Second beats first in title race twist
by David Bell, 5th July 2004

The Division One title race took yet another twist at the weekend as second placed Old Edwardians / Collegiate defeated leaders De La Salle. Old Eds posted the modest target of 136-6 and saw in-form paceman Chris Street claim 8-43 to bowl De La Salle out for 127. The win leaves Old Eds three points adrift of De La Salle with a game in hand.

Also back into the running come Holmesfield, who recorded a seven wicket win over Hathersage. Hathersage compiled a decent 181 all out (R.Stanworth 65 no) but 93 from Jimmy Pearson guided Holmesfield to victory. Holmesfield are just seven points behind leaders De La Salle. Sheffield Works Department continued their rise up the table with a win at home to Centralians. Cents were dismissed for 140 (Ian Marshall 46). Nawaz Khan (76 no) steered Works to a five wicket success and into fourth position in the table.

Struggling Baslow were bowled out for 98 (Phil Yardy 6-32) away at Hundall, who raced to a seven wicket win thanks to Martin Dawson (46 no). Ashford went a long way to dragging themselves out of the relegation zone by defeating Parkhead. Ashford registered a useful 253-6 (Andrew Paulett 102, Simon Davis 41) and managed to bowl Parkhead out for 227 (Altaf Junaid 85, Jon Gilson 47, Tom Marvin 4-61).

Division Two's top of the table clash at Calver, who were entertaining Millhouses, fell victim to Saturday's morning downpour. This allowed Grindleford to push closer to the second promotion place. They crept home by a single wicket (Ollie Brown 58) after Parkhead had scored a decent 181-5 (Rob Welton 73). Chesterfield Barbarians got back to winning ways against Stocksbridge II. A fine 110 not out from Kevin Marriott allowed the Barbs to declare at 188-4. Martin Roberts (5-4) tore the heart out of the Stocksbridge reply as they were bowled out for just 75.

Stocksbridge first eleven fared better with victory over Bakewell. Bakewell were restricted to 125-8 (Jeff Madin 55, Eric Price 4-32) which was overhauled by Stocksbridge for the loss of two men (Wayne Lazenby 66). Bottom side Hathersage II were rolled over for just 89 (Alex Usborne 54 no, Iain Mallett 5-22) by SWD II, who claimed victory with seven men in hand (Marcus Burley 47 no).

Dronfield Woodhouse edged nearer the summit of Division Three with victory over current leaders BT Pensions / AGD. Pensions were sent back for 109 (Alan Shawcroft 43, Steve Vessey 4-21). Woodhouse raced to victory for the loss of just one man thanks to Alan Parker (43 no) and skipper James Staniforth (51 no).

Centralians II and Laycocks are battling for third place, both with an equal number of points. Cents knocked 204-8 (Bob Schofield 57, Steve Behan 46 no, Mick Smith 4-38) against Calow. Calow held on for the draw at 127-9, despite the efforts of Paul Kennedy who claimed 7-33. University Staff II declared at 213-4 with scores of 79 each from Dave Needham and Paul Kerry. Laycocks claimed their share of third spot with 215-8 in reply (Joe Mohaman 54, Jamie Jewitt 50, Maqsood 5-68). Richland Wanderers versus De La Salle II and Old Edwardians / Collegiate II versus Hundall II fell victim to the rain.

Millhouses II continue to hold on at the top of Division Four. They could only muster 94 all out (Wall 6-24) against Chesterfield Barbarians II, who in turn were skittled for just 56 (Oakes 5-26, Parry 4-24). Coal Aston rattled up a confident 204-4 (A.Marpole 108) against Baslow II, who replied with just 68-9. Marpole finished off an excellent performance with 5-18.

Dronfield Sports made their way to 191-7 (D.Oates 44, N.Smallwood 5-72) and dismissed long-time leaders Zingari for exactly 100 (P.Harris 44 no, F.Raja 5-33). Stocksbridge III demolished pre-season favourites Ridgeway for just 46 thanks to a Glyn Jones hat-trick and claimed an eight wicket victory. Great Longstone scored 122-6 and bowled out BT Pensions / AGD II for 112.

Calver provided the shock of the day in the Knockout Cup Quarter Finals. They were bowled out for 191 (Mark Burnett 65) at home to Division One side SWD, who in turn were bowled out for 132 (Jimmy Mundy 4-32). Laycocks could only manage 89 (B.Khan 4-16, G.Shepherd 4-21) at University Staff, who ran out winners by six wickets (Dave Needham 52 no). Hundall were dismissed for 125 (Dave Marsh 44) at home to Old Edwardians / Collegiate, who ran out winners by two wickets. Holders Holmesfield made 181 (Tom Hamilton 45, David Ward 46) at home to Grindleford, who fell short at 153 all out (Tom Outram 45, Ollie Brown 42, Nick Crapper 4-20).

Old Edwardians / Collegiate host Calver and Holmesfield entertain University Staff in the semi finals to be played on August 8th.