De La Salle set the pace
by David Bell, 3rd May 2004

De La Salle are setting the early pace in Division One. They completed their second maximum points victory to take top spot at the weekend. After bowling Centralians out for just 85 (Nigel Walmsley 8-43), the Beauchief-based side completed a comfortable six wicket win.

Division newcomers Holmesfield are in hot pursuit. They were bowled out for 144 (David Ward 82) against Ashford, who fell just short at 138 (Peter McGrath 42). Ward completed a fine performance by taking 5-31. The honour of being the season's first centurion fell to Nick Rosling, who hit 115 in Stanton In Peak's 224-2 declared (Dave Hadfield 68). They couldn't force the victory, however, as Baslow held out at 112-5.

Champions Hundall went down to a second consecutive defeat. They were bowled out for 119 (Somerton 5-44) at home to Hathersage, who gained a six wicket win (Rhodes 58 no). Parkhead made 139-8 against Old Edwardians / Collegiate, who played out the draw at 100-7.

Shock of the day came in Division Two where Stocksbridge II overcame their own first eleven. Paul Wallis made 45 in the second's 139 and Bob Kenny claimed 4-20 to see the firsts go down by 22 runs. Chesterfield Barbarians piled up a convincing 183-6 (Kevin Marriott 78) away at Hathersage II, who were humbled for just 29 with Martin Roberts taking 5-5.

Bakewell could only muster 61 (Skelton 5-18) at home to Grindleford, who registered a seven wicket triumph. Calver posted 154-9 (Howie 45, Turner 4-33) at Parkhead II, who collapsed to 60 all out (Lloyd 5-24, Howie 4-12). Millhouses compiled 157-8 away at Sheffield Works Department II, who gained a comprehensive ten wicket success (Andy Marples 40 no, John Woods 77 no).

The heavy rain of the previous week decimated the programme in the lower divisions. Games at Calow, Dronfield Woodhouse, Centralians II, Zingari, Transport and Millhouses II all fell victim to unfit grounds. Where play was possible, scores were on the low side.

In Division Three at Duckmanton Lodge, BT Pensions / AGD were skittled for 79 by De La Salle II, who in turn capitulated for just 54 (Paul Ramsdale 6-25). Laycocks compiled 163-8 (Roger Wainwright 63 no) on a heavy pitch at Davy Sports against Richland Wanderers, who held out for the draw at 110-8. In the only game to survive in Division Four, Coal Aston posted 111-8 against Chesterfield Barbarians II, who were sent back for just 61 (C.Timms 5-21).