A Special Mention for Dave Aldridge For

An Excellent Series of MATCH VIEWS for this 2009 Season

   

Ist XI vs Romiley (a) Sat 19th September             Won by 6 wkts

Romiley 147a/o              Hayfield 148-4

In the end this was the solid performance required to afford Hayfield the chance of snatching victory at the last hurdle of DCCL fixtures, but the news from Compstall was not good as their victory over Hawk Green was sufficient to give them a fifth successive title, this time by the narrow margin of two points over the Hayfield bridesmaids.

Hayfield lost the toss and were invited to bowl first on a soft wicket and Chris Unsworth was soon into his stride, beating the outside edge on numerous occasions. With Tom Jarvis fit only to toss up at the start of the game, Gareth Davies again shared the new ball and bowled a penetrative opening spell which led to the fall of the first wicket with Shenton edging to Sam Hudson for just two. However, Holt and Bashford had little trouble in moving the score onto 62 before Holt chipped David Platt to mid-wicket and Unsworth finally had reward for some accurate bowling with Bashford miscuing to mid-wicket, Dave Higginbottom the catcher on both occasions.

Without a bowl since August 22, Higginbottom replaced Platt from the swamp end and proceeded to demonstrate just why Hayfield have missed him so much this season. In all, he bowled twelve overs of high class off spin, although it was his variations in flight, rather that extravagant turn and bounce, that accounted for his impressive five-wicket haul at a meagre cost of 31 runs. Dave Aldridge chipped in with a wicket but Davies capped a welcome return to bowling form to take the last wicket with his first delivery of his second spell. M Flatley proved to be ‘Lord of the Glance’ for Romiley, top-scoring with a hard-fought 46 which included seven boundaries.

Chasing only 148 for victory, Hayfield openers Hudson and Russ Evans tucked into some loose deliveries from D Garner to give Hayfield a brisk start before Evans swept P Garner straight to square leg for 24 to give the slow left-armer the first of his four victims. Davies and Steve Shaw both fell to the same bowler without scoring before Julian Burgess joined Hudson to steady the Hayfield nerves (Compstall’s progress hadn’t as yet filtered through…) with a fine fifty-plus partnership. Hudson perished just after reaching another half century and it was left to Burgess to see Hayfield home to another win with a well-crafted fifty not out. However, despite recording a maximum twenty points, Compstall’s eighteen meant that they, and not Hayfield, are champions in 2009. Congratulations to the Compstall team who, after losing to Hayfield in July and falling 45 points off the pace, matched Hayfield’s early summer form to win their remaining ten games and snatch victory.

　

Ist XI vs Hazel Grove (a) Sat September 12th

Won by 4 wkts     Hazel Grove 136-8      Hayfield 137-6

After indifferent performances in July and August, Hayfield have found a semblance of form to record four consecutive victories, but their latest haul of 19 points on a sunny day at Hazel Grove was again insufficient to make any dents in Compstall’s narrow lead at the top of the DCCL first division.

A glorious late summer’s afternoon was not enough to persuade Hayfield captain Tom Jarvis to bat first which proved a wise choice in view of the early movement found by Chris Unsworth at the start of the Grove innings. Unfortunately for Jarvis and his team, his injured ankle prevented him from bowling beyond his first over and was forced to concede the new ball to Gareth Davies who soon claimed the prized scalp of Nick Hayward, caught behind by Sam Hudson for just a single. A stubborn second wicket partnership between the usually prolific Geoff Noden and R Burke brought the game to a virtual stalemate as tight bowling in seam friendly conditions was thwarted by obdurate defence from the home batsmen who were refusing to concede their wickets cheaply. Unsworth’s first twelve overs yielded just 13 runs, but he remained wicketless to that point, as did David Platt who found little pace in the wicket, conceding 21 runs from five overs. However, Unsworth finally found the outside edge of Noden’s bat with Hudson taking a good catch standing up to the stumps with Grove on 65 and Noden out for 33.

In Dave Higginbottom’s absence, Jarvis again turned to Dave Aldridge who soon managed to induce home skipper Andy Oldfield into a big shot but who only managed to find the safe hands of Davies at long-on. Aldridge followed up with the wickets of Burke for a hard fought 38 and Gibbs for just two.

Having bowled a fine spell of 17 overs for just 37 runs, Unsworth was unlucky to finish with just one wicket and he was replaced by Davies from the pavilion end. Some excellent seam bowling in his second spell yielded three more wickets late on in the innings which ended on 136-8 with Ian and R Hayward providing some acceleration towards the end. Davies finished with 4-43 from twelve overs and Aldridge 3-31 from ten.

