Sandiacre Town 270-8 drew with Clifton 209-7

This was a frustrating day for Sandiacre. They can feel the chasing pack nibbling away at their lead and it is upsetting when you dominate the game and then fail to bowl out the opposition. They scored enough runs, with contributions from John Trueman (41), Chris Attwood (40), Imi Ahmed (77) and Naeem Akhtar (42). Clifton’s South African overseas player, Ant Botha, had an outstanding game, taking 6-78 and then when Clifton batted making a vital intervention with 95 runs. David Lawrence added 32 and Clifton hung on for the draw, just a little leeway perhaps, but another two wickets and they would have been all out because they turned up with only ten men.

Sawley & LE Park 94 lost to Ockbrook 104 by 10 runs

The night before, these two teams played each other in the Jackson Cup Final, which Ockbrook won quite clearly. It was much closer in this game, and Sawley must be kicking themselves for throwing away a golden opportunity to gain revenge. Dave Hallack (36) was the only Ockbrook player to make headway against Sandiacre’s bowlers, with Ahmed Gondal in lethal form, taking 7-38. Ockbrook were in some difficulty when the seventh wicket fell at 104, but they were stunned when Gondal took the next three wickets in successive balls. He had taken four wickets in 4 balls ! The innings had lasted for 32.4 overs, which gave Sawley plenty of time to get the runs. The humiliating score had the effect of stirring the Ockbrook bowlers, none more so than veteran Alan Green, who bowled 17 overs, ten of them maidens, to take 5-16. Sawley were over-cautious and plodded along for 53.3 overs before the final wicket fell, so tantalisingly close to their target. This win takes Ockbrook to within three points of Sandiacre.

Dunstall 191 lost to Chesterfield 249-7 by 58 runs

This was Dunstall’s third defeat of the season and has seen them lose ground on the leaders. Chesterfield were able to include Ian Blackwell, the Somerset player, and he made a useful 33, but the main run getters were regular youngsters Adam Whiteley who made 80 and Andy McCarroll who scored 60. Alan Gough continued his good form with the ball, taking 5-72. Phil Simmons played his part when Dunstall batted, with a typical innings of 69, but the batting generally failed on this occasion. Chesterfield’s Tim Kirk had a good day , taking 6-51, as Dunstall were dismissed in 51.4 overs.

Denby 141-6 beat Langley Mill 137 by 4 wickets

Langley Mill batted first and suffered early set-backs which saw them reduced to 59-6. At that point Shafiq Dad and Rahim Karim dug in and prevented total collapse. This was important because the Millers had included two very young players. Karim was out for 21, but Dad went on to make 54 valuable runs, and the final total, compiled in 42.4 overs was more than once seemed possible. For Denby Steven Bullock took 4-42 and Michael Deane 3-33. When Denby went in to bat they knew that they had plenty of extra overs available. Their early batsmen were greeted by a lively attack from Zahid Iqbal and Rahim Karim who convinced them that they had to approach this modest total seriously. They lost two early wickets, including that of Ian Parkin who has been scoring so heavily of late. After losing 3-42 the innings was steadied by Peter Scott and Steven Lee who put on 56 for the fourth wicket which took to the score to 98-4 when Scott was out for 35. Lee went on to make 36 not out, but it was slow progress all the way.

Ilkeston Rutland 142-2 beat Quarndon 141 by 8 wickets

Quarndon’s batting let them down in this match. Jon Siddall showed them the way in making 55 but the response from the remainder was disappointing. Rutland were able to include Matt Cassar, the Northants player, and he responded by taking 3-21. Ever present Martin Brandrick turned in another reliable performance, taking 3-36. Any fears about the pitch were soon dispelled as David Smit and Cassar put on 95 for the first wicket. Cassar was out for 31 and Smit continued to attack the bowling until the target was reached. At that point he was 85 not out.

Wirksworth 198-9 lost to Alvaston & Boulton 203-6 by 4 wickets

This bottom of the table clash could have an important bearing on the final League table. Wirksworth batted first and reached a decent total, which included 48 from Paul Thompson and 38 from Andy Barlow. For A&B Anthony Woolley took 3-45 and Darren Pooley 3-43. Several players contributed to A&B’s reply but the crucial innings was that of Lance McKenzie who made 82. Andy Barlow completed a good match in taking 3-41.