Mick’s Act on centre stage

Castle Donnington won the toss and asked Rolleston to bat. Andy Ward (14) and Phil Burrows (9) got the team up a running but some excellent bowling from their 15 year old opener saw Phil bowled and Andy getting a small nick chasing a ball sent down the leg-side, getting caught by the keeper. Arron Harper (0) and Henry Parker were next up (7); Arron falling to the other opener who appeared to be hitting a dead spot on the track and the ball shooting through Arron’s defences. Darrell Ford (9) joined Henry and was quickly in his stride hitting 2 fours, unfortunately his tenth stride was hit on the pads and the finger of destruction was raised 44 for 4 off 13 overs. Dan Featherstone (6) and Henry added 13 before Dan perished in a similar manner to Arron. Henry was now batting with Dad Matt (2) but was also on his way back to the pavilion when a bottom edge bounced down and clipped the bails off on its way back up. It does have to be said that Henry looked a great deal more comfortable at the crease than his father who also went in the same manner as Arron and Dan, bowled by the opener who talk 4 for 24 in his 14 overs. Rolleston reeling at 75 for 7 off 21 overs: Simon Billings (7) joined Mick Acton (81 not out) and together they put on 31, although fro most angles Simon had been stumped a little earlier he was given a reprieve only to be caught out at covers. Barry Wynne(29 not out) joined Mick at 106 for 8 and in the last 13 overs they put together a partnership of 95 to take Rolleston to 201 for 8 which apparently is 10 more than Mick and Barry’s combined age, and gave us 5 batting points.

With a total to defend our normal standard of bowling and fielding should possibly have realised victory, unfortunately not to be. Arron Harper (6 overs 1 maiden 1 for 10) opened at the bottom end and conceded only 3 runs off the bat with 7 wides. At the other end Lewis McQuillan (5 overs 0 for 22) making his first start for the league team bowled with purpose making the ball swing and causing the batsmen problems; only 6 of Lewis’s bowls were scored off. In the 9th over the opener drilled the ball to Mid off where Dan Featherstone was left with two options take the catch or visit the dentist, 26 for 1 off 9 overs. The next period of the match saw castle Donnington take control, Dan Featherstone (8 overs 0 for 34) and Simon Billings (5 overs o for 27) toiled but could not remove the 2 batsmen that had settled well. In the 18th over Mick had an opportunity to run out the opener who was keen to get back on strike from 3 yards Mick missed and the ball ran through to the covers with the Batsmen taking a 2nd run, Arron then decided to throw the stumps down at the other end once again missing the ball firing through, under Phil Burrows as he daintily fell to the floor – four over throws! A six scored without the ball leaving the ground and the shot not getting off the square; sadly this was indicative of the fielding on the day. Darrell Ford (11 overs 4 maidens 3 for 23) replaced Dan and made the break through in his 4th over 124 for 2 in the 28th over but Castle Donnington were still on top. The opener however was keen to make it interesting and went down to his third partner after he had hit the ball to ask him to run. Fortunately an accurate throw from Arron to Darrell was sufficient to end his innings. The decisive moment came in the 40th over when Darrell removed the opener with the score on 141 off 40 overs. Barry Wynne (8 overs 1 for 22) and Darrell had bowled in tandem for 16 overs conceding 37 runs and taking 3 wickets. Mick Acton (3 overs 2 maidens 0 for 1) could not make the break through and we had to accept a winning draw. Rolleston 16 points Castle Donnington Town 10points.