Hayfield’s reply started brightly with Russell Evans scoring freely off Rogers but he and opening partner, Sam Hudson, found Ian Hayward to be a completely different proposition in conceding just seven runs from his first 13 overs. Evans was first out for 28, LBW to young off-spinner Bennett and Sam Hudson soon followed, guilty of watching the umpire and not the ball after an unsuccessful LBW appeal and finding himself run out by the smart thinking of wicketkeeper Taylor for 24. Shaw became Ian Hayward’s first and only victim, adjudged leg before for just five but a key forty-plus partnership between Davies and Julian Burgess took Hayfield most of the way to their target. Davies was bowled by R Hayward for 33 and, despite the loss of George Wood, Burgess and Aldridge took the scores level going into the final over. Burgess was bowled, going for the winning run after a crucial 26, but Unsworth squirted the next ball past a despairing wicketkeeper to seal victory with just four balls remaining. Hayfield’s last game of the season is at Romiley but Compstall will all but seal their fifth straight title with a defeat of Hawk Green on Saturday.

　

 

Ist XI vs Hawk Green (h) Sat 5th September

Won by 4 wkts    Hawk Green 77     Hayfield 78-6

Autumn arrived with a vengeance in the High Peak with heavy midweek rain almost putting paid to Hayfield’s chances of keeping in touch with leaders Compstall at the top of the first division table. As it was, play was just about possible thanks to some hard work by the Hayfield players and groundstaff and a benevolent attitude from the umpires as well as visiting captain, Jordan Henderson.

Play began at 3.15 with Hayfield electing to bowl on a freshly mown and hastily prepared wicket on the edge of the square. With the game reduced to 25 overs per side, Hawk Green’s intentions were clear from the outset as 34 runs came from the first three overs with opening bowlers Gareth Davies and Chris Unsworth struggling to find a firm foothold at the end of their run-ups. Fortunately, wicketkeeper Sam Hudson was in fine form behind the stumps and he took a fine stumping and catch in successive deliveries to provide Unsworth with the first two of his seven wickets. Henderson threatened briefly, hitting three sixes in a single Unsworth over, but crucially holed out attempting a fourth with Russell Evans taking a fine catch, running round from mid-on to mid-off.

Thereafter, Hawk Green’s progress slowed considerably and they eventually reached just 77 with only Hallis showing the necessary grit and determination for the task in hand with a hard-fought 22. Unsworth finished with 7-44 from ten overs , Davies 2-16 and Josh Unsworth 1-15. Russell Evans, remarkably for an outfield player, claimed four catches.

Hayfield’s reply started disastrously with the score reading 13-4 after just seven overs with O’Connor finding plenty of early movement to wreak havoc amongst the top order. However, Julian Burgess and Dave Aldridge initiated a recovery of sorts with a stand of 31 before Burgess fell for 19. Josh Unsworth then mistimed a pull shot to leave Hayfield reeling on 48-6 but Aldridge (26 not out) and the increasingly impressive George Wood (13 not out) kept their nerve to seal a vital win. However, Hayfield’s tally of 18 points was insufficient to make up any ground on Compstall who have now increased their lead by a further point to three with just two fixtures remaining. Hayfield’s final two games are away to Hazel Grove and Romiley and will hope that either Hollingworth or Hawk Green can take points from the leaders.

 

Ist XI vs Hollingworth (a) Sat 29th August     Won by 5 wkts

Hollingworth 202-9     Hayfield 203-5

Hayfield kept apace with league leaders Compstall, but only just in a hard-fought but bizarre victory in a game which would have been no less surreal had Salvador Dali, Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer all turned up with their kit-bags at a bright and breezy Hollingworth.

Skipper Tom Jarvis won the toss and decided to bowl with conditions apparently in favour of seam bowling. With Jarvis injured, Gareth Davies took the new ball with Chris Unsworth and it was Davies who struck early, finding a thick edge to Russell Evans at gully. However, despite its appearance, the damp and green track posed few problems to the home batsmen as Hayfield’s seamers toiled to make another breakthrough. Halliday and Knight took their partnership to well in excess of a hundred with few alarms, although Halliday was dropped early in his innings off Chris Unsworth.

