Duffield 1st XI made one change to the side that had performed so well at Staveley on Saturday, with Phil Jones making way for Zane Carrazedo. Richard Fry retained his place, despite his claims on Saturday evening that moving wardrobes was more important that turning out for Duffield CC. A players revolt managed to make him change his mind though, as threats of 'if he doesnt play, no one does - we will give them a bye', rang true in his ears. The Vice was in!!!
A few quiet drinks on the Saturday night after the tremendous performance against Staveley turned into a rather mammoth session. The White Hart speed drinking record was obliterated, as was the HCG (Hadfield Cricket Ground), when 1am late night cricket founds its way there under the floodlights. Could the rat pack keep their eyes open long enough to see Lennox Lewis and Klitscho tough it out in the ring? They did indeed, and the 2 hours sleep that followed, meant that performances were going to be scrutinised during the match.
To the match itself. Duffield lost the toss, and unsurprisingly Belper elected to bat first in conditions that were more suited to the Sahara than Eyes Meadow. Not what the late night drinkers fancied, 50 overs in the field!! Jack Smith, who apparently can play a bit, had scored 130 not out the previous day, and as it proved he was the wicket Duffield had to snare. The new ball was once again tossed to Hugh Nicholls, who with Richard Jordan looked to give Duffield a good start. Mr Smith however had other things on his mind. Nicholls first over was tight, but Jordan, still reeling from Lewis controversial victory, dropped a couple short and wide for Mr Smith to dispatch to the boundary. Nicholls made the early breakthrough, bowling the Belper opener. Nicholls then appeared to tire, and was replaced by Kris Elliot from the church end. Jordan had bounced back and continued from the pavilion end, demonstrating his now customary control. Jack Smith was looking good, and Spaff was soon on the receiving end of one of the biggest blows ever seen in Duffield history. A ball that was just short of a length was pulled unceremoniously from the centre of the square, way way way into the Meadow, with the Duffield fielders just laughing. It was huge!! Two balls later, an exquisite cut raced to the boundary for four more. Belper looked to be heading for a massive score. Then Elliot, keen to bounce back, found the edge of Smith, and Hadfield took the catch neatly. The batsman stood there, but the umpire had no doubt, and Belper danger man Smith, was back in the hutch having scored 33.
The score at this stage was 83-1 from just 12 overs. From here Duffield managed to claw back some of the early damage. Jordan bowled his 10 overs for 27, and Elliot completed his allocated overs for 40. Fielding was proving to be a bit of a problem for the Duffield fielders. A combination of a bouncy outfield, a hard ball, and too much sauce the night before, saw many misfields, plenty of bruises, and an award for Mr Short for demonstrating the worst fielding performance ever witnessed in the County of Derbyshire (even despite his four catches the previous day!! - had to get that one in). Mike Poyner replaced Elliot, and Sims replaced Jordan as Duffield looked to capitalise on their breakthroughs. Sims as expected bowled with great line and length and made it hard for the Belper batsmen to score. Two wickets followed, one LBW and one bowled, as Belper stuttered to 160-5. Poyner bowled 3 overs before being replaced by the rejuvenated Nicholls, who then bowled through his allotted overs, taking 2-60. A little cameo by King, the Belper batsmen was brought to an end as Short took his wicket as he bowled 5 overs at the death, taking 1-24. At one stage, it looked as if Belper would go on and amass a mammoth score, but Duffield stuck to their task well, bowling well to restrict Belper to 229-8 from their 50 overs.
The tea arrived just in time to be enjoyed by all, Shortie once again delighted to have managed to have a prawn wrap. Sims commented that the tea was on a par with Staveleys from the previous day, so next week we hope for Vienetta and jelly and ice cream!!!!
So Duffield, who have not been able to chase a total this year, had a tough task on their hands. Ian Hadfield, who has recently employed a new fashion consultant, strode to the crease with skipper Sims, looking to make a positive start. Duffields number one supporter Gary Myers, soon followed by number 2 supporter Niki Mitchell were down to watch this spectacle. Other regulars Martin Jackson and Phil Mason could be spotted patrolling the boundary, along with the Carrazedo Family, and the Adams Family, though cousin IT was conspicuous by its absence.
