Division one shocks as last year's top two are beaten
by David Bell, 26th April 2004

Defending six-time consecutive champions Hundall got off to the worse possible start with defeat in their opening Division One game. New skipper Neil Vaughan's 41 guided his side to a competitive 140 against Centralians. Cents reached their target with eight wickets down (Rhodes 41, Cox 4-32).

Division One newcomers Holmesfield provided another shock as they defeated last year's runners up University Staff. Having restricted Staff to just 107-8 (S.Pollitt 42 no), Holmesfield achieved victory with five wickets to spare thanks to a knock of 42 from Jimmy Pearson.

Bowling performance of the day came at Parkhead. Stanton were dismissed for 110 (Hadfield 46, Ghose 6-44). Dave Rosling's 8-37 saw the home side skittled for just 97 in reply. Another close fought affair took place at Olive Grove. Simon Pratt's 41 steered De La Salle to 144 all out against Sheffield Works Department, who in turn were sent back for 139 (Wainwright 6-24).

Dave Seal (5-36) helped restrict Hathersage to 114-9 and enable his Old Edwardians / Collegiate side gain a five wicket success. The division's other newcomers, Ashford, didn't fare so well in their first game in the top flight. They were dismissed for 102 against Baslow, who romped to a nine wicket win (Elleker 42 no).

Opening day games in Division Three saw De La Salle II post 114-9 against Hundall II, who could only muster 84 in reply. University Staff II were dismissed for 119 by BT Pensions / AGD, who achieved a comfortable six wicket win.

Millhouses II of Division Four made the highest total of the day. They compiled 207-9 (Azhar 75, R.Dewsbury 74, P.Durward 4-42) at BT Pensions / AGD II, who held out for the draw at 102-3. Stocksbridge III were bowled out for 101 at Great Longstone but sealed maximum points by keeping the home side to just 93 (Harris 5-3).

Chesterfield Barbarians II made 129-9 (J.Denby 50, J.Slack 4-30) at Sheffield Transport, who completed a three wicket win thanks to John Slack (62 no). On Sunday, Coal Aston were sent back for 113 (Stewart 5-37, Soni 5-34) against Zingari, who raced to an emphatic ten wicket win (Makkar 51 no, Harris 47 no).