With the score on 136-1 and seventeen overs remaining, Jarvis was forced, partly by inspiration but mostly by desperation, to turn to the part-time off-spin of Dave Aldridge whose first eleven balls promised little except more runs for the Hollingworth batsmen. Finding a propensity to over-pitch in the strong breeze, ‘The Spider’ struggled to blow away the cobwebs that had built up since his last stint of more than eight deliveries. However, the last ball of his second over was enough to pierce the defences of Halliday for 64 and in his next over a lucky full toss brought the demise of Knight who holed out to long-on for 53 where Davies took a spectacular one-handed catch. Thereafter, the mixture of an improved line and length, a turning wicket and batsmen eager to accelerate the run rate brought Aldridge six more wickets for figures of 8-39 from nine overs as the Hollingworth innings closed on 202-9.

Hayfield’s run chase, far from a foregone conclusion on a drying surface, started in spectacular fashion as Evans set about the Hollingworth bowlers with contempt as he blasted his way to yet another fifty. At the other end, Sam Hudson played some exquisite shots to keep pace with Evans and the pair took the score to just short of a hundred when Evans was dismissed for 61. There then followed a mini-collapse as Davies and Hudson fell in quick succession, the latter for a well-made 53 but a fine cameo of thirty from Josh Unsworth raced the score along to within sight of the winning post. However, following Unsworth’s dismissal and that of Steve Shaw for 24, a rain shower threatened to end proceedings but, fortunately for Hayfield, play resumed a few minutes later and Aldridge and George Wood saw Hayfield home to another win and nineteen more points. However, Hayfield still trail Compstall by two points with just three games of the season remaining with Hayfield’s next game against Hawk Green on Saturday.

　

 

 

 

Ist XI vs Hadfield (h) Sat 22nd August

Won by 9 wkts      Hadfield 158             Hayfield 159-1

A welcome return to form for Russell Evans was the highlight of the club’s drubbing of Hadfield in a match that reached its conclusion well before the church bells chimed six o’clock on a warm and sunny day in Hayfield village.

With skipper Tom Jarvis unavailable through injury, Chris Unsworth induced an incorrect call from Hadfield’s skipper and chose to bowl first on a green-tinged wicket. David Platt was called upon to share the new ball with his stand-in captain and was unlucky to finish wicketless after a brisk five over spell which yielded just fifteen runs. At the other end, Unsworth was again consistent and his accuracy and movement were rewarded with the first wicket of Nicholson who edged to Sam Hudson for just five runs in the tenth over. Thereafter, wickets fell at regular intervals with Gareth Davies, a replacement for Platt in the eleventh over, and Unsworth sharing eight wickets. The best batting of the innings came in a stand of 46 for the seventh wicket between skipper, R Ball, and L Martin who top scored with 25 and 26 respectively.

However, Unsworth bowled a 16 over opening spell, taking four wickets for just 37 runs and Davies, although more expensive, also took four wickets as the Hadfield batting crumbled to just 158 on a good and true pitch. Platt returned to take a deserved wicket, albeit with a full toss, and Dave Higginbottom was successful with a similar delivery to snaffle the final bonus point in the last over of the innings.

Hayfield’s reply soon became a formality as Evans dismissed the pacy, short-pitched bowling of R Tranter to all parts with a mixture of the good, the better and, very occasionally, the ugly in an entertaining exhibition of positive batting, characterised by positive intent and the confidence to go through with his shots. Evans’ fifty came in just the eighth over and he continued to score freely of the change bowlers to see his side home with over half of the 45-over allocation remaining. Evans finished on a rollocking 115 not out with only 36 runs being scored at the other end courtesy of Sam Hudson (28) and Gareth Davies (8 not out).

Despite achieving a maximum twenty points, Hayfield were unable to make up any of the two point deficit to Compstall who, in recording a similar nine-wicket victory, were equally dismissive of their opponents, Old Glossop. Hayfield travel to Hollingworth on Saturday with just four games of the season now remaining.

 

 

Ist XI vs Birch Vale Sun 16th August – Bissenden Cup Final (venue: Chapel-en-le-Frith CC)

Lost by 62 runs                 Birch Vale 209-6                 Hayfield 147 a/o

A second successive Bissenden Cup final defeat capped a hugely disappointing weekend for Hayfield in which they also surrendered their DCCL lead to rivals Compstall. The final would have been a close-fought affair but for the heroics of Birch Vale colossus Rick Johnson, who once again rose to the occasion with a brilliant century which proved decisive in the outcome of the game.

