Ilkeston set the pace with another low scoring success
by Alan Rowley, 2nd May 2004

Ilkeston Rutland soared to joint top in the Derbyshire Premier League with another resounding victory, this time over a sad Chesterfield outfit at Queen's Park. Ilkeston have now won their first two games, despite scoring only 164 runs in the process.

Ian Banks bowls to Chesterfield skipper Simon Lacey.
In the background, building work taking place at the ground can be seen.

The wet weather which had hit the area throughout the week, forcing many clubs to make early cancellations, suddenly disappeared on Saturday morning to leave the county bathed in sunshine. The Queen's Park outfield, however, was still very wet and the track looked short of preparation and was a lush looking green. No surprise then that the ball was moving about a bit with an irregular bounce.

Ilkeston won the toss and, as expected, they chose to field. Chesterfield struggled to cope with the conditions early on and Andy Brown was soon back in the pavilion, brilliantly caught at point, for only two runs. Alan Gofton steadied the ship briefly, but when he went for 28 leaving the home side on 30 for 2 after 13 overs, a dramatic collapse was triggered.

Just eight overs later, Chesterfield were tottering at 45 for 6.

Ian Banks

Alan Green

Last week at Sandiacre, skipper Simon Lacey held the side together, top scoring with 33. The home supporters were hoping he would do the same this week, to at least allow their bowlers something to bowl at. Lacey failed to deliver the goods this week, edging Ian Banks to the slips immediately after the drinks break for just 8.

Banks, and seasoned campaigner Alan Green, were almost unplayable. Banks returning figures of 5 for 17, whilst Green bowled his usual economical line and length to finish with impressive figures of 13.5-9-4-6. Chesterfield's misery was finally ended in the 36th over.

Ilkeston had no problems coping with the conditions. Their only setback in the short run chase being David Smit who was run out for 25. The visitors hit the winning run in the 17th over to leave them sharing the lead at the top of the table with near-neighbours Sandiacre Town, both teams unbeaten on 49 points.

Scores:
Chesterfield (0) 66 all out (Banks 5-17, A Green 4-6) lost to Ilkeston Rutland (22) 67-1 by 9 wickets