars once he had arrived! Sims was not giving anything away with regards to his potential decision should he win the toss, and when we were told we were fielding, it was presumed that we had lost. So, on went the sun cream and away we went.
The new ball once again was trusted to Nicholls and Richard Jordan, and the two young West Hallam openers struggled to get the score going on what was a slow pitch. Then Jordan struck in controversial fashion. The ball appeared to clip the glove of the batsman (Wes) and was taken behind by Hadfield, Duffield all appealed, the batsman stood his ground, and the umpire after some thought gave him out. The batsman was disgruntled and began a slow walk muttering a few words under his breath. Mild banter ensued between some of the fielders and the batsman, which was soon controlled by the umpire. So with Hallam at 20-1 from 8 overs, in came Campbell Ogilvie their leading run scorer this year. He was beginning to look in good nick, and the young opener from the other end was also looking solid having driven Jordan for two impressive cover drives. He was soon to go though, Nicholls bowling full and straight rattled the pads, and back he went to the hutch. 30-2. Ogilvie was the key man, and he was now joined by Rudd. These two took the attack to Duffield, though Ogilvie survived a huge caught behind appeal, much to the amazement of both the Duffield fielders. He went on to score 19 before taking on the arm of Phil Jones who running in from short third man, threw the stumps down, with Ogilvie yards short. Hallam in trouble at 40-3. Duffield were bowling tight, and the fielding was exceptional in extreme heat. Sims had come on to replace Jordan who took one for twenty-seven in his 12 overs. He accounted for Rudd. Jones plucking a flying one-handed diving catch at mid-wicket. He was jubilant as were Duffield and rightly so. West Hallam were in trouble now, with the top 4 back in the pavilion and only 45 runs on the board from 24 overs. Sims followed up his 6-40 last week, by bowling tight and building up the pressure. Attenborough soon followed from the bowling of Sims. Nicholls had worked hard to bowl his 15 overs from the church end, picking up just the one wicket, but he received a warm round of applause from the large West Hallam following who had made their way down to the Meadow. Jordan came on to finish off his allocated overs before being replaced by Elliot. Sims made constant inroads into the West Hallam attack and this combined with determined fielding, West Hallam struggled to 140-9 from the 50 overs. Sims took 5-25, as he continued his excellent season.
A warm welcome back to Sally Bygraves who once again served up a splendid tea, including fresh oranges and melon, which after 50 overs in the heat was greatly appreciated. Even barbequed chicken made the spread this week, and it was with relish the Duffield boys tucked in, in the hope that the batsmen could go out and win the match.
In the context of the season, this was a massive match for Duffield, especially after unforgivably losing last weekends match at Ticknall. So Phil Jordan and Ian Hadfield took to the crease. A patient start ensued with Attenborough bowling well from the church end, and Hadfield nicking him through the slips for four. Hort bowled from the pavilion end, and despite plenty of arm waving and histrionics failed to breach the defence of Jordan. Hadfield then went, he misjudged one and Attenborough claimed his off –stump. So to the crease entered Mr Elliot, leading run scorer in Division One. I am sure he would have made his point clear to his younger batting partner that any repeat of last weeks run out, may have resulted in his Newbery wrapped around his young head. These two however batted really well. Ogilvie replaced Hort and Rudd replaced Attenborough, and both Elliot and Jordan stepped up the rate. A flurry of fours from Jordan took him into his 40's, and Elliot was playing some great shots off the back foot, piercing the field whenever he could. Haddon replaced Ogilvie, and picked up the wicket of Jordan who was feeling the effects of his arduous innings. An attempted sweep was misjudged and his off stump was taken. Jordan out for 47. Jones was next man in, much to the delight of the West Hallam fielders. He was not in their good books, following his fielding antics during their batting session. Ogilvie had replaced Rudd from the church end, and he wrapped Jones on the boot, and also with a hint of willow. They appealed for LBW and caught behind, but the umpire gave not out, much to the distress of the Hallam fielders. Jones was soon to go however, a big swoosh off Haddon and his poles were down, complete with the anticipated send-off. So Duffield now 130-3 with over 15 overs left. Elliot had reached yet another 50 to continue his excellent second half to the season, and Fry hit the winning runs, as Duffield completed an excellent 7-wicket victory.
A truly professional performance by Duffield who put in their best display of the season. A finish by 6.30 is rare in a Duffield match and left plenty of time for ale consumption. The tottie meter was well worked today at the Meadow. As anticipated the sun always brings out the best in tottie, and the crowds and players, were treated to not one, but two Shortie harem's. A good spread of spectators as well at the Meadow today, and congratulations should go to West Hallam for bringing a good crowd with them.
So an early start for the Duffield lads, not quite a full compliment of Duffield lads made it into town, some still nursing the effects of Thursdays mammoth session in Bristol following the Derbyshire boys. News soon filtered through that Ticknall had beaten Elvaston, Marehay had beaten Belper and Selston had got a winning draw against Shipley, making the result for Duffield even more vital. The middle of the table is now really close, with ten points separating 4 teams. A strong finish to the season for Duffield could see them finish in the top half of the table, yet a few bad results could see them sucked in to the relegation dogfight especially as other teams below them are picking up points. Next week...Spondon away.
Related Links:
Duffield 1st XI Fixtures
Duffield 1st XI - 2003
League Tables
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