Birch skipper Tom Isherwood won the toss and chose to bat first on a good pitch. Hayfield’s opening bowlers, Tom Jarvis and Chris Unsworth, bowled a tight line to the sibling pairing of Tom and James McIlvenny and it was Unsworth who provided the early breakthrough, piercing the defences of James with a ball that swung back. He was unlucky not add Tom to his wicket tally when a sharp chance was spilled at point. Skipper Jarvis bowled his opening spell for a miserly ten runs, but unfortunately picked up a foot injury which diminished his bowling options later in the innings. Gareth Davies replaced his captain from the bottom end and gained immediate success with the important wicket of Danny Isherwood, bowled round his legs for just eleven.

There then followed a key partnership with the impressive T McIlvenny and the initially circumspect Johnson and the pairing was still intact at the mid-innings drinks break with the score on 79-2 after twenty overs. However, Johnson took control in the second half and was particularly severe on the Hayfield change bowlers as he used his feet impressively to bludgeon the ball straight down the ground. Despite losing McIlvenny for a fine 48 and Tom Isherwood for just four, both falling to Julian Burgess, Johnson continued his assault with his last 58 runs coming in just 23 balls and this enabled Birch to post 209 when, at the fall of the fourth wicket, 170 looked more probable. He was eventually out for a magnificent 109 which included six ‘6’s’, one of which drew gasps of astonishment as it sailed a good fifty metres over the boundary into the local housing estate. Hayfield’s best bowler was Chris Unsworth who bowled unchanged for 1-23, but good support came from Julian Burgess who picked up 2-12 and David Platt who managed to provide a semblance of late-innings control, conceding just 21 runs from his final four overs in the midst of the Johnson onslaught.

Hayfield’s reply began watchfully with Russell Evans and Sam Hudson respectful of the accuracy of Tom Isherwood and Rick Johnson. Unfortunately, both fell to Johnson’s first spell, Hudson having his off-bail removed and Evans prodding a ball to mid-wicket. Steve Shaw, eager to impress against the side that he had served for so many years, fell soon after, cutting off-spinner Dave Gavin to first slip. With the score on 46-3, Julian Burgess and Gareth Davies attempted a recovery but Burgess was undone by John Bradshaw, bowled for eight and Josh Unsworth followed soon after, LBW to Danny Isherwood for five. At this stage the score was 77-5 and, with just sixteen overs remaining, victory looked highly improbable. Davies and new batsman David Aldridge provided a glimmer of hope with a fifty partnership in just seven overs but victory hopes were finally extinguished as Davies succumbed to a Noblett long-hop for a classy 51. Thereafter, the innings fell away as the last four wickets fell for just fifteen runs, leaving Aldridge stranded on 34 not out. Birch had completed another Bissenden victory and the umpires had the simplest of tasks to award the man-of-the-match to Rick Johnson, who capped his century with 2-18 and two fine catches. Danny Isherwood picked up 3-41, Elliott Noblett 2-22 and John Bradshaw was unsurprisingly very economical, bowling his eight overs for 21.

Despite the loss, the final was enjoyable, played in a good spirit and atmosphere, and credit must go to Chapel-en-le-Frith CC who provided a venue fit for the occasion. Congratulations to Birch Vale CC who deserved their win and hopefully Hayfield will gain from the experience and look to go one better next year.

 

Ist XI vs Dinting (a) Sat 15th August       Lost by 4 wkts

Hayfield 184-7           Dinting 186-6

Hayfield’s league campaign continues to stutter as they suffered their third defeat of the season and, by losing, have relinquished the lead of the DCCL first division to rivals Compstall.

Following substantial morning rain, the match was reduced to forty overs per side and, perhaps crucially, Hayfield lost the toss and were inserted on a damp, two-paced pitch which offered considerable movement and variable bounce. Opening bowlers Jon Coleman and Steve Garlick bowled a full length and profited from the pitch assistance to reduce Hayfield to 81-5. Of the wicket’s to fall, only Sam Hudson managed to get to grips with the conditions to help himself to thirty more runs and it took a partnership of 69 between Julian Burgess and Josh Unsworth (27) to steady the ship and take Hayfield towards respectability. Burgess showed considerable skill in ensuring that the innings lasted the forty over duration and finished with a fine 57. He found a late-innings ally in Mark Conroy who blasted 22 not out in the last handful of overs and a total of 184-7 should have proved sufficient in helpful bowling conditions.

