Chambers record knock but rain wins the day
by Alan Rowley, 5th August 2006

A magnificent unbeaten century from Michael Chambers, and fifties from Chris Plant and Dave Greaves, were the highlights of 'the follow on' game at idyllic Sutton On The Hill, but rain showers spoiled what should have been a great day.

The third leg of 'the follow on' mid-season tour took us to the attractive South Derbyshire village of Sutton On The Hill as we joined the club in celebrating fifty years of playing friendly cricket. Playing on one of the smallest of cricket grounds, the club resist the temptation to play competitive cricket, and it is the epitome of village cricket life.

As 'the follow on' players arrived they faced a short trek in the rain over the fields to the neat little clubhouse. Situated well away from traffic, the ground presented an image of bygone years with little having changed since the club was formed back in the 1950s.

For the players used to the stresses of league cricket, this game was a welcome relief to be treasured.

Batting first, 'the follow on' started shakily losing Simon Widdison, bowled by Fred Ashford for 17 and Jon Branson, caught by Robert Martindale, off Andy Motley for 1.

This brought Michael Chambers, playing his second game for 'the follow on' to the crease, and the young Nutbrook all rounder blasted a 'follow on' record individual innings score of 102 not out, beating Nigel Birkett's unbeaten 101 set in 2004. His innings included 7 fours and 9 sixes as the home bowlers took a pasting.

Chambers was ably assisted by Bolsover's Chris Plant (pictured right) who hit 11 fours in a knock of 57 before he was caught by Micky Wenn off Nigel Harding.

Nigel Turner became Sutton skipper Harding's second victim, caught by Martindale for 20, and Dennis Wright took a second ball duck when he was bowled by Chris Bingley.

Mid-way through the innings, a bizarre and frightening incident involved Sutton's Ashford when he collapsed to the ground in agony. It appears that a wasp had flown into his ear and the game was held up for some time while the insect was extracted.

Strangely, some of the players had seen this before and prompt actions washed the insect out before any lasting damage was done and the player was able to return to the field.

At 197 for 5, with 31 overs of this timed game completed, the visitors upped the run rate to set the hosts a challenging target. James Franco became Martindale's third catch, and Harding's third victim, when he fell for 8, but Dave Greaves (pictured left) launched into the bowling attack for a quickfire fifty. His unbeaten 54 contained 5 fours and 4 huge sixes as the Clay Cross bowler tore into the Sutton spin attack.

Gary Edginton struck a boundary before he was run out and Paul Gent grabbed a first ball duck, bowled by Ashford, but Jamie Rowley hammered three boundaries in his unbeaten 13, taking over the onslaught from the retiring Greaves.

When the final wicket fell, 'the follow on' had moved on to 277, with Harding the pick of the Sutton bowlers, recording figures of 3 for 47.

During tea, a prolonged heavy shower ruined any hope of a competitive game as play was held up for over an hour.

With 20 overs to be bowled in the last hour, only four overs were possible before the clock ticked over to 6:00pm and the final hour of the game.

Nutbrook's Michael Chambers on his way to a record breaking 102 not out.

'the follow on' XI
Back row (left to right): Tony Taylor (umpire), Gary Edginton (Stanton & Awsworth Elks), Nigel Turner (Bridon), Dennis Wright (Toton Sycamore), Dave Greaves (Clay Cross), Jon Branson (Clay Cross), Paul Gent (Long Eaton), Tony Else (umpire)
Front row (left to right): Jamie Rowley (Langley Mill United), James franco (Marehay), Simon Widdison (Oxton), Chris Plant (Bolsover), Micdhael Chambers (Nutbrook)

Derbyshire scorer John Brown opened the batting for the hosts, along with Richard Johnson and the two batsmen gave the home side a solid looking start, taking Sutton to 30 without loss. Rowley (pictured right) struck twice in his fourth over, despite bowling off a shortened run-up due to the damp conditions. The Langley Mill second teamer clean bowled Brown for 14 and had Martin Hayes caught by Plant two balls later for a duck.

At 30 for 2, 'the follow on' were still in sight of an unlikely victory, but Motley joined Johnson to steady the ship for the hosts. Johnson was caught and bowled by Greaves for 24, but Martindale and Motley took Sutton on to 76 for 3 and looked to be batting out for the draw.

Skipper for the day Plant tried a combination of bowlers, giving everyone a chance with the ball, and the lesser bowlers in the side had a field day. Sutton lost four wickets in the space of just five runs as Edginton had Motley stumped by Nigel Turner for 20, Wright had Martindale trapped leg before for 9 and Ashford was caught by Greaves off Widdison for a duck, all with the score stuck on 76. At 81, Brian Land was caught by keeper Turner of Chambers for 4, and the hosts were staring defeat in the face.

Fortunately for Sutton, time, and overs, ran out as Wenn and Nigel Duffell saw the hosts safely through to time. As the clocked ticked over to 7:00pm, Sutton's reply stood at 83 for 7 and a draw was declared as the result. Despite being outclassed by the league cricketers, the part-timers of Sutton On The Hill had put up a brave fight and given 'the follow on' lads a taste of traditional village cricket that is rapidly becoming confined to history.

After the game, all adjourned to the local hostelry to finish the traditional game in traditional style with a chat over a pint. This typically English day was a pleasure to enjoy and was a welcome break from the pressures of modern life.

Match scorecard - click here