The Bowlers make batting fun

Sunday 22nd August, Match sponsored by Bert and Jude Ayles and Nick and Leslie Parr. Just like last year, whatever the weather on the Saturday and the Monday our supporters provide sunny conditions conducive to quality cricket and excellent viewing at the Willows.
Indecisive Mick informed the management that the track was nice to bat on, and would produce a lower and more difficult bounce as the game progresses and would like to bat if the opposition captain called incorrectly; 5 minutes later we were informed Rolleston were fielding, Mick’s run of luck continues and Tutbury had won the toss. No, Mick had changed his mind!
Arron Harper (6 overs 2 wickets for 14) opened from the Nursery end with Ben Griffiths (6 overs 1 maiden 0 for 17) at the Garage end. Arron’s figures could have been even better having bowled 6 wides and 2 no balls conceding only 6 runs off the bat. Added to that the opener who went on to score 16 was put down at square leg when he was on 4. He did take the first wicket thanks to a catch at point by Phil Tate. Evergreen Javed Alam came to the crease at the fall of the first wicket and proved to be the thorn in our side. In his 6th and final over Arron removed the other opener with the score at 31 off 11 overs. Ben too could have had the opener when a very difficult opportunity did not quite carry to mid off. Liam Goode (5 overs 0 for 25) replaced Arron and again bowled neatly for the most part being punished when a lose ball was released and also given leg-side wides by a very conscientious umpire. At the other end Dan Featherstone (5 overs 0 for 13) also bowled tightly, Tutbury on 73 for 2 off 22 overs. Mick Acton (9 overs 3 maidens 3 for 15) bowled and excellent spell with half an eye on the sponsor’s man of the match award. Sam Ford (7 overs 2 maidens 1 for 14) at the garage end received an LBW decision to dismiss a batsman that had put on 23 in 15 overs to move the score to 81 for 3 Javed was on 17 at the time off 21 overs. Mick two wickets in consecutive balls in the next over but with wallet in mind bowled a dross hat-trick ball. Mick did take the 6the wicket 99 for 6 off 33 overs. Darrell Ford (3 0vers 3 maidens 2 for 0) replaced Sam and took the next wicket with his first ball 107 for 7 off 38. Mick bowled one more over that produced a single. 3rd ball of Darrell’s 2nd over was decisive with Javed being bowled for 23 off 116 balls in 129 minutes. Mick brought Dan Featherstone back on this time at the Nursery end he joined the party taking the 9th wicket in a wicket maiden, Darrell bowled his 3rd maiden then Dan removed number 11 with the 2nd ball of his 7th over Tutbury 108 all out in 42.2 overs.
In reply Rolleston’s openers were Dan Wildman (38 not out) and Andy Ward (19) faced some tight bowling from one end but Andy soon got into his stride hitting 3 fours and 3 twos in his 19 before having his leg stump removed by an excellent Yorker. Sam Ford (0) was next his patience running out after 15 minutes and 12 balls when he slashed at a ball that was short and wide and was caught in the gully. Phil Tate (20) was aggressive against the team he had scored well against in the first match at Marstons. 20 runs off 21 balls was an indication of his intentions but when Phil was bowled the scores were similar to the Tutbury innings with Rolleston on 82 for 3 off 22 overs. Jon Hall (1) marched out with a clear determination to see the game through to a conclusion; Dan had different ideas and suggested that Jon should run a quick single, quick leaving Jon’s vocabulary about 18 years ago. Darrell (16 not out) was next he worked carefully with Dan to move the score towards a winning total waiting for the right ball and having the weight of a discussion with Sam hanging around his neck. Eventually he could wait no longer and dispatched a big 6 to finish the game. Rolleston 22 points Tutbury 3.
The match was followed by a speech and presentation by Bert, which was extremely easy after his rehearsal a couple of weeks ago at an event set up by Vicky and Matt in order to prepare him for this very important match.
Dan Wildman was presented the batsman of the day award, Andy Ward was rewarded for his persistence and agility behind the stumps and Mick was given a bottle for his captaincy and leadership in an outstanding victory.
It is at this stage that given league positions and the involvement of a team demoted several leagues too many questions of how fixtures are arranged would be asked if promotion was a concern. Well done to Mick and the team for being in the mix.