The tea interval provided a fine selection of pies to warm the stomachs on a chilly and breezy day, but the plentiful offerings from the tea ladies paled into insignificance compared to the generosity of the Hayfield bowlers. Time and again, they bowled too short and gifted the home side a 97-run opening stand in their pursuit of victory. P Brightmore, opening the batting for the first time this season and averaging only eleven so far this summer, peppered the leg side boundary with ninety percent of his 67 runs coming in the square leg to mid-wicket region. Opening partner Matt Coleman was severe on anything too full as he helped himself to 44 and further aggressive batting from Seville and skipper John Coleman ensured a speedy victory for Dinting with more than eleven overs of the match remaining. In the absence of Chris Unsworth, only Dave Higginbottom (2-70) and Josh Unsworth (3-24) bowled with the line and length required and the sub-standard bowling was matched by a poor fielding effort with three catches going to ground. Hayfield need to rediscover their form and desire if they are to win anything at all this season.

 

Ist XI vs Old Glossop (h) Sat 8th August                      Won by 7 wkts

Old Glossop 162 a/o              Hayfield 165-3

After a defeat to Tintwistle and two cancellations in the last three games, Hayfield were grateful to return to winning ways with a solid performance against Old Glossop.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, skipper Tom Jarvis took the new ball with local golfing sensation, Chris Unsworth. Both bowlers found plenty of movement on a green-tinged surface to trouble the OG top order, but it was Jarvis’ extra pace that accounted for five of the first six wickets to fall as the away side slumped to 45-6. However, Hall, batting at number six, provided spirited resistance with a fine 72 and he was ably supported by his number eleven in a last wicket partnership of 56 which gave respectability to the score. Hall’s innings was ended by Jarvis who returned excellent figures of 6-36 as OG were all out for 162. Hayfield’s bowlers were well supported by some sharp fielding, in particular by Ben Higginbottom, Josh Unsworth and Russell Evans, who repeated his two catches of the reciprocal fixture back in May.

On a drying surface, 162 proved a modest offering as Evans and Sam Hudson posted another near-century first wicket partnership to ease Hayfield towards their target. Both were initially watchful against the useful opening pairing of Woodcock and King, but soon Evans began to punish anything full of a length and was severe on King in the second half of his opening spell. Evans fell just after reaching his fifty, but his demise brought Gareth Davies to the crease. Eager to atone for some uncharacteristically wayward bowling, Davies played another hugely accomplished innings as he dismissed the OG spin threat with high class, positive batting which was characterised by the way he used his feet and by his shot selection. Unfortunately, the milestone of Hudson’s excellent fifty also saw his downfall, a victim of a ball that didn’t bounce much but which may have been too full for the pull shot.

Steve Shaw proved again that he only ever fails to score when the game is practically won and it was left to Julian Burgess (17 not out) and Davies (39 not out) to ensure that David Aldridge’s kit remained clean for next weekend’s trip to Dinting.

　

Ist XI vs Buxworth (a) Sun 2nd August – Bissenden Cup semi-final

Hayfield won by 143 runs              Hayfield 294-7          Buxworth 151a/o

Hayfield reached their second consecutive Bissenden Cup final with a comfortable victory at second division Buxworth. After the disappointment of last week’s postponement when victory looked certain, there was a feeling that a rain affected wicket may play into the hands of the home side, especially after losing the toss and being asked to bat by the home captain. However, Hayfield’s top order proved too good for the home bowlers and a score of 294 never looked in jeopardy.

Hayfield once again got off to fine start with openers Russell Evans and Sam Hudson putting on 80-plus for the first wicket. Evans in particular played dominantly and was severe on anything too full or short of a length. However, lack of concentration proved costly when he was dismissed for 66, skying a drive when a century looked certain. For once, Gareth Davies failed to make an impact and Steve Shaw joined Hudson in a stand of 44 before falling for 26. This brought Julian Burgess to the wicket and the best partnership of the innings ensued as Hudson upped the tempo and a no-nonsense Burgess cut, drove and pulled to all parts before a leading edge brought his demise for a fine 46. With wickets falling at the other end, Hudson took control and was still there at the end of the innings with a magnificent 138 to his name, an innings which included seven ‘sixes’.

Buxworths openers were gifted a start as Josh Unsworth and David Platt struggled to find a firm footing in their bowling run-ups and after three overs the home side were on 27-0. Thereafter though, Hayfield were never in trouble as the bowlers found a consistent line and length. With the pitch still providing inconsistent bounce, Davies, Unsworth and Platt produced some unplayable deliveries to share five wickets. Hayfield were welcoming back veteran off-spinner Dave Higginbottom and his mixture of flight, turn and bounce proved too much for most of the batsmen who struggled to accelerate the scoring. Hayfield were afforded the luxury of resting one or two bowlers and it was left to the fledgling spin partnership of Ben Higginbotton and Dave Aldridge to end proceedings with the final three wickets. Hayfield will play Birch Vale in the final at Chapel-en-le-Frith CC on Sunday, August 16th.

