The 1st team continued their push for promotion with a home game against Ilkeston Rutland on a warm sunny day at Sharley Park. The first meeting between these two had ended with a 19 run victory for Clay Cross when the final wicket was taken with the final ball of the match. This match was very different as both teams were severely depleted, Clay Cross using their third captain of the season and Ilkeston their 4th!!! With 3rd place Chesterfield visiting a struggling Swanick side (or so we thought!!) it was important that Clay Cross continued their good bowling performance from the previous week. Andy Ogden (6-37) provided the initial damage as he took the first 6 wickets to fall, including the wicket of Palfreyman who provided the only real impetus for the Rutland innings with a lively 53. It was left to Branson (3-31) and Steve Gardiner on his return to the 1st team to clean up the remaining wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 136 in 33 overs.

The Clay Cross innings was positive from the start with stand in captain Else taking charge with a brisk 42 and he was assisted by Darren Parkin who scored 30 before both were dismissed. It was left to Ian Miller (30*) and Steve Nottingham (19*) to see Clay Cross home to gain a valuable 22 points and extend the gap between them and 3rd place Chesterfield who slipped to an unexpected defeat at Swanick.

Special mentions go to Rich Greenhalgh who made a good job of fitting the plasterboard as he started work on the new changing room whilst sitting out the second game of his ban and also to Darrell Dring who, although he wasn't there, provided the extremely comfortable settee that was placed in a very good viewing position on the boundaries edge!!!

Unfortunately the 2nd team had to condede their game today as the large amount of players unavailable hit them. This more or less makes them certain for relegation but hopefully they can bounce back next week when players are available again and put in a decent finish to the season to boost confidence for next season.

Match Report Links :-

1sts v Ilkeston Rutland (H)