Dunc your bread

Fortunately Mick lost the toss on a lovely batting track and Dunstall elected to bowl. Dan Wildman (5) and Duncan Boddy (137 not out) became yet another new 4th team opening partnership. Although the track was in good condition and lightly grassed it did appear two paced and Dan W perished early on going for a pull shot that went through a little slowly getting a top edge to allow the young Dunstall keeper to take a simple catch. Birthday boy Andy Ward (6) was next and was unlucky when the erratic opening bowler actually bowled one on the stumps that managed to swing back, bowled – 23 for 2 off 6 overs. Sam Ford (9) joined Duncan who had vigilantly watched the game and the ball that was clearly difficult to get away in the early stages facing 32 balls for 17 runs. With the score on 63 Sam when down on one Knee to sweep a ball from outside leg backward of square, again Sam was earl on the shot and was amazed when the ball turned back and shattered his castle. Enter Darrell Ford (88 not out) at 63 for 3 off 17 overs. Darrell also found it difficult to get going and was on 21 after 32 balls. The rest was a delight to witness, Duncan hitting 15 fours and 5 sixes in his 137 not out and Darrell hitting 11 fours and 2 sixes in his 88 not out a partnership of 206 and 98 being scored in the last 12 overs.
Tea was taken and needs a mention, the best ever outside Rolleston and prepared especially for Andy Ward who was unable to blow out one candle after his epic 10 overs of umpiring.
The bowling was opened by Arron Harper (6 overs 0 for 41) and Dan Featherstone (5 overs 1 maiden 0 for 29) Lee Mason opened the batting for Dunstall with the devastating effect that we once saw at the willows. Unlike our openers Lee was used to the track and was quickly on to anything on a good length or short drove, pulled and cut to great effect. Young Ben Whitehouse at the other end was leading a bit of a charmed life but along with Lee they put on 127 at over 6 an over. Sam Ford (6 overs 1 for 40) replaced Dan F and found the ball to swing back and remove Ben for an excellent 43 which had included 7 fours). Next to the crease was a lad who should have been with the 3rds but due to work commitments could not get back in time. He looked comfortable against Sam and Charlie Bullock (4 overs 0 for 24) who could not control the swing sufficiently to manufacture wicket taking opportunities, with only 15 runs coming off the bat the rest in wides. James ‘Porky’ Parker (8 overs 3 maidens 3 for 19) then came on from the bottom end and removed the number3 with a full bunger in his first over. Liam Goode (4 overs 0 for 35) was next from the top end and met Lee now in fall flow driving good length ball back through Liam for 4’s. Step to the plate captain incredible, who appears to have been missing of late; Mick Acton (9 overs 3 maidens 2 for 10) found the gap to bowl Lee Mason for 109 off 62 balls including 15 fours and 1 six. The score was 196 for 3 off 29 overs; Dunstall needed 75 off 17 overs at less than 5 an over. Porker than took control getting a little nick to Andy who did not want a 2nd chance. Next Dan F took a simple catch from a top edge to get Mick’s 2nd wicket followed by Sam taking a catch at Mid off for Porky’s 3 fa’. They were now 203 for 6 with 13 overs left. With fear of losing no more shots were played. Darrell (4 overs 1 maiden 8 for 1) was brought on to change the pace, with 3 balls to go Darrell got an LBW decision. An other point was now available, so Mick filled the slips and sure enough Darrell forced the edge into Mick’s safe hands for 8 wickets and another point – hang on, what is the ball doing on the floor? Never mind it did create a little bit of last minute fun. Duncan deserves a public apology from myself as I have been disappointed with his contribution so far; an unorthodox batting style that has very little bat lift and has not looked like he could go too far past the 20’s and 30’s. Today once he was in Duncan mixed patience, some excellent running, good shot selection with some good luck (that was earned) to claimed the Man of the match.

