Yorkshire and Derbyshire League 2007 division one preview
by Iain Mallett, 9th April 2007

2006 will go down as a watershed in the history of The Surridge Sport Yorkshire & Derbyshire League.  For the first time ever a single team club, Stanton in the Peak, won the top flight.  Consistency was the key; they just kept winning and winning and winning!!

As Sheffield Works Department found out in 2006, the toughest part starts now – defending the title.  The potential loss of Anthony Gladwin will be a massive blow to the side, but with the all round skills of Nick Rosling and Dave Hadfield, 2006’s top wicket taker Mick Clark and a full season from Rob Price they should be worthy defenders of the crown.

Sheffield Works Department had a disappointing season, despite finishing runners up in 2006.  The explosive batting line up fired sporadically but inconsistently and the bowling attack which proved so deadly in 2005’s triumph only managed to bowl the opposition out on 6 occasions.  New captain Richard Everitt will expect a serious upturn in form.

Hundall were probably the most unpredictable side in 2005.  A run of 6 consecutive victories in June and July threatened a return to former glories, but that was followed by 4 consecutive defeats in August.  If captain Neil Vaughan can arrest this inconsistency, an 8th title in 10 years may beckon.

Parkhead had a disastrous start to 2006, losing their first 3 matches and the quest for a first title since 1995 was over before their Devon tour at the end of May!  However, 7 victories out of the last 8 completed matches including wins over the two sides directly above them showed their credentials, but the potential loss of star all rounder Altaf Junaid will hurt; nigh on 700 runs and 32 wickets to replace is a big ask for any side.

After years of mid table mediocrity, De La Salle again underlined their credentials as potential champions with their 3rd top half finish in 4 years, however after starting last season as one of the favourites for their first ever championship, 5th place will not be deemed a success at Beauchief Hall.  Star batsman and captain, James Hartley will be looking again to lead from the front as Salle seek to finally achieve the Holy Grail.

Holmesfield completed the top half in 2006, with their 3rd consecutive top 6 finish since promotion from Division 2.  It is fair to say that difficulties in availability; they used more players than any other in Division 1 last season; probably cost them a higher position, however they have a number of match winners in their ranks already and the return from injury of batsman/spinner Jimmy Pearson coupled with the signing of South African Eduard Gauche may propel them to title challengers.

Ashford consolidated their Division 1 status in 2006 and now, after 2 seasons of “feeling their way” will look to compete on a consistent basis.  Tom Smith will again be charged with scoring the runs to ensure competitive totals, however long serving bowler John Carrington will need more support to his 41 wickets if Ashford are going to be genuine contenders.  One thing is certain; they are an ambitious club!If the scientists are correct and we are in the grip of global warming, they must never have visited Hathersage!  It was a season to forget at Baulk Lane, with 8 games either cancelled or rain affected which meant there was never any real chance of them challenging.  The fact that they were never a part of the relegation battle is an indication of their potential if the weather stays clement.  Veteran slow bowler, Nick Somerton will again be the key – an incredible 7 5-wicket hauls in 2006, but the batting failed to produce one batsman who exceeded 300 runs, this is something that needs to be addressed.

Stocksbridge in 2006 – mission accomplished.  Determined that they would not replicate their previous 1 year flirtation with the top flight, they confounded the “experts” by extending their Division 1 stay to a second season.  Early wins over the 3 clubs who would eventually join them in the relegation fight proved crucial come the end of the season, and these points on the board gave ‘Bridge the cushion to lose their last 4 completed games.  A similar start will be required in 2007.

Calver narrowly retained their status in the top flight for a 2nd consecutive season; however this time it was too close for comfort.  A showdown with Sheffield Centralians on the final day of the season was thwarted by the weather, and Calver will need a better start to 2007 than last season if they are not to endure another season of struggle.

And so to the promoted sides.  2007 sees the return to the top flight of two of the Leagues traditional powerhouses, Sheffield University Staff and Sheffield Collegiate after a two season and one season absence respectively.  Sheffield University Staff, with the explosive opening pair of Paul Kerry and Dave Needham, will be aiming to repeat the successes of the late nineties and early noughties where they finished in the top 4 on 6 consecutive occasions – but can they win their first ever Division 1 title?

After the shock of relegation in 2005, many expected 2006 to be a “jolly” for Sheffield Collegiate – it was far from it.  A season of being “the team to beat” will have rekindled the fire in the belly to succeed in the top division and with deep batting, a variety of bowling and the confidence that is inherent at Abbeydale Park; they may be serious title contenders.

A final note.  Respect this great game.  Respect the umpires; without them there is no great game.  Respect your opponents; without them there is no great game.  Respect your team mates; without them there is no great game and no great friendships.

Division 2 preview | Division 3 and 4 preview