　

Ist XI vs Newton (a) Sat 1st August

Match Abandonned

Newton 0-0

Hayfield 0-0

Hayfield’s grip on the first division leadership slipped a little as their game at Newton was a washout and, amazingly, Birch Vale’s game against Compstall was completed with Compstall reducing the gap at the top to 10 points.

 

Ist XI vs Buxworth (a) Sun 26th July – Bissenden Cup semi-final

Match abandoned      Hayfield 294-6                 Buxworth 0-0

Hayfield’s attempts to reach their second successive Bissenden Cup final were temporarily laid to rest as the weather cut short proceedings at Buxworth. A spectacular blitz by Steve Shaw had endangered buildings, spectators and vehicles alike as he smashed six after six in getting to 118. Russell Evans (76), Sam Hudson (29), Julian Burgess (19) and Gareth Davies (37 not out) had also contributed to a mammoth total of 290+ with four overs still remaining but the rain set in and the game will start again on Sunday.

　

 

Ist XI vs Tintwistle (h) Sat 25th July            Lost by 4 wkts

Hayfield 131 a/o             Tintwistle 132-6

A tepid batting display was the catalyst for a surprise defeat for the Hayfield table toppers, a defeat which has given renewed hope to the chasing back in the DCCL first division. Whilst the loss of the toss was significant, there was no excuse for the batting performance that ensued as Hayfield struggled to put together a partnership of any real substance.

The batsmen struggled to work out what a good score would be on a rain-affected wicket and, in the end, a score of 131 was probably about 30-40 runs below par. Russell Evans looked in good touch for his 35 before he was run out and Steve Shaw made 31 but only Gareth Davies and Dave Aldridge were to join them in making double figures. Poole bowled well for Tintwistle and opening partner Robinson snaffled a few late wickets to finish with 5-68.

With skipper Tom Jarvis unavailable and Dave Higginbottom also absent, the bowling workload was carried by stand-in skipper Chris Unsworth. He managed to find plenty of lift on a drying surface but the Tintwistle innings was held together by a stubborn 38 not out from young opener P. Higginbottom. With the more aggressive strokes coming at the opposite end, he managed to cement the innings to win the game for the away side and so bring to an end Hayfield’s long unbeaten streak. Unsworth finished with two wickets, as did nephew Josh and Gareth Davies but their efforts were not enough to prevent a 4-wicket loss. Hayfield travel to Newton next week with the league title once again wide open.

 

Ist XI vs Birch Vale (a) Sat 18th July                Match abandoned

Birch Vale 0-0               Hayfield 0-0

With torrential rain in the area the previous day, Birch Vale’s ground was in no fit state to host a game of cricket and no play was possible, despite valiant efforts to clear the water. Both sides ‘earned’ 7 points.

 

Ist XI vs Compstall (h) Sat 11th July          Won by 3 wkts

Compstall 200-9                 Hayfield 204-7

This absorbing match between Hayfield and Compstall highlighted just why these two excellent sides have been the dominant forces in the DCCL for the past five seasons. In the end, it was the latest generation of Hayfield cricketers who provided the impetus for a narrow win which now puts them in pole position at the top of the division with ten games remaining.

Hayfield captain Tom Jarvis won the toss and decided to bowl first in bright conditions which were supposedly a prelude to a dismal late afternoon. Compstall openers David Bailey and Mark Richards had little early trouble against the new ball and used sound technique and judgement to defend the good deliveries and score freely off anything wayward. Richards, in particular, was batting with confidence and was dismissive of anything short or on leg stump and by the drinks break the pair had moved serenely onto 96. However, with a century partnership achieved, David Platt was introduced to the attack and he removed Richards for 49, caught smartly by Burgess at first slip. This brought the dangerous Pete Richards to the crease, but there was no repeat of his heroics in the first meeting of the sides this season as he skied Dave Higginbottom to cover for just ten.

There then followed a menacing partnership as Chew joined Bailey and the crease. Bailey assumed the aggressor role as he twice hit Higginbottom for six and used his feet well to drive straight down the ground. However, with the score at 154-2, Bailey was bowled by Unsworth for 75 and Chew succumbed to Gareth Davies as both bowlers returned for impressive second spells. The removal of the Compstall top four proved decisive as the middle order and tail struggled to continue any sort of momentum and the innings fell away to 201-9. Gareth Davies bowled intelligently for 3-55 but it was Chris Unsworth who finished as pick of the bowlers with 3-38 at fewer than three runs per over.

