Laycocks lead the way
by David Bell, 13th July 2004

Just eight points separate the top four sides in Division Three. Leading the way are Laycocks. Joe Mohaman (4-2) helped to bowl out Old Edwardians / Collegiate II for 76 and see his side claim top spot with a seven wicket success. Dronfield Woodhouse are second, just five points behind, but only by virtue of their number of wins. They restricted Hundall II to 157-6 and knocked off the runs for the loss of only one wicket.

On the same number of points as Woodhouse are Centralians II. They demolished De La Salle II for just 61 and also claimed a nine wicket win. A further three points back in fourth place are long time leaders BT Pensions / AGD, who were without a game. At the opposite end of the table, Richland Wanderers compiled 160-7 (Dave Bell 41, John Needham 42) and saw Calow close out on 121-5 (John Smith 41).

De La Salle have opened up a twenty four point gap at the top of Division One. They made 132 (P.Westwood 4-45, P.Wardley 4-32) in the first versus third clash at Holmesfield, who were dismissed for 95 thanks to Sam Wainwright (8-33). Second placed Old Edwardians / Collegiate had to settle for a significant losing draw against Centralians. A fine innings of 152 not out from Ian Marshall steered Cents to 228-5 and Old Eds could only muster 100-8 in reply.

Fifth placed Hundall got the better of fourth placed SWD in their clash on Saturday. Hundall made their way to 203-6 (Russ Parker 50, Martin Dawson 64 no) but SWD held on at 136-9 (Barrie Cox 4-32). Hathersage posted 142-9 and bowled visitors Stanton out for just 97 (Anthony Gladwin 43, Joe Woolway 4-36). Bottom side Baslow showed signs of improvement with 212-4 (R.Sylvester 66) at Parkhead but still went down to a two wicket defeat (Ed Bowers 70).

In the other relegation battle, University Staff made 186-6 (Paul Kerry 114 no, John Carrington 4-96) which was overhauled by Ashford with seven wickets in hand (Andrew Paulett 85 no, Peter McGrath 44 no).

Calver continue to march on in style at the head of Division Two. In form duo, Jimmy Mundy (4-15) and Mark Burnett (43 no) saw Bakewell bowled out for 71 and the leaders claim another nine wicket win. Grindleford move up to second place. They bowled out SWD II for 146 (D.Franklin 63, M.Spittlehouse 6-26) and ran out winners with four wickets in hand (J.Marshall 66). Fourth placed Stocksbridge I came out with the upper hand against third placed Millhouses. They registered a healthy 181-8 (S.Perry 61, A.Khan 6-66) and saw Millhouses cling on at 100-9 (F.Hussain 46, C.Kelly 5-35).

In a close fought affair, Parkhead II were dismissed for 141 (Lewis Clayton 66, Julian Wall 5-20) by Chesterfield Barbarians, who fell just short at 138 all out (Kevin Marriott 45, Lewis Clayton 5-40). In the battle of the bottom two, Stocksbridge II made a competitive 161-8 (R.Kenny 63), which was surpassed by Hathersage II with five men down (R.Buckton 45 no).

Coal Aston assume the lead of Division Four, despite only gaining a losing draw at home to Ridgeway. The visitors made a reasonable 189-8 (Geoff Woodhead 82, Ricky Podmore 5-48) but saw Coal Aston survive at 126-8 (Barry Eke 53). Just five points behind are Transport, who defeated long time leaders Zingari. Zingari posted 153-8 (R.Rupra 54, P.Harris 40, N.Gul 4-45). John Slack (87 no) blasted Transport home by seven wickets with plenty of overs to spare.

Fourth placed Dronfield Sports were bowled out for 128 (O.Joseph 51, W.McGregor 5-50) by struggling Baslow II, who claimed a three wicket win. BT Pensions / AGD II moved themselves off the bottom of the table by compiling 160-7 at home to Stocksbridge III. Stocksbridge held out at 112-8 despite the efforts of Ron Endersby (4-26).