Seven on the trot for Hundall
by David Bell, 6th September 2004

Hundall are the 2004 Division One Champions. They claimed their seventh successive title in dramatic fashion with a close fought victory over Parkhead. Parkhead were bowled out for 132 with Mick Cartwright taking 4-46. Hundall openers Graeme Badcock and skipper Neil Vaughan looked to be cruising to victory with an initial stand of 73. Bill Forsdyke (5-63) and Rittu Ghose (4-34) brought about an astonishing collapse, leaving Hundall reeling at 110-9. However, last pair John Hughes (25 no) and veteran Barrie Cox (3 no) steered the champs to another title, Hughes displaying remarkable calmness in his innings by hitting five boundaries.

Sheffield Works Department claimed the runners up berth in what must rank as the most compelling title race for many years. They smashed a huge 291-3 (Richard Everitt 57, Alan Wake 52, Simon Pass 95, John Woods 56 no) away at Ashford In The Water, who were blown away for just 38 by Bradley Sampson, who claimed 7-7. Long time leaders De La Salle finished their season on a high with victory against Hathersage to claim third spot. Phil Heath with 4-40 saw Hathersage restricted to 140-8 before skipper Simon Pratt (49) guided his side to victory with six wickets in hand. Old Edwardians / Collegiate will finish in fourth despite going down to defeat against Stanton. They posted a competent 152-9 but saw Stanton cruise to a ten wicket success.

At the opposite end of the table, Sheffield University Staff will be joining Baslow in Division Two next year. Staff made 164-9 (John Hibbert 67) but couldn't force the win against fellow battlers Centralians, who gained the necessary points to stay up with 83-8 (Dave Needham 5-24). Holmesfield were bowled out for 103 (R.Sylvester 7-30) by Baslow, who finished on 104-8. Saturday's final games see Old Edwardians / Collegiate play host to Hundall and Stanton visit University Staff.

Sheffield Transport are the champions of Division Four. They managed to restrict Millhouses II to 144-8 and were led to the title by captain John Slack (90 no) for the loss of two wickets. Coal Aston ended their season in fourth place. They bowled Stocksbridge III out for 116 (Andy Wood 4-20) and claimed a five wicket win (J.Lawrence 40). BT Pensions / AGD II ended on a high with 162-7 away at Baslow II, who were skittled for just 64. Chesterfield Barbarians II were bowled out for 102 by Zingari, who won by seven wickets. Dronfield Sports forfeited their away fixture with Great Longstone. Longstone close the season with a visit from Chesterfield Barbarians II.

The final game of the Division Two season saw Grindleford bowled out for 135 (Outram 47, Turner 4-23) by Parkhead II, who ran out winners by seven wickets (Welton 67 no, Vinall 40 no).

Calver completed a fine season by adding the Knockout Cup to their Division Two championship. University Staff took first knock and made 178-8 (Dave Needham 47, Charlie Ellis 71) after being 153-1 with seven overs to go. At 109-7 with ten overs remaining, Calver looked to be out of the contest but were guided to victory by Ian Hallowes (20 no) and Joe Lloyd (24 no) from the penultimate delivery.