It’s a DAZzling SHOW AL

At Paget School for the return fixture against Trentside, who had robbed us of a fixture first up on a sunny April afternoon, Mick lost the toss. Trentside to bowl, was not a problem with the 4ths having quite a strong batting side on this warm July afternoon. Sam Ford (1) and Duncan Boddy (0) opened up Duncan leaving following an LBW decision for 0, Sam leaving bowled for 1 three balls later. Harry Wood (10) and Phil Tate (0) tried to steady the ship but first Phil caught behind then Harry bowled, left the scene with the score on 14 for 4 off 8 overs. It was at this stage that Darrell Ford (71) and Alex Showell (127) came together. Trentside were buzzing with some unnecessary chat that Darrell suggested should stop. At the first drinks break Rolleston were 66 for 4 and a base was developing. Immediately after drinks Alex skied a caught and bowled opportunity that was dropped and proved to be the only life he needed when he had score 15 runs off 21 balls. Darrell and Alex took the score on to 206 before Darrell was caught on the boundary for 71 which included 9 fours. Dan Henderson (26) joined Alex in an Under 17 onslaught that lasted 6 overs. Alex reached his first century going on to make 127 including 19 fours and 3 sixes before holding out at extra cover. Dan had made 26 off 12 balls including 4 fours and a six but was run out thanks to a direct hit from the hapless Trentside skipper. Andy Ward (13 not out) and Charlie Bullock (14) had joined the party now Andy’s 13 coming off 13 balls and included 1 four and Charlie’s 14 coming off 14 balls included 3 fours. Andy the senior partner in the last over demanded the strike and scoring 10 off the last over to take the total to 305 for 8. Trentside were a different team now, looking like the game was in the bag at 2:40pm it took until 5:10pm to complete their overs.
We returned to the field at 5:50pm after a nice tea back at the Trentside club. Dan Henderson (6 overs 2 for 19) opened the bowling and contributed to Ben’s first wicket. The opening batsman was first hit on the toe, wearing some very thin ballet shoes, then on the calf leaving a tattoo to prove it. Ben Griffiths (6 overs 2 for 31) bowled straight and up to the toes leaving the wounded batsman to back off and watch his castle fall. The young Trentside spinner who along with the young opener were exempt from the shambolic bowling and fielding display had been sent in to rescue the team with the bat but looked back to see a peach of a ball flick his bails off, 22 for 2 off 5 overs. A period of straight determined batting followed but in the 9th over Dan Henderson was instrumental in encouraging the batsman to snick the ball to the slip where Harry Wood snaffled a catch. Ben not to be outdone took his 2nd wicket in the next over a catch simply taken by Andy ward behind the stumps. The first change of bowlers saw Charlie Bullock (6.4 overs 2 maidens 4 for 16) replace Dan 2nd ball saw off a confident Under 17 who had score 11 untroubled runs of 23 balls. Trentside’s captain who had not led by example in the field repaired some of the damage taking the score on to 90 with a partnership of 45 similar to the one that had caused us problems in the first game. He was dismissed with an excellent catch by Andy Ward off Charlie’s bowling. The very dangerous Russ Davenport was still at the crease and was not to be given too many chances, he was dropped by Harry first ball and Darrell was unsure whether he had caught him later on. However we did not need to worry as the next young lad drove the ball to mid off straight to Sam Ford’s excellent throwing arm, Sam very intelligently decided it was Russ who had to go, Andy catching and removing the bails cleanly with Russ well short, another example of a bad day for the opposition. Mick Acton (4 overs 0 for 20) had tried to entice Russ out but soon passed on to Sam Ford (2 overs 1 for 4) for his first bowl of the season off a shortened run up which proved to be a good decision. Charlie took the honours with the bowling finishing off the tail 97 all out. Rolleston 27 points Trentside 4 – revenge!

Barry can not manufacture a Wynne

With a totally unrecognisable side Captain Mick won the toss and chose to bat. Darrell Ford (7 overs 3 maidens 1 for 8) and Arron Harper (6 overs for 22) gave Rolleston a solid start. At 34 for 1 in the 14th over Dan Featherstone (5 overs for 24) then Barry Wynne (7 overs 2 for 32) replaced the openers. The tight bowling from the river end by the youngsters saw Clifton trying to get wily Baz away only to perish to slip catches by Mick Acton and a catch at mid off to Phil Burrows. The 2nd of Barry’s wickets had appeared at the crease with one intention to slog. First ball of spanners last over was sent to Barry at deep backward square; unfortunately the ball was not seen until it landed over the boundary went on to score 26 off 15 balls. Liam Goode (5 overs 2 maidens 1 for 18) continued the excellent work from the river end, whilst Simon Billings (3 overs for 23) bowled 2 very tight overs before being hit for 17 by a belligerent Clifton batsman who went on to score 58. Mick Acton (7 overs 1 for 45) replace Liam and Charlie Bullock ( 6 overs 1 maiden 2 for 35) finished at the scoreboard end taking two wickets thanks to excellent catching by Darrell Ford. Marsh was dropped on 4 and again on 18 and finished with 36. Mansfield was dropped on 18 and made 26, Earnshaw was dropped on 9, off an excellent over by Liam Goode, and made 58 and Moran was dropped on 0 off Simon Billings bowling and made 30. Catches win matches and so does tight fielding and Rolleston failed on both scores; the target was 221 to win.
With both Dan’s making themselves unavailable a new partnership of Phil Burrows (13) and Andy Ward (15) opened for the 4ths with Phil hitting three 4’s in a cameo innings that was quickly worked out giving a catch to a slog too many. Ross Ward (14) in his first game of the season joined Andy and some early misses but sensible batting saw a 17 run partnership which was undone by Ross’s growing confidence and a simple catch at mid off. Darrell (10) joined Andy at 43 and created a bit of a concern for Clifton as he quickly got into his stride putting on 10 runs whilst Andy was securing his place at the crease. Once again poor shot selection offered a catch to mid off that the young Clifton fielder juggled but eventually held on to. Charlie Bullock (12) was next but one run later Andy followed suit having a swing and offering a catch that Clifton would not drop. Liam Goode (0) arrived and comfortable saw off the first few balls but was then delivered a gem that swung back from outside leg to smash into his leg stump; lesson - never leave the ball make sure you get your pad in the line. Mick Acton (1) had the pleasure of standing opposite Charlie as he moved his feet to play two big 6’s before going for one too many; lesson bowlers will not mind letting you have a go when there are so many runs to play with, do watch them change their field!! Mick then Charlie left the middle leaving the score at 70 for 7. Barry Wynne (34) soon had the measure of the bowling and was ably supported by Arron Harper (9) but after a partnership of 46 in 9 overs Barry inexplicably went the same way as those who had gone before with a slog to mid on for another simple catch. 3 runs later Arron is bowled leaving Dan Featherstone (8) and Simon Billings (5 not out) to see off 19 overs. They were both doing well when drinks break came along; unfortunately spanner left his brain cell in the orange juice and was bowled having a swing at the first ball after drinks; lesson after drinks treat the bowling like it is the first over of the match, you must give yourself time to develop your timing again. All out for 136: Rolleston 5 points Clifton 22.