Hadfield played some attacking strokes and really took the game to Belper, as he and Sims looked to create a solid foundation. Some fluent attacking shots raced the score along to 40-0 from just 10 overs. Then the introduction of the Belper spinner, accounted for the demise of Hadfield. Despite getting to 20 ish, he misjudged the amount of turn, and just left the ball as it hit middle stump. Now, he came back in, in customary style, shaking his head, complaining he was tired, and that his back foot hadnt gone back and across. But at the end of the day, he wasnt kidding anyone but himself; it was just a crap shot!!! So enter Mr Elliot, our overseas star, who is starting to find a bit of form. Its just a shame its taken him to the half way point of the season to do so. Sims was really playing well now, punching the spinner through the covers, driving young James Cox to all parts of the ground. Elliot on the other hand was playing a more watchful innings. Not even the boundary bowls match between Shortie, Niki, Dong and Zane could distract these two from building a substantial stand. Sims passed his 50, as his timing was now top class. A stand of 120 between these two was pushing Duffield closer to victory, Duffield required just 50 off the last 12 overs with 9 wickets remaining. Belpers body language was there for all to see. Then a moment of high controversy. With Elliot on 45, the spinner sent one down, an attempted sweep rattled the jewels of Mr Elliot, and a half hearted appeal was greeted with the dreaded finger from the umpire. A poor decision, which changed the context of the match. Though Sims was still at the other end, and now into the 90s. Phil Jordan joined Sims at the crease, and struggled to find the timing that Elliot had been attaining.
As Duffield closed in, disaster. Sims who had played the spinner superbly all day, played a tired looking shot, trying to work the ball through the covers, only to see him miss, and the ball shooting through to hit the stumps. For the second consecutive weekend, Sims had been denied a century by just a few runs, this time managing 96. A great innings, but now Duffield had two new batsmen at the crease, Jordan joined by Richard Fry, and the run rate was now a run a ball. Belper sensed the pressure building. Jordan was next to go, a suicide run, which never was, saw Jordan scrambling back, only for good fielding to see him sent on his way. A little cameo was required here to ease the run rate for Duffield, Carrazedo was in at 6, capable of delivering a few blows. He was out soon after though, playing across the line to a full straight ball from Tait, and departed LBW for 0. Robin Stevenson entered the proceedings. He and Fry tried to gain the momentum required, by Fry unfortunately played on. Duffield now struggling, as wickets tumbled left, right and centre. Short was in at 8, Duffield now needing 36 from just 4 overs with 4 wickets remaining. Short then hit Tait to the cover boundary, and came back for a second run, turning blind, not realising Jack Smith of Australian Academy fame had the ball in his hand. His throw was directly over the top of the stumps from 50 yards, and Short was back in the hutch realising that the 3rd umpire would probably not be required. The situation was now desperate for Duffield, as Nicholls entered the fray. A lusty blow that cleared the rope from Nicholls, gave the balcony something to cheer about, but when he was out, soon followed by Poyner, there was little that could be done. Richard Jordan entertained the crowd with his 2 balls, but Duffield ended the match 12 runs short of victory.
Duffield has been in a great position, and key wickets at vital times cost Duffield what looked like a certain victory. Credit to Belper though, who bowled well at the end of the innings, and it sets up next weeks league fixture, back at Eyes Meadow.
On a day where heads were sore, it was some eye candy that was needed to help pass the time of day, and there was some tottie present at the Meadow. Belper brought with them a couple of nice pieces, and the ever-reliable dog walkers, always managed to attract the attention of the Duffield fielders. We now find ourselves continuously praying for sun at the weekend, as this does seem to boost the array of talent on offer. So to the White Hart, with the hardcore, joined by Paul Lynn, smarting from a defeat against West Hallam and his delightful hareem, for a post match bevvie. Those with more stamina then went for the customary Sunday curry at the Viceroy, leaving others to stay and ponder with the White Hart bar staff - which was nice!!!
Related Links:
Duffield 1st XI - 2003
Duffield 1st XI Fixtures
League Tables
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