Sandiacre 132-9 drew with Dunstall 229-7

This was the top of the table clash and Dunstall came out very much on top, though Sandiacre scraped a draw. Batting first Dunstall posted a good score with useful contributions from Jamie Benstead (37) and Paul Shaw (36), but the icing on the cake was provided by Phil Simmons who made 87. Sandiacre’s bowlers took some stick but there was another excellent performance from John Jordison who took 5-48. Their batsmen fared little better and wickets tumbled to Carl Eyden (3-24) and Simmons (3-34), but honour was saved by a brave rearguard action by Simon Kinselle who remained undefeated on 34. The second half of the season promises an interesting struggle for top spot.

Ockbrook 266-6 drew with Clifton 195-6

Ockbrook’s batting was again in evidence with good knocks from Trevor Smith (31), Jamie Guthrie (34) and a powerful innings from Johnny Owen (95). Ian Darlington chipped in with a rapid 30 not out, and for Clifton skipper Simon Moore persevered to take 3-61. To Clifton’s credit they accepted the challenge and went for the win, with meaningful contributions from Mohammed Masood (65) and Kamran Afzaal (31). However, the task was a little beyond them and Ant Botha (36 not out) steered them to an honourable draw. Darlington produced a lively spell in taking 3-38.

Alvaston & Boulton 201 lost to Chesterfield 378-5 by 177 runs

After last week’s encouraging win this was a bit of a come down for A&B, but they had the misfortune to come up against two of the most prolific scorers in the League. Brad Ediweera has been scoring regularly and he produced the goods yet again with a score of 95, but the real fireworks came from their occasional player Ian Blackwell. He is a Chesterfield player through and through and turns out for them whenever his contract with Somerset allows him. He smashed the A&B bowling in scoring 206, which included 26 fours and 7 sixes.. The innings was declared in the 48th over, which gave them 62 overs to dismiss the opposition. There is some steel in this A&B side and they didn’t succumb meekly. They battled on to reach beyond 200 with Haq Nawaz making 37 and Adris Azam 30, but the end came in the 56th over. Ian Jones was the most successful of the Chesterfield bowlers, taking 6-63.

Denby 162-4 beat Sawley & LE Park 160-9 by 6 wickets.

Sawley batted first and used up their overs, with Ken Wilson making 32, Joe Greenhalgh 32 and Ahmed Gondal 30. For Denby Ian Parkin took 3-43 and Steven Bullock 3-40. Denby hit off the runs in 36.2 overs, with Dutchman Nick Statham scoring 54 and Ross Perry-Taylor 45 not out.

Langley Mill 140 tied with Quarndon 140

What a strange game! Skipper Simon Lacey was top scorer for the Millers with 44 as they were bowled out in 49.1 overs by Gary Myers (5-49) and Danny Brightmore (3-55). Myers was again prominent when Quarndon batted, scoring 50, and opening bowler Kevin Newbold chipped in with an explosive innings of 49 which included four sixes in one over off Lacey. Wickets fell, but at 132-6 a win looked a certainty. Yet it was not to be and the last four wickets fell to leave the scores level and with 25 overs still available. For Langley Mill Zahid Iqbal took 4-54 and Lacey 4-75.

Wirksworth 187 lost to Ilkeston Rutland 189-4 by 6 wickets

Wirksworth got off to a promising start which saw them race to 100-1, but it didn’t last. Lee Mousley was out for 65 and Kevin Hunter for for 31, but the support was disappointing. The damage was done mainly by David Smit (5-40). With Martin Green making 57 and Martin Brandrick 38 Rutland reached their target in the 49th over.