Al Shows the way

Fortunately Mick lost the toss and Alrewas chose to bat. Alex Showell (6 overs 4 maidens 6 runs for 1 wicket) was making his first start for the fourths after some disappointing performances in the 3’s was looking to regain some confidence and to enjoy the game again and bowled very tight. At the other end Ben Griffiths (5 overs 0 for 24) was good foil until he was replaced by Arron Harper, (6 over 2 maidens 1 for 19) when the score was 31 for 1 off 11. Arron took a wicket bowling the opener for 5 in his first over. Alex was replaced by Dan Dolby (6 overs 0 for 7) back to his bowling best. Dan’s tight bowling tested the patience of the Alrewas batsmen who eventually tried to sneak a single but was shot down by dead eye Darrell who hit the stumps direct from mid off. Dan Featherstone (5 overs 1 for 17) replaced Arron and the tight bowling was backed by excellent fielding from every player in all corners of the ground. Dan Dolby, unlucky to be wicket-less was replaced by Charlie Bullock (5 overs 2 for 12) who was a little rusty starting with 3 wides and conceding a further 3 in his total of 12 runs conceded. Charlie also took the valuable wicket of Alrewas’s top scorer who was caught behind by Ady Statham for 31. When spanner and Charlie were replaced by Mick Acton (5.3 overs 4 for 20) and Darrell Ford, (5 overs 0 for 9) the Alrewas score was 94 for 6 off 33 overs. Not for the first time Mick made the most of his opportunity bowling flopsy, mopsy and fluffytail whilst having Peter swiftly stumped by Ady. Alrewas set a target of 123 in 48 overs.
The tried and tested opening partnership of Dan Wildman (15) and Dan Dolby (5) marched confidently out to the middle and looked solid, until Dan Dolby received a shocking delivery that he tried to dispatch to the boundary but found the fielder at mid wicket;17 for 1. Andy Ward (10)was next he too looked secure but one ball before drinks mis-timed his drive and top edged a catch to point. Alex Showell (43 not out) joined Andy when the score was 36 for 2. Ady Statham (24) came in for one ball before Drinks at 51 for 3 and produced a 51 run partnership with Alex before being bowled by Alrewas’s young left arm bowler, who would have caused some damage if he had been let loose earlier. Needing 24 to win Darrell Ford (4 not out) joined Alex and took just 5 overs to complete the job.
Excellent bowling and fielding on this occasion was backed up by disciplined batting with Alex Showell making an excellent and telling contribution. Rolleston 22 points Alrewas 3: A result that puts Rolleston in Third place in the league 3 points behind Alrewas who have a game in hand.

