'the follow on' end of year review
by Alan Rowley, 27th December 2005

2005 will go on record as being one of the most successful seasons for the sport in years. The spectacular Ashes series prompted a resurgence in the game not seen since Botham's heyday. In the East Midlands, Nottinghamshire captured the County Championship title for the first time since 1981, and Derbyshire, despite finishing bottom of the pile in the County Championship, had a respectable one day season.

For 'the follow on' it was another highly successful season as the site went from strength to strength. Forum membership numbers continued to rise, reaching the 800 mark in December and in June, we passed the 3,000 users in a month figure for the first time. The magic four figure mark for forum membership must surely be reached in the coming season.

On the field, our representative side managed to win its first match, against Langley Mill United, and took part in the prestigious Gotham Cricket Festival, as well as entertaining our first tourist side with the visit of Collaroy Plateau. The highlight of the season was undoubtably the tourist game, hosted by Kimberley Institute Cricket Club, which saw the Aussies triumph by 37 runs in glorious weather.

'the follow on' XI v Collaroy Plateau

The County Game

Nottinghamshire took the Frizzell County Championship with a victory over Kent at Canterbury. In a close run championship, Notts landed the title with a game to spare when Mark Ealham caught Niall O'Brien off Greg Smith's bowling. In their final game of the season, Notts were thrashed by Hampshire at the Rose Bowl. Hampshire scored a mammoth 714 for 5 in their first innings, thanks to an unbeaten 311 from John Crawley, but it was all too late as Hampshire took the runners up spot, 2.5 points behind Notts.

For Derbyshire, it was the same old story as they finished a whopping 39 points adrift at the bottom of Division Two, securing only one win against Somerset in the final game of the season - but what a victory it was! Derbyshire's 707 for 7 declared included two centuries and four fifties, top score going to Hassan Adnan who was run out for 191. Steve Stubbings scored 151 as the pair put on 283 for the second wicket. Is this the sign that Derbyshire have turned the corner?

In the one day league, Nottinghamshire finished mid-table in Division One, a respectable position considering they were looking likely relegation candidates mid-season. Derbyshire did surprisingly well, finishing fifth in Division Two, after looking unlikely promotion candidates until faltering on the run in.

Derbyshire Club Cricket

The year started with the Derbyshire County Cricket League announcing new sponsors in Interbrew (UK) Limited after the Derbyshire Building Society 27 year sponsorship ended. At the Premier League Annual General Meeting, clubs voted narrowly to return to the 100 over format.

For Spondon, it was a memorable season which saw them play their final game at their Royal Hill Road ground before the bulldozers moved in. The ground has been sold to housing developers to be replaced by a new ground on the edge of Locko Park. They ran away with the County League title finishing 61 points ahead of Alfreton. Both teams take their place in the Premier League in 2006 after Alfreton improved their ground to meet League criteria. Spondon must play all their home games away from home after failing to have their ground ready in time to pass the strict ground ratings system.

Goodbye to 'the postage stamp' - Royal Hill Road pavilion

In the Premier League, the big two dominated with Ockbrook and Borrowash taking the championship by 41 points, despite losing to Ilkeston Rutland in the opening game. Sandiacre Town finished in the runners up spot, but would have been disappointed not to have made more of a fight of it. Staveley Welfare and Sawley & Long Eaton Park lose their Premier League status finishing well adrift at the foot of the table.

The Yorkshire and Derbyshire League title went to Sheffield Works Department who ended Hundall's seven year run as champions. It was a disappointing season for Hundall, who could only manage third place, 43 points behind the champions. Maybe the decision to switch to straight win / loss cricket was to blame, but no-one will write them off yet. Chesterfield Barbarians had a nightmare season, losing 20 of their 22 games - the other two were rained off. Their second team also finished bottom of the table in Division Four, winning just three games.

Off the field, the Derbyshire Premier and County Leagues administration continues to show how it should be done. The website is second to none and, with all clubs now entering results and scorecards online, the statistics section is first class. A top effort!

Nottinghamshire Club Cricket

The Nottinghamshire Premier League went to West Indian Cavaliers again in 2005 as they took the title by 18 points from Welbeck Colliery. The club have been dogged by problems this year which saw them dumped out of the Premier Cup, and players Nolan McKenzie and Lynden Joseph banned for abusive behaviour in the game against Clifton in July. With other well documented off the field problems to contend with, it's anybody's guess what 2006 holds for them.

The Bassetlaw League title went to Thoresby Colliery, the lead being held by five different teams at various times in the season. Thoresby Colliery’s winning margin of three points over Glapwell Colliery was the narrowest since Retford pipped Notts.Colts by two points in 1984. Thoresby take their place in the Premier League next season and will be looking to better last year's champions Mansfield Hosiery Mills, who had a difficult first season in the top flight.

The Gunn & Moore South Notts title went to Long Eaton, who pipped Attenborough by ten points. It was a year to forget for Gotham Village, who finished 84 points adrift at the bottom. Collingham and Gedling Colliery will rejoin the League in 2006 having been relegated from the Premier. Radcliffe-on-Trent return to Division A after finishing runners up in Division B. They will be joined by Bottesford.

In the Cockspur Cup, Caythorpe were the only local side to make it through to the national rounds, but they fell to runners up Barnt Green in the semi final. A notable effort in this competition which usually sees local side do well.

And finally ...

With the current popularity of the game, 2006 is the ideal opportunity for clubs to develop and attract youngsters to the game. It was pleasing to see the sport push football off the back pages at the end of the season and, if the momentum can be maintained, clubs should be able to attract new players to the game next season. 2005 was one of the best years for the sport in living memory and everything is looking good for the new season. Hopefully, cricket will be back in the school curriculum and youngsters will want to take up the sport rather than the alternatives.

All that remains is to wish all clubs, players, officials and supporters the very best of luck for 2006 and let's hope that we can continue to promote the game we all love. Play hard, but play fair!