Well here we are. Ring the bells from the highest bell tower! Get the bands playing! Yes folks, Duffield seconds season is off with a bang. There are not enough superlatives to describe the greatest feat in Duffields history. The seconds won.

As the toss was called correct by our courageous skipper, he decided to put Allestree, our local rivals, into bat. As the sun baked down on a number of receding hairlines, Allestree plodded on their merry little way to a mammoth score of 175 for 3. Young Mike Poyner opened up the bowling with our new acquisition, John White. On a wicket of varying bounce, Allestree gave little away. It wasn't until the man for all seasons, Dick Mills, a seasoned campaigner, stepped into the breach, assisted by another seasoned campaigner Pete Ellis.

Our first chance in the field was dropped by our Player of the Year off of Elmos (Pete Ellis)bowling. However, it would be harsh to criticise, as the chance was only there due to the athleticism of the aforementioned person in actually reaching the ball (bit of juggling involved - dont give up the day job). As Duffield toiled in the heat of the day, another half chance was put to ground, Graham Wendon off the bowling of Dick Mills (Jack Simmons lookalike). By the end of the Allestree innings, Dick, who bowled through his allotted overs in a oner, achieved the commendable figures of 2 for 32, ably supported by Pete Turner, who can always put the ball on the spot and make the batsmen think.

Figures after 46 overs

Allestree 175 - 3
Wilcox 100 no.
Mills 2-32; White 1-54;

Duffield Innings

Our Bill Gates/Dirty Den opened proceedings with Graham Wendon. After a short period of time, Duffield were teetering on the point of collapse, whereupon, man cometh the man! No not P.T, but Dennis Saunders and Dave Stevenson. A rapid partnership of 45 runs, brought back memories of watching John Player League on a glorious Sunday, with a tinny or two. Unfortunately, Stevo made the cardinal sin of trying to push a loose ball round the corner, whereupon he got a thick edge which was snaffled by the wicky. Still, Dennis continued to ensure the run rate ticked over. He was joined at the crease by Dave Wood, initially playing and missing, but as the light drew in, he started to time the ball, and strike it with the elegance and panache of David Gower. The next wicket to fall was that of Dennis, but his heroic 62, with contributions of 17 and 15 by the skipper and PT ensured that we were right in it with a shout of winning with plenty of wickets to spare.

Then along came our new boy, John White. Born into a sporting family, he has an arresting presence and has the style of a Botham, but not the bulk, with Dave Woods, proceeded to torture the opposition with their well placed drives and smashes to all corners of the ground. However, all things must come to pass, and Dave was bowled for 25. JW took things into his own hands, giving advice where necessary. MP ran between the wickets like someone on a promise, but was unfortunately run out when trying to chase a score that was looking a bit of a tall order. With some poor support by unnamed personnel, not you Sam, it was left to Elmo and John to pull the team through in the last over needing 2 to win and four balls left.

Last Four Balls

Elmo faces his first ball, a possible victim of the hattrick ball. But with the style of a Devon Malcolm, he played it back to the bowler. Dot ball. The tension was rising in the pavilion, all right, there was no pavilion. Elmo faces the next, eyes staring towards the bowler in the bleak light of day, Stevo refusing to watch, amid a flurry of rising dust, arms and legs everywhere. A roar from the non strikers end of yes. Elmo still trying to compose himself realises that he going to have to kick start his lungs and do an impression of Linford Christie to reach the other end and tie the game. He sets off, the ball is thrown to the bowler, Elmo not quite half way down the track, surely he's out. Oh no, the bowler is doing an impression of a circus juggler, he cant control the ball, ELmo has now reached a head of steam. He burst through the popping crease as the bails are whipped off by the rear of the bowler. Allestree appeal in unison, ever-dependable PT calls not out. Two balls left.

New boy JW faces, 2 balls left, scores tied. He snicks a wide one towards a fielder on the leg side. Elmo starts to run. No was called, he darts back. Still tied. Final ball of the innings, 1 run to win and set the seconds season off to a great start. Unheard of. When was the last time the seconds won a match, let alone the first of the season?

The rest of the team watch anxiously, pacing up and down. Even though we are guaranteed a draw if no one else gets out, we are getting greedy. We want the win. JW faces and with the utmost ease, he launches the ball into the upper stratosphere, 4 runs and the win is ours.

Jubilation on the boundaries, no bigger smile than Stevos. All the poor fielding (little of that), dropped catches, missed stumpings and poor selection of shots was all forgotten.

As usual, a few drinks were enjoyed in the Red Cow and then back to the Hart for a couple of scoops with the firsts. Same old faces at the bar recounting the events of this momentous day, surely to be written in the annuals of Duffield history.

All that can be added is that not only did the Seconds season get off to agood start, but the Premier title is returned to its rightful owners!!!

Regards, Bish

Related Links:
Dirty Den's April Diary
Duffield 2nd XI Fixtures
League Tables