At 10:30am on the morning of the match Castle Donnington 2nd team ring to say they can not get 11 players for the match.
Rolleston 27 points cricket zero.

The Fourths run into a bit of trouble.

With important players attending county athletics championship there were a lot of changes for today’s game against Elvaston. Unusually Rolleston went into the game with 5 adults and only 5 players under 17. Mick won the toss and chose to bad. Unfortunately this in hindsight proved to be a bad decision. Dan Dolby (35) opened the batting and due to the Absence of top scoring Dan Wildman Duncan Boddy (27) replaced him. An opening partnership of 55 was an excellent display of strokes reaching the boundary with Dan hitting 7 fours; but eventually being caught at extra cover in the 10th over. San Ford (0) joined Duncan but soon followed Dan. Ady Statham (32) in at four picked up the mantel dispatching the ball to the boundary whilst seeing Duncan do the same. However in the 17th over Duncan was caught out after hitting 5 fours in his 27. With a scoring rate of over 5 runs per over 200 was a reasonable target. Darrell Ford (1) was next to joined Ady but he like Duncan before him was to be one of 6 wickets taken by Elvaston’s stump to stump bowler. Charlie Bullock (0) was also sent packing 4 balls later LBW. Mick Haynes (9)in his first game of the season was next up. He stood at the non-strikers end as first Ady the Mick Acton (4) left the scene of devastation with the score on 124 for 7. Mick was left with the responsibility of guiding 3 youngsters through the remaining 22 overs. With James (Porky) Parker (1) surviving 8 balls and Arron Harper (4 not out) watching Mick lose his middle stump to a good Yorker Dan Featherstone (8) and Arron needed to bat for a further 20 overs. 5 overs later spanner went the same way as 3 players before him trying to play an expansive shot to the in swinging delivery with head in the air: 139 all out.
The quality that we had shown in previous weeks with the bowling and fielding deserted us. After a good opening spell by Darrel Ford (8 overs, 6 maidens, 1 for 16) and Arron Harper (5 overs 0 for 8)
Dan Featherstone (3 over 1 for 21) came on Darrell took the first opener (2) in the 13 over when the score was on 26. The next opener after a couple of loose deliveries that where edged for 4 Dan snapped up the other opener (27) who got an inside edge onto his own wickets. This brought in an experienced partnership with one player (82 not out) who is returning to fitness and will play 2nd team cricket and the other who faced 58 balls for his 13 not out. James Parker (4 overs 0 for 19), Mick Acton (3 overs 0 for 19) Dan Dolby (4 overs 0 for 35) Mick Haynes (4.5 overs 0 for 8) and Charlie Bullock (1 over 0 for 6) all tried in vain to make a break through. A very disappointing performance with a less than encouraging display in the field, (was that RCC or England). Rolleston 3 pts, Elvaston 22.

The Dans’ go Wild

Fortunately Mick lost the toss, having decided to have a bat if he had won it. As it happened Brailsford chose to bat and were met, yet again, by an excellent team of bowlers and fielders. Darrell Ford (7 overs 0 for 7) and Ben Griffiths (7 overs 1 for 12) introduced early pressure with Ben removing the opener in his first over. At 21 for 1 Dan Dolby (6 overs 3 for 16) and Dan Featherstone (5 overs 1 for 35) were introduced and both took wickets in their first over. Dan F being a little expensive in his 2nd and 3rd over but getting it back together at the end and Dan D causing havoc at the other end taking 2 further wickets. At 70 for 4 Mick Acton (10 overs 2 for 21) and Kev Dent (9 overs 1 for 25) replaced the Dan’s causing all kinds of problems for the batsmen. With two players perishing, run out, with accurate throws from Man of the Match Dan Dolby and Sam Ford. All though Dad was not impressed, the enthusiasm in the field was a major asset to our team with Sam and Phil Tate racing each other to field the ball. With 3 catches and a stumping Adrian Statham is proving to be an excellent motivator for the team. With 2 overs remaining Brailsford were bowled out for 125.
With Mick’s plan to open with Ady and a youngster scuppered by his inability to win the toss he had to revert to plan B and open with the two Dans, Dolby (33 not out) and Wildman (50). Again Mick fell into a sewage tank and came out smelling of flowers. The Dans were outstanding. Wildy waited sensibly for the ball with a bit of air or width and despatched it to the boundary hitting 7 fours and 1 six in his maiden 4th team 50, in the same week that he score 100 plus not out for South Derbyshire. After putting on the biggest opening partnership (75) of this season Wildy held out at short extra cover and set the 4th team up for another victory. Dan Dolby on 15 at the time was joined by Sam Ford (34 not out) who worked hard to set himself up ready to play his shots. After 33 balls faced Sam was on 6, 10 balls later he played the winning shot for his 7th four; Rolleston 126 for 1 off 32 overs. Rolleston 22 points Brailsford 2. The final part of this report must describe Dan Dolby’s innings: 70 balls, 5 fours, 31.2 overs in 2 hours was an excellent example of how games can be won with the right attitude and application. Well done Dan Dolby and Dan Wildman

Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad

It’s a sad day when the behaviour of the opposition becomes more of a talking point than the excellent bowling and fielding of our young players.
It is sad for cricket that a team of many adults have to spend a majority of the game verbally attacking young lads from the moment they arrive at the crease.
It is sad that a team of adults would appeal at almost every bowl in an attempt to claim wickets that they had not deserved. (Including an appeal from the bowler for caught behind when the ball did not pass within a foot of the bat – the wicket keeper/captain joined the appeal and said he needed to appeal because the bowler had)
It was sad that in Division 10 South a team came to play with 4 players and 7 others who had been taught to appeal every time the bowler had released the ball.
It was sad that the team prevailed.
On a glorious day, Mick lost the toss and was asked to field, with Niall Dawkins missing for the first time this season there were changes to make. Adam Roe (7 overs 2 maidens 2 for 15) opened the bowling, with an excellent spell that saw off numbers 1 and 3with the score on 2 for 35 off 13 overs. At the other end Darrell Ford (7 overs 1 maiden 0 for 19) had kept the game tight. Dan Dolby( 6 overs 3 for 20) replaced Adam and continued the standard of tight bowling setting up catches for Sam Ford and Mick Acton and clean bowling Burton’s captain. At the other end Dan Featherstone (5 overs 2 for 32) was making the batsmen think and was particular unlucky to see the opener, who was on 34 at the time, edge the ball over our very agile deep gulley. Mick Acton(4 over 2 maidens 2 for 9) replaced spanner and the standard continued including the most athletic catch to tie up the innings; the ball looped back to Mick so he did a slide, backwards role, half twist and a double salko before taking a two handed catch whilst still on his back. Trevor (3 overs 2 maidens 1 for 5)had replaced Dan Dolby and provided Adam Roe with his 3rd catch of the match the previous two being caught and bowled. Burton were all out for 107.
Unfortunately, in hindsight Captain fantastic then made his first tactical mistake in two seasons. With 10 overs required to allow the tea team of Sue, Denise, Louisa and Megan to do there final preparations, Mick sent out Dan Wildman (6) and Dan Dolby (3) the oppositions bowling was varied but the surprise ball, the one that did swing on to the stumps found the inexperienced youngsters out. First double D then Sam Ford (0) perished then Phil Tate (0)who had batted so well last week was caught with a Yorker on his back foot walking across his stumps. Dan Wild man had worked hard to preserve his wicket but was bowled of the inside edge. Andy Ward (15) and Ady Statham (8 ) came together and saw Rolleston through to tea on 18 for 4 off 10 overs. At 16 overs another in-swinging delivery removed Ady’s middle and off stumps, Wardy was joined by Darrell Ford (6) but 4 overs later Andy was bowled too. Darrell went in the next over, edging the ball to the keeper who obviously appealed for the catch, as I looked for confirmation from the square leg umpire Darrell walked. Neither the keeper nor I at the far end were clear that the ball had not hit the ground first. 46 for 7 off 21 overs: Adam Roe (3) and Mick Acton (23) were now together and trying to set us up for a go at the total with 39 overs still to bowl. 10 overs later, Adam is bowled by a quick delivery, from the spinner, off his pads. Trevor (14 not out) and Mick then put on another 12 before Mick, who had been dropped previously was bowled. Dan Featherstone (1) was required to support Trevor as they attempted to add the final 18 runs. Unfortunately 6 overs later a slower ball saw Dan meet the ball too soon and was caught out, but not before they had gained one batting point 100 all out.
Rolleston 6 points Burton 27