Ockbrook head for Lord's and Cockspur glory
by Alan Rowley, 2nd September 2004

Derbyshire club cricket hits the headlines again on Tuesday (7th) when Ockbrook and Borrowash try to emulate Sandiacre Town's success in the Cockspur Cup, the national competition for club cricket sides. Ockbrook entered the competition for the first time this season after seeing their local rivals lift the trophy at Lord's in 2003.

It will be an all-Midlands final as Leicestershire Premier League side Kibworth Cricket Club will be making the trip down the M1 to headquarters. Kibworth, describe themselves as "probably the best and most progressive club in Leicestershire", having previously won the title in 1998 and 2000. They are captained for the first time this season by batsman Mike Sutliff and include former Hampshire all-rounder Simon Renshaw, ex-Leicestershire county players Russell Cobb and Tim Mason in their line-up.

The Derbyshire side also have former county players in their squad. Skippered by pace man Trevor Smith (pictured left), the side includes former Derbyshire players Johnny Owen, Dave Hallack and Lian Wharton. England indoor cricket captain Ian Darlington is also in the line-up, along with 17 year old Derbyshire academy player Jake Needham, who missed out on a final place with 2003 winners Sandiacre.

Ockbrook, who are described by the official cup website as 'relatively unfancied' and a 'surprise package' will not be afraid of the limelight, having been one of the most successful Derbyshire teams in recent years. They have a wealth of experience in their squad and, although a little unpredictable at times, they will not be overawed by their Leicestershire opponents.

Needham will be especially looking forward to the final. He was a regular in Sandiacre's side last season, but left the club having been bitterly disappointed at not being selected for the 2003 Lord's final. A promising all-rounder, Needham (pictured right) is already making a name for himself in the Derbyshire Academy and the county second eleven.

After eight rounds, Ockbrook and Borrowash reached the final thanks to an exciting semi-final victory against Birmingham League club Barnt Green at Victoria Avenue. Despite a stuttering start, which saw Ockbrook reduced to 96 for 7, the home side fought back well to post a total of 183 from their 45 overs, despite an alarming five run-outs. All rounder Darlington was the star with a fighting 52.

Barnt Green were restricted to 123 all out thanks to another star performance from Darlington, who took three wickets for 19 runs. Former England spinner Richard Illingworth top scored with an unbeaten 37, but he could do nothing to prevent the steady fall of wickets at the other end. The Derbyshire side also disposed of fancied Sheffield Collegiate, Bootle and South Northumberland along the way.

Ockbrook's former Derbyshire stars Dave Hallack (left) and John Owen.

In the other semi-final, Kibworth comfortably defeated High Wycombe by 62 runs, thanks to 86 from opener John Hanger. The Leicestershire lads caused the biggest shock in the 2004 tournament when they defeated favourites Teddington in the quarter final. The Middlesex outfit looked booked for a semi-final place when they stood on 170 for 3 chasing 200, but Renshaw demolished the middle order to finish with 5 for 25.

The winners of the final will receive a cheque for £6,000 along with the chance to take part in the Barbados Pro-Am Festival in the West Indies in November. The winners will be captained by England and Essex star Darren Gough in a tournament that is organised by the Professional Cricketers' Association travel partner Rumsey Travel.

Cockspur Rum have renewed links with the ECB National Cup Championship this season. The company, associated with the competition from 1987 until 1990, have entered into a three-year agreement with the England and Wales Cricket Board to sponsor the tournament. David Smith, Cockspur's Global Brand Director said: “Cockspur are delighted to be teaming up with the ECB to sponsor The Cockspur Cup and to support grassroots cricket. We are looking forward to welcoming the Cockspur Cup winners to Barbados in November."

Cockspur Rum's guest of honour at the final will be England star Mark Butcher, 14 years after he played in the last Cockspur Cup sponsored final. Butcher played for Surrey club Cheam in the final against Blackpool in 1990.

If you're travelling to the game, coaches leave Ockbrook at 7:00am on Tuesday. For more details, contact the club on 01332 670522. If you are travelling down the M1 by car, we suggest you park at Stanmore tube station and travel to St John's Wood by the Underground. Parking in the vicinity of the ground is very limited and public transport is by far the best way to reach the ground.

If you can't make it on the day, watch out for full coverage of the game on 'the follow on' and the official league website. Keep an eye on the message board for further details. The site chatroom will be available for your views and comments.

All pictures courtesy of Chris Higginbottom.