Yorkshire and Derbyshire disrupted by heavy rainfall
by David Bell, 10th May 2004

For the second week running, the programme was disrupted by heavy rainfall, which rendered many grounds unplayable. In Division One, leaders De La Salle made 132-8 (Groves 31, Wainwright 28 no) against Stanton In Peak. Dave and Nick Rosling did the majority of the bowling for Stanton, claiming 3-46 and 3-41 respectively. Stanton reached 17 without loss before the heavens opened.

Weekend fixtures see De La Salle make the trip to division newcomers Ashford, while Stanton continue to mount their challenge away at Centralians. Ashford looked to be heading for a first top flight victory before the weather intervened. They restricted Hathersage to just 68-9 but only received two balls of their reply before the game was abandoned.

Game of the day on Saturday sees second placed Holmesfield hoping to build on their good start at home to fourth placed reigning champions Hundall, fresh from their first victory of the season at Parkhead on Bank Holiday Monday.

Grindleford are setting the early pace in Division Two. They compiled a healthy 179-9 (Marshall 65, Rowney 5-56, Sykes 4-27) at home to Hathersage II, who were denied the chance to reply by the rain. Grindleford travel to Millhouses on Saturday. The day's most intriguing fixture sees second placed Chesterfield Barbarians hosting Stocksbridge I, who will be looking to regain Division One status at the first attempt.

Once again, Division Three and Four were obliterated by the poor weather. Division Three leaders and last year's Division Four champions BT Pensions / AGD, will be attempting to stay in pole position with a visit to Hundall II on Saturday. Second placed De La Salle II entertain University Staff II and third placed Laycocks receive a visit from Calow, who have yet to start a fixture this season.

Division Four pre-season favourites Ridgeway are looking to begin their campaign with a visit to Dronfield Sports at the weekend. They have yet to start a fixture in three attempts. Early leaders Coal Aston pay a visit to fancied Transport and the second placed Zingari make the trip to Great Longstone.