What is it with the weather?
by Alan Rowley, 11th May 2003

Ault - impressive

What is it with the weather on Saturdays? Yet again the day dawned fine and sunny without a cloud in the sky, only for the rain clouds to roll in just as play was about to start. It wasn't enough to rule out any play, but the steady drizzle made playing, and reporting, a very unpleasant experience. First port of call this week was Mayfield Avenue, where Heanor Town were entertaining Riddings. Heanor's history in recent years has been well documented on this site and their fall from the dizzy heights of the Premier has left its mark. A side, which can best be described as mature, has failed to attract players and is in desperate need of some young blood.

Cricket at Codnor is an experience. The place is in desperate need of modernisation and the noise from a kids birthday party in the nearby Welfare did nothing to enhance the day. A steady drizzle was falling, so a pint in the bar was called for.

Belper players shelter from the rain in the Codnor pavilion

The staff in the Welfare were friendly enough, and they gladly opened the bar to quench this reporters thirst. Tea was being prepared next to the bar, and it looked pretty appetising. We took our seats at the window, prefering to view the action from the warmth of the Welfare.

Meadows, batting first, were well on top with Dave Jones top scoring with 58. There score of 205 for 6 looked a winning one, but the home side managed to cling on for a draw.

Belper's Paul Bakel is pictured trying to keep dry. Who'd be an umpire?

Scores:
Codnor MW (7) 126-9 (Millington 36, Bramall 3-22, T Jones 4-25) drew with Belper Meadows (19) 205-6 (Beastall 32*, D Jones 58, Brookes 33, P Bakel 30, D Brown 3-50)

Back to the bus stop for another Rainbow journey, this time on to Ripley. A stop off at Butterley was on the schedule, but news filtering through to Codnor suggested that the game was already won, with Butterley 2nds being skittled for 61. This proved to be the case and the game was over as we passed the windswept ground.

Scores:
Butterley Utd (1) 61 all out (Jowett 4-21) lost to Codnor MW (22) 62-2 (Frost 35) by 8 wickets

Final call on a wet and miserable Saturday was the Maryfield where Marehay were entertaining Elvaston. A warm welcome was waiting from the Marehay regulars who were boosted by the presence of the 2nds who had thrashed Selston 2nds, dismissing them for a pathetic 17 runs. News is that Selston are struggling for players this season, and with Nottingham Forest playing a vital play-off game at the City Ground, it is hardly surprising that clubs have struggled to put out a team.

Onto the action at Marehay. The home team had batted and could only muster 128 runs, despite a knock of 40 from Adrian Vickerage. No doubt Marehay are missing Arif Mehmood, their overseas sensation of 2002 who scored over 1,000 runs and took 42 wickets.

Elvaston looked good and Lee Archer (49) and Charlie Ault (63 not out) soon had the visitors in site of the winning post. Ault was particularly impressive and this up and coming youngster is developing into a very useful opening bat. Elvaston are likely promotion candidates and provided they don't get sidetracked by the Village Cup, they could be in the running for the title come September.

Scores:
Marehay (2) 128 all out (Vickerage 40, Charlesworth 3-24, Hill 3-20) lost to Elvaston (22) 132-1 (Archer 49, Ault 63*) by 9 wickets

After the game came the opportunity of enjoying a couple of pints, and a chat, in Marehay's excellent pavillion. They have done well since their move across the road and facilities at the Maryfield are of the highest standard.

For all of Saturday's results, click here. An image gallery can be found here.