2004 one of the most memorable of seasons
by David Bell, 13th September 2004

The 2004 season will go down on record as one of the most memorable in the league's 35 year history. Six time consecutive champions Hundall added a seventh title to their burgeoning record with a remarkable late run, but were pressed all the way by Sheffield Works Department, De La Salle and Old Edwardians / Collegiate. After the loss of key players Jason Pitcher and Alan Hampshire to rivals Collegiate, skipper Neil Vaughan's men showed that they had tremendous strength in depth and it was a squad effort that saw the title return to the Miners Arms ground.

In their final match last Saturday, they rattled up 220-5 (Graeme Badcock 46, Russ Parker 66 no, Mick Cartwright 40 no) and, in a tight finish, bowled Old Edwardians / Collegiate out for 217 (Andy Langdale 75, Adam Shaw 5-50). The batting might of SWD earned them a deserved second place, typified by a six hundred run plus return from powerful opener Richard Everitt. De La Salle led the table for a good proportion of the season, but faltered crucially in the latter stages despite excellent campaigns for opener Sean White and slow left armer Phil Heath.

Old Edwardians / Collegiate based their challenge on the consistency of Chris Street, who claimed seven five wicket hauls, but were unable to find a batsman to match his efforts. However, with a narrow points difference between them all, it added up to the most compelling title race for many years. At the foot of the table, Baslow struggled with an inexperienced side at this level and were doomed quite early on. Equally, University Staff failed to show any consistency despite having some talented performers and must rebuild from Division Two next season. Staff rounded off their year with a five wicket defeat at the hands of Stanton (N.Rosling 50 no), after being bowled out for just 85 (M.Clark 4-5).

The one division where the outcome was relatively clear cut was Division Two. Calver suffered only one defeat all season, led the table for most of the year and earned a deserved championship. Once again, strength in depth was the key and the addition of the Knockout Cup to the title gave the club a season to remember. Jimmy Mundy's 9-15 against Bakewell also proved to be the best bowling return throughout the whole league this year.

The challenge of Division One also awaits Chesterfield Barbarians, after many years of being the league's 'nearly-men.' They battled tooth and nail with Stocksbridge I for the final promotion spot but possibly gained an advantage through the batting of Kevin Marriott, who hit a single century to go with his five half centuries. Stocksbridge II, after their narrow escape in 2003, slipped into Division Three and were joined by Hathersage II, who were beset with selection problems throughout August.

The decision to play as a single XI proved a good one for Dronfield Woodhouse, who brought all their experience from the top flight to conquer Division Three. A formidable batting line up, including players such as Jason Oxley and David Drew with Division One pedigree, and a balanced bowling attack including wily campaigner John Bridgett brought the title home to the Carr Lane side.

The battle for the second promotion spot was fascinating and played out between Centralians II and Laycocks. Both teams fielded a blend of youth and experience but it was Adam Green's Cents side who triumphed when it came down to the deciding weekend at the end of August. It was unfortunate for Laycocks, who had fielded one of the division's most consistent performers in Roger Wainwright (two centuries, three fifties). University Staff II too suffered from selection difficulties and held last place. Joining them in Division Four will be Old Edwardians / Collegiate II, who should find the level that their promising youngsters can compete against in 2005.

Sheffield Transport claimed the Division Four title, again benefitting from the decision to operate as a single eleven. A solid batting line up coupled with the wickets of big pace man Garth Lewis added up to a winning formula for the Meadowhead club. Joining them in Division Three will be Ridgeway, who overcame early defeats and several rained off fixtures to hit the top of the table in the last few weeks of the season. Good all round performances from Kev Roberts and the evergreen Peter Burke were deciding factors in their success. Millhouses II pushed both sides all the way but a points deduction for fielding ineligible players proved crucial in the end.

Great Longstone ended up as the league's wooden spoonists but won many admirers for their good grace and the delightful surroundings their cricket is played in.