Yorkshire and Derbyshire League 2007 divs 3/4 preview
by Iain Mallett, 9th April 2007

Division 3

Another interesting year for what is always a competitive, closely fought division. Last year’s relegated sides, Dronfield Woodhouse and Centralians, always provide a challenging game of cricket and if they can overcome their selection difficulties, should be challenging at the top of the table.

Two sides that impressed tremendously last season were Hathersage and Collegiate. Lee Woolway led the free scoring ‘Sage side from the front and undoubtedly they will look to repeat the feat again this year. The ‘Young Guns’ from Collegiate led by a not-so-young-gun in Mr Leiper (sorry Andy!) compiled some good totals and impressed in the pace bowling department.

Welcomed back to the fold are Duckmanton Lodge (formerly BT Pensions / AGD), who I am sure will provide cricket to grace the setting of their new ground at Youlgreave.

Hundall, under Tim Oldman’s tutelage, provided an end of season challenge last year and will use their experience to push for promotion this year. Similarly, Hallam will be better for having a season at this level and will look to consolidate a position in the Division for years to come.

Transport, who only beat the drop due to restructuring, must surely have a better season than last and I am sure John Slack and Garth Lewis will be doing their utmost to reverse this trend.

What of the promoted sides? Sheepbridge must aim to stay in the Division this year and will be as combative as ever in aiming to do so. Whittington Wanderers II have similar aims, although May 26th has been marked down as a feisty contest already by the entire club! WWCC firsts have a new skipper in David Turner and hope that an opening partnership of Andy Tann and Paul Fletcher will aid a push for promotion.

Division 4

Two new sides welcomed to the fray are Ashford In The Water II and Weston Park Hospital. Ashford is always a delight to play at and I’m sure that many of the players that turn out there on Saturdays and Sundays will enjoy their venture into league cricket. Weston Park are known to many of you from friendly cricket and hopefully they too will enjoy the cut and thrust of league action.

In my opinion, divisional favourites are Zingari. Nearly men for many years, 2007 in my opinion will be the year that they finally move up a division. A settled Stocksbridge II side ought to be their nearest challengers, a wish Nick Smalley and his team are dearly hoping for.

Several other sides with experienced players could also step up to the plate including Baslow, Chesterfield Barbarians, Coal Aston, Dronfield Sports and University Staff.

Hopefully, Stocksbridge III will continue to be a breeding ground for new talent (a familiar trait in this division).

Already welcomed in Division 3, but an equally warm one is extended to Duckmanton Lodge II with the genial Dave Tarlton looking to guide his side to the upper reaches of the table.

Division 1 preview | Division 2 preview