First ever victory for 'the follow on'
by Alan Rowley, 18th September 2005

In their final game of the season, 'the follow on' XI recorded their first ever victory against a strong Langley Mill side in a one-sided affair at Station Road. Man of the match was Simon Widdison who struck a magnificent 91 from only 81 balls to steer the visitors to victory in the annual end of season game.

On a sunny but cold day, umpires Terry Dorr and Tony Else led the players on to a superbly prepared pitch. Langley Mill took first knock and openers Aaron Tullett and Paul Bailey started steadily. With the score on 25, Dave Greaves struck to dismiss run machine Bailey, caught behind by Paul Bakel for 7. The other Bailey brother, Andrew, went just seven runs later, bowled by Steve Woodward for 4 to leave the mighty Millers floundering on 32 for 2.

'the follow on' XI
Back row (L to R): Gary Edginton, Adam Harchuk, Ryan Esson, Tony Pailing, Dave Greaves, Daniel Brookes
Front row: Steve Woodward, Mike Naylor, Richard Adams, Terry Bell, Simon Widdison, Paul Bakel, Jamie Rowley

With 62 on the board, Tullett was bowled by the legendary Terry Bell for a fine 30, Bell's celebration on taking the wicket was the best of the day. Andrew Ball was next to fall, caught by Greaves off Adam Harchuk, for 19.

Chesterfield skipper Simon Lacey, guesting for the Millers, rattled up a quick 19 before he became the first of three victims for Ryan Esson, playing against his club colleagues. Lacey was caught by Woodward to leave the 4 North champions in deep trouble at 90 for 5.

David Brunelleschi is bowled by Ryan Esson

Millers skipper Rich Davey looked uneasy against Gary Edginton's looping slow bowling, and he was soon on his way back to the pavilion after chipping to Mike Naylor, who took a fine one-handed catch. David Hallsworth became Esson's second victim, completely deceived by one that cut back sharply.

With the score on 100 for 7, it was left to Dwayne Buckley to restore some pride to the Millers total. His 54 included 4 fours and 4 sixes, and despite losing David Brunelleschi, bowled by Esson for 7, and Luke Rowley, trapped leg before by Widdison, Buckley steered the Millers to a respectable total. Buckley was last man out with the score on 171 and Barry Ottewell remained undefeated on 11. For 'the follow on', Esson took 3 for 18 and Greaves took 2 for 19.

After demolishing a large tea, 'the follow on' started their reply. Wicketkeeper Bakel opened with Tony Pailing, and Pailing was out first ball to Brunelleschi. Widdiscon (pictured right) joined Bakel and the two batted cautiously before Bakel was caught and bowled by Brunelleschi for a steady five runs.

Brunelleschi grabbed his third with the score on 31 having Harchuk caught by Lacey for two. The safe hands of Lacey also removed 'the follow on' skipper Richard Adams, off the bowling of Tullett, for 2. At 41 for 4, another defeat for 'the follow on' looked to be looming, but Widdison took apart the Millers attack, flaying the ball to all parts of the ground.

Woodward, at the other end, took a back seat as the two put on a partnership of 99 before Widdison was caught by Andrew Bailey, off Ball, just nine short of his century. Woodward was joined by Greaves, and these two took the visitors safely through to the target, Greaves hitting a huge six off Lacey into Aldreads Lane to set up an excellent victory. Woodward finished on 30 not out while Greaves was undefeated on 22.

After the match, 'the follow on' made it two out of two by easily winning the Boat Race. The winning team was James Hunt (anchor), James Franco, Gary Edginton, Tony Pailing, Ryan Esson, Simon Widdison and Adam Harchuk. After the Boat Race, the players enjoyed an end of season drink that lasted well into the night. All agreed that the event had been another huge success.

Match scorecard