Hayfield’s reply got off to a poor start as Dave Aldridge fished at a Rick Shaw leg-cutter and Julian Burgess was adjudged LBW to Pete Richards with the score on just sixteen. Both bowlers were showing exactly why they have been just so vital to Compstall’s recent success as they found movement and bounce from a wicket that usually favours the batsmen. Hayfield’s cause had not been helped by the absentee pairing of Russell Evans and Steve Shaw and there was concern that a young middle order would find matters difficult against an experienced and versatile attack. Fortunately these concerns proved to be without substance as firstly Sam Hudson and Gareth Davies fashioned a recovery with an impressive partnership of 71. Both made batting look very simple as Richards and Shaw were repelled and Mark Richards quickly smashed out of the attack by some excellent stroke play, particularly by Davies. However, the introduction of wily left-arm medium-pacer Chew saw the scoring rate dip and this led to the demise of Davies for a valuable 40. Hudson and Shane Furness took the score to 120 before the latter departed for twelve, caught at slip of the returning Shaw. With the game finely balanced, Hayfield needed 84 runs off fourteen overs but their cause was hindered by Pete Richards who took three quick wickets in his second spell, including that of Hudson for a hugely impressive 76 and Mark Conroy for a quick fire dozen. Despite the fall of wickets Hayfield had maintained a healthy scoring rate although, with the score at 170-7, Compstall had now assumed the mantle of favourites. Unfortunately for the away side though, Ben Higginbottom had other ideas. Initially watchful, he then started to feast on the occasional wayward delivery and found the confidence to dominate the bowling which was now totally reliant on Richards and Shaw. Facing a target of 26 runs from the final three overs, he found a perfect foil in skipper in Jarvis who, with no thoughts other than victory, smashed an important six of the tiring Shaw. But it was Higginbottom who stole the show with a flourish of late boundaries to end a pulsating game on 42 not out and secure another nineteen points in the pursuit of the title.

Hayfield make the short trip to Birch Vale next week as first place meets second in yet another eagerly anticipated encounter.

 

Ist XI vs Romiley (h) Sat 4th July     Won by 127 runs

Hayfield 280-8     Romiley 153 a/o

Hayfield’s fierce determination to reverse the result of last season’s corresponding fixture and some reverse psychology at the toss by Tom Jarvis ensured another maximum points haul for Hayfield against Romiley.

With the previous day’s heavy rain proving to be of little consequence to a covered wicket, Hayfield were somewhat surprised to be asked to bat first on a flat and dry pitch. With regular openers Sam Hudson and Russell Evans taking holiday, it was down to Julian Burgess and Dave Aldridge to face the new ball. Both players proved to be in good form with Burgess playing some fine shots in his 78 and Aldridge inducing some head scratching from the Romiley coaching staff as he drove and carved his way to 85 in an opening stand of 164, 84 of which came in the first 10 overs. Both were dismissed in quick succession, but this brought Steve Shaw (40) and Gareth Davies (38) to the wicket who maintained the momentum with a brisk fifty-plus partnership. Ben Higginbottom, Dave Higginbottom and Mark Conroy all cleared the boundary in the last few overs and a tired Romiley were set a victory target of 281.

Romiley’s reply started positively with boundaries coming at regular intervals, but once Jarvis and Chris Unsworth had accounted for three of the first four batsmen, they never really threatened the Hayfield score and it took a brutal 56 from Jack Kelly to take Romiley to 153. Hayfield’s fielding was impressive throughout with Steve Shaw leading the way with some excellent wicket-keeping, including a lightning stumping to dismiss Booker off the bowling of Unsworth, who finished with 4-80 off 19.4 overs. David Platt continued his progress with 3-12, despite being hit for a mighty six in his first over.

The DCCL sides have reached the half way point in the season and Hayfield now lead the first division by 29 points from near neighbours Birch Vale. Compstall are also still in contention and Hayfield’s next two games are against these sides, games which will have a big bearing on the destination of the league title.

　

Ist XI vs Buxton (h) Sun 5th July (BISSENDEN CUP 3rd Round)     Won by 6wkts

Buxton 224-7     Hayfield 226-4

After accounting for holders Compstall in the previous round, a sloppy bowling and fielding performance from Hayfield almost cost them their place in this year’s competition as Buxton amassed a healthy 224 after being asked to bat first. However, a majestic 86 not out from sixteen year old Gareth Davies helped to ensure victory for Hayfield and break the hearts of the Buxton players and supporters.

