Zingari continue to set the pace
by David Bell, 14th June 2004

Zingari continue to set the pace at the top of Division Four. They were guided to 204-3 by opening batsman Sukhbir Makkar (136 no) at home to Stocksbridge III, who were then despatched for just 70. Amongst the chasing pack are Millhouses II, who notched up an equally impressive 225 all out (Azhar 85, Marpole 4-50) away at Coal Aston. Coal Aston were then dismissed for 120 with Searle claiming 5-34.

Third placed Chesterfield Barbarians II suffered a setback, making 122 (Lee Keys 5-30) at Ridgeway. The home side gained a comfortable five wicket win. Also in contention are Transport, who restricted Dronfield Sports to just 103-8 (Phil Cotterill 4-28). They too made it home with five men to spare (Abdul Kadir 50 no). Down at the foot of the table, Great Longstone posted their best total of the season, 235-3 (M.Sayers 83, S.Catchick 88 no) against fellow strugglers Baslow II. Danny McGoverne (4-14) saw Baslow sent back for exactly 100.

The Division One title race remains wide open with the leading sides enjoying more success at the weekend. Parkhead made 175-7 (Tony Brown 45) at home to leaders De La Salle, who charged to an eight wicket win (White 72 no, Jones 56 no). Just four points behind are Old Edwardians / Collegiate, who were equally impressive in defeating Baslow. Baslow were bowled out for 139 (Elleker 57) which Old Eds passed for the loss of a single wicket (D.Foulkes 46 no, M.Root 71 no).

Defending champions Hundall suffered further misery, being bowled out for 84 (Dave Clark 5-38) by Stanton, who moved into third with a five wicket win (Nick Rosling 41). Centralians figured in the closest game of the day. They scored 178-5 at home to Ashford, who finished just one run short for the loss of the same number of wickets. Holmesfield registered a challenging 198-9 (T.Lumb 43, J.Pearson 54) at SWD, who breezed home with 200-2 (John Woods 48, Alan Wake 60 no). Hathersage's 151-8 (Khan 6-55) proved too much for University Staff, who were bowled out for exactly 100 (Joe Woolway 6-29).

Calver stretched their lead at the top of Division Two with a comprehensive defeat of fellow challengers Chesterfield Barbarians. The Barbs were skittled for just 74 (Jim Mundy 5-22, Stuart Hallows 4-15) allowing the visitors to complete a five wicket success. Grindleford claim second place after a narrow win over Stocksbridge I. Stocksbridge made 137-9, which was passed by Grindleford with a single wicket intact (J.Outram 51 no, A.Hibbert 5-24).

Millhouses managed to restrict struggling Hathersage II to 113-9 and gain a six wicket win thanks to Akeel Sarwar (40). Bakewell continued their good form of recent weeks by bowling out SWD II for 127 (B.Sampson 55, P.Fearn 5-54, R.Reed 4-24) and reaching the winning post by eight wickets (Chris Peach 73 no). Parkhead II were bowled out for a competitive 182 (Gopal 45, Kelly 6-67) only to see Stocksbridge II hold out at 102-7 (Wade 56).

In the Division Three local derby, Calow were humbled for just 62 (Mark Hayes 5-34, Paul Ramsdale 4-9) by near neighbours BT Pensions / AGD, who won comfortably by nine wickets (Alan Shawcroft 44 no) to keep their lead at the top of the standings. Second placed Centralians II knocked an impressive 205-8 (Paul Kennedy 106 no, Matthew Jones 4-67) against University Staff II, who capitulated for just 69.

Laycocks declared at 207-9 (Roger Wainwright 62) against Hundall II, but couldn't force the victory as the home side held out at 155-8 (Ian Bayston 49, Mark Scanlan 6-62). Fourth placed De La Salle II compiled 169-7 (Alan George 42, David Drew 5-61) at home to Dronfield Woodhouse, who fell agonisingly short at 163-8 (Steve Vessey 49, Paul Lally 5-79). Old Edwardians / Collegiate II inched their way to 127-9 (Mick Pashley 4-29) and gained a winning draw with some outstanding pace bowling as Richland Wanderers closed out on 104-7.