In what was to be the final game of the season, Duffield retained the same side that had narrowly lost out to Staveley the day previous, and also managed to keep the same umpires, to the dismay of a couple of individuals.
Both sides were pretty much safe from relegation by now, but there were personal achievements to play for. Would Kris Elliot make it to a thousand runs, would Ed Sims make it to 60 wickets, would Hadders recover from his painfully drunken exploits, clinging onto the railings then falling, whilst attempting to dance in Walkabout on Saturday night??
Despite weather forecasts to the contrary, a warm sunny day welcomed the two teams. Belper having lost some key players throughout the season trusted their youth policy and on winning the toss, Belper skipper Jack Smith, surprisingly elected to bat first. So out strode Smith and McGonigal to face the now famous new-ball pairing of Nicholls and Jordan (Dong!). The first over proved to be highly entertaining with Smith, pulling Nicholls for four, then driving one square past the helpless Short and a fierce cover drive through Robin Stevenson all to the fence to score 12 in no time. A long day appeared to be in store for the Duffield lads, whose sauce intake the previous night was enough to cause slight concern from the sober Nicholls. Dong's first over also caused some panic, as McGonigal drove for two more boundaries. However, following a maiden from Nicholls, Dong claimed his first wicket. Smith who was looking to get down to the pitch of the ball, totally misjudged the flight, and was well and truly stuffed by some magic dust which was sprinkled on a length prior to the start of the over from Dong. Off came the bails, and cue some jubilant scenes from the still inebriated Duffield fieldsmen. In fact I am sure there was some break-dancing, salsa and Hadders attempting to do the "Monster-Mash" during the following celebrations. It could have been a long day the way Smith set off, luckily he was gone and was replaced by Halliday.
Halliday and McGonigal looked to steady the ship and keep the scoreboard ticking over, however some customary tight bowling from Nicholls and Jordan saw Belper score only 5 runs in their next eight overs. These two plodded on however, and some great back foot drives from Halliday looked to increase the run rate for the Meadows. Halliday was living dangerously and survived a sharp chance behind the wicket and also a caught and bowled. Sims was brought on to bowl the 22nd over, and immediately claimed the wicket of McGonigal for 30, who was bowled for the 2nd Sunday in succession by a Duffield player. He will be slightly more delighted that Sims accounted for his wicket this week however, as last week in the Sunday Friendly between the two sides, it was a sprightly fifteen year old youth with trainers on who knocked his poles down. Nicholls bowled through his overs for no reward. A sensational piece of fielding accounted for the third wicket with Sims diving athletically to stop the bowl and release in one movement, to run out the Belper number 4. Halliday was still in however and was joined by Paul Bakel. Halliday however, didn't last too much longer. He played one into his foot, and then fell out of his ground, "you don't do that while I'm around, hehehehehehehe", from Hadders and off he went, stumped. Belper 100-4 from 35 overs. Bakel was joined by Cox, and these two put on a useful little partnership. Cox looked in great form, though he had been practising his array of shots before entering the proceedings whilst watching his reflection in the score box, cue a telling off from his girlfriend, "stop looking at yourself in the mirror", "I'm not, I am focusing", was the response. These two took the score on to 140 before Cox was caught at mid-wicket by Mills off the bowling of Elliot. Challinor was in and soon out attempting an outrageous reverse sweep off Sims, only to see his poles everywhere. And Bakel (26 n.o) and Goodall saw the score through to 155 for 6.
So to the tea, and the Test. England on top, South Africa in disarray. Our final tea of the season. Where had the season gone?? The shadows lengthened as did Shorties odds of having a role in the final match of the season despite the promises of the Sarg whilst scoffing a Safeway's 7-item Big Breakfast prior to the match.
So to the crease went Mills and Phil Jordan. Mills was fresh from 60 the day before, and we were looking for him to build on this. Jordan however was first to go. Though for some reason I don't remember how he was out. I have a feeling it was LBW though. In fact, yes, I am, going to go for that off the bowling of Goodall. So enter Kris Elliot, who required 34 more runs to score a 1000 for the season. Having been so close last year scoring 996, he was determined to go better this time round, and the Duffield boys were counting down to the magic figure. Challinor and Goodall bowled well, controlling the Duffield scoring. Mills and Elliot looked to increase the run rate, and take risky singles. Elliot then stroked a ball for 2 to the very edge of the boundary, which was chased down by Smith. "Wait there...he's got a good arm", he calls to Mills. Next ball, he drops one down straight to Smith, "yeeeees". Mills sets off, Smith picks up and shys at the stumps. Narrowly missed with Mills 12 yards short, and Elliot picks up 5 for the overthrows. The introduction of McGonigal was a welcome addition to the attack, especially for Elliot. Some delightful attacking shots including a cover drive for 4, took Elliot to his 1000 runs. Mills was playing the holding role at the end other end, until he tried an ambitious attacking shot, only to be caught in the gully by Cox. Duffield now 100-2 off 25 overs. Jones, who carried on in his usual attacking style, joined Elliot. Coxies young lady who was taking a catnap entertained the rest of the Duffield lads on the bank. Cox in the meantime had joined the attack for the first time, and Elliot seemed to enjoy the challenge thrown down by his opponent. A sumptuous leg side flick took him past his 50, and 4 more fours took him to 66, before he walked across his stumps and was plumb LBW. No complaints here, but an end to a tremendous season from our overseas player who scored 1032 runs at the end. Sims then came to the crease and played a whole manner of attacking strokes, looking to end the game as soon as possible. Duffield's fourth wicket soon followed, when Jones played a wild attacking shot off McGonigal’s short, quicker one. So it was left to Sims and Hadfield to see Duffield home, and see them home they did. Racing past the total in just the 36th over to complete the league double over Belper for the season.
So an end to a highly enjoyable season for the Toffs. Not without excitement, adventure and tottie. Belper to their credit faired fairly highly on the tottie meter. A couple of ladies impressed the Duffield lads, especially early doors when the beer goggles were still firmly attached. Beer goggles are a dangerous item at times, and can often be highly deceptive. But even on removal of these at around 4pm, the tottie was still of a good standard. Not quite the standard of the Red lion in Selston, who have swept all before them in tottie ratings, but nonetheless not bad.
So after enjoying a beer in the evening sun at Christchurch Meadow, it was back to Duffield to watch the scoobs walk off the field following their match with Etwall. A beer here, and on to the White Hart for banter and relaxation. A time to reflect on the season, and dish out some banter, most notably to Mr Carrazedo, who had earlier taken a barracking on the field. It was not until we had picked up our Chinese and returned to the Landlords, that we realised the extent of our achievements. The 1st had finished 5th. The highest position ever attained by the clubs top side. Despite being written off at the start of the year, we proved time and time again that we would never give up. Next year????? The Premier League beckons!!!
Related Links:
Duffield 1st XI - 2003
League Tables
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