At the end of an exciting cricket season across the county, we take a look at the ups and downs from the local Derbyshire leagues.
With a mix of current and former pros, as well as longstanding local club stalwarts and those making their first steps into the game, club cricket continues to thrive and provide enjoyment for so many cricketers in Derbyshire.
Beginning with the ECB Premier Division and it was Swarkestone who led from the front this season, ultimately winning their third top tier title, with the likes of Alex Hughes, Harry Came, Nafis Shaikh and Ben Hutchinson all playing alongside former Derbyshire wicketkeeper Harvey Hosein and all-rounder, Nils Priestley.
Last year’s winners, Sandiacre Town, finished as runners-up, while Marehay and Langley Mill were relegated.
Nick Kwant (Alrewas) – leading run-scorer, 1,040 runs, best of 175 not out.
Ben Hutchinson (Swarkestone) – leading wicket-taker 61 wickets, best of 6-11.
In Division One, winners Rolleston pipped Dunstall by 11 points, with both sides losing just four times. A strong Dunstall side ran their rivals close and will be hoping to go one better next year, while Wirksworth & Middleton and Elvaston fell out of the division.
Alexander Eyre (Morton Colliery) – 1,034 runs, high score of 174 not out.
Derbyshire’s Head of Talent Pathway, Daryn Smit, took 63 wickets (Rolleston), best of 6-27.
In Division Two, Belper Meadows took top spot, having lost just twice. Quardon finished runners up and will join them in Division One, while Holmesfield, West Hallam White Rose and Darley Abbey will ply their trade in Division Three next summer.
Will Richardson (Quarndon) – 872 runs, best of 119 not out.
Ewan Lombard (Quarndon) – 50 wickets, best of 5-34.
Division Three North, the title charge went down to the wire, Shipley Hall eventually finished at the summit. Not without drama however, they secured a one wicket win with the last ball of the game. Denby finished as runners up and have been promoted. Chesterfield and Ilkeston Rutland were both relegated to Division Four North.
Timo Smuts (Shipley Hall) – 1,038 runs, best of 219, averaging 94.36.
Matthew Murfin (Shipley Hall) – 41 wickets, best of 6-43.
In the southern section of Division Three, Mickleover claimed top spot, totalling 17 victories this season. Rolleston finished runners up therefore unable to make it a first and second team double. Burton and Elvaston were both relegated to Division 4 South.
Tom Chapman (Alrewas) – 840 runs, high score of 137.
Daniel Corcoran (Mickleover) – 44 wickets, best of 8-11.
Division Four North saw Buxton win on the final day to take top spot off rivals Matlock and Cromford Meadows. The latter finished just eight points behind, despite beating the league leaders in the penultimate round of fixtures. Alfreton and Cutthorpe will play in Division Five North next season.
Sunil Bhatt (Morton Colliery) – 1,066 runs, best of 147.
Mohammed Jaleel (Holmewood) – 58 wickets, best of 6-14.
Division Four South, Swarkestone won 18 of their 22 games to win the division, 44 points ahead of Wootton Sports Club, who are promoted. Uttoxeter, who lost to the runners up on the last day, were relegated after Melbourne’s last gasp escape. Hilton were also relegated.
Ben French (Spondon) – 755 runs, best of 108.
William Kent (Wootton Sports Club) – 42 wickets, best of 6-43.
Finally, the women’s game continues to grow rapidly in Derbyshire. After the women’s softball season concluded earlier this year, 20 teams from across the county took part in a women’s softball festival at The Incora County Ground last week. Teams played three games across the day, with five pitches laid out across the outfield. With a variety of demographics and cricket experience involved, it is testament to the hard work of local cricket clubs and the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation in growing the game for all.
Details of the Remaining Divisions in the Derbyshire League:
Division 5 North
Division 5 South
Division 6 North
Division 6 South
Division 7 North
Division 7 South
Division 8 North
Division 8 South
Division 9 North/Central
Division 9 Central/South
Division 9 South/West
Premier T20 Finals Day – Ockbrook & Borrowash beat Swarkestone by 10 wickets.
County T20 Finals Day – Morton Colliery beat Quarndon by 28 runs
Butterley Cup –Derby Congregational CC beat Ockbrook & Borrowash by three wickets at The Incora County Ground
O J Jackson Cup ‘100’ – Sandiacre beat Spondon by three wickets, at the Incora County Ground
For more on club cricket, listen to the Stumps, Umps & Beer Pumps podcast – the show dedicated to club cricket in Derbyshire and beyond.