Buxton’s fine total was built around Steve Knighton, who came to the wicket after a positive start from the father and son pairing of Nick and Luke Smith was broken by Chris Unsworth. Knighton played positively throughout his innings and although he rode his luck on occasions, he took advantage of the small boundaries and some uncharacteristically wayward deliveries from the Hayfield change bowlers to finish on 108 not out. He received solid support from T Forder (29) and a late innings surge was provided by youngster Johnny Marsden who struck the ball well for 24 not out. Pick of the bowlers were Chris Unsworth (2-35), Gareth Davies (2-39) and Tom Jarvis (2-31) who each bowled their allocation of eight overs with reasonable economy.

In reply, the stand-in opening pair of Aldridge and Burgess once again posted a good opening partnership. However, unlike the previous day, they were forced to work much harder as the opening trio of Hill, J Marsden and Poole bowled to a specific plan and, backed by enthusiastic fielding, managed to restrict the scoring to four an over for the first fifteen overs. Burgess (34) was the first wicket to fall with the score on 66 and Aldridge (38) succumbed to the last ball before the drinks break with the score on 99. Now needing to score at a run a ball, Steve Shaw and Gareth Davies pushed the score on until a heavy shower interrupted proceedings with the score on 140 and with fifteen overs left. On resumption of play, Shaw was dismissed for 32, pulling at a ball that didn’t bounce and Ben Higginbottom went the same way, but not before he had scored an important nineteen runs in the push for victory. In the middle of all the hyperactivity, Davies was calmness personified as he tucked away every loose delivery that came his way, and simply picked out singles when the bowling was straight. The run rate began to fall to the point where, after an expensive over from skipper Hill, only twenty runs were needed from four overs and, fittingly, Davies was in at the end when victory was achieved in the penultimate over.

A relieved Hayfield side knew that they had been in a tough game and a disappointed Buxton team had the consolation of knowing that they could at least compete at a higher level as and when the achieve promotion. Hayfield join Tintwistle, Buxworth and Birch Vale in the semi-finals.

Ist XI vs Hazel Grove (h) Sat 27th June     Won by 8 wkts

Hazel grove 147 a/o     Hayfield 148-2

This was another comfortable win for Hayfield in which they picked up their full quota of points to maintain a healthy lead at the top of the DCCL first division.

With a sprinkling of rain on the morning of the game, but with the wicket covered, the decision as to whether to bat or bowl first was a tricky one. However, it was the away skipper Oldfield who called correctly and decided to bat first in humid conditions. Despite a sprightly opening partnership of thirty from the familiar pairing of Geoff Noden and Nick Hayward, Hayfield were gifted their first wicket when Hayward blocked a full toss straight back to Hayfield skipper Tom Jarvis who took a smart caught and bowled chance. At the other end, Chris Unsworth was showing no effects of his injury a fortnight previously with another miserly spell of accurate swing bowling. It was Unsworth who took the second wicket with Mo Sawar adjudged LBW with the score on 35 and, with an inexperienced middle order exposed early on, wickets began to tumble at regular intervals with Unsworth (3-30) and Jarvis (2-49) doing the damage.

Noden, however, was playing steadily and it took the introduction of David Platt to remove him – yet another notable victim to add to his burgeoning collection of wickets in his first season of first eleven cricket. Platt ended with 2-16 from his seven impressive overs and, at 94-7, an early tea was imminent. The Grove tail-enders, however, responded bravely to end on 147 all out with number eight M Clayton top-scoring with a hard-fought 35. Ben Higginbottom eventually brought matters to a close with the last two wickets, thus ensuring maximum bowling points for the home side.

A target of 148 against opening bowler Ian Hayward is never a formality, but with all assistance for the bowlers long since gone, batting conditions were favourable and openers Sam Hudson and Dave Aldridge were rarely troubled as they posted a stand of 103 for the first wicket. Hudson was particularly impressive scoring freely through midwicket in another half century before Hayward returned for a second spell to induce a leading edge. Aldridge was out for 71 with twenty still needed and it was left to Burgess and Shaw to see Hayfield home to their tenth successive league and cup victory. It is somewhat appropriate that Hayfield top the league in the week of their 150th anniversary and they look to continue their good form next week against Romiley in the league and Buxton in the Bissenden Cup.

 

Ist XI vs Hawk Green (a) Sat 20th June       Won by 7 wkts

Hawk Green 80 a/o      Hayfield 84-3

The weather gods have been smiling on Hayfield in recent weeks and today was no exception. They demolished second-placed Hawk Green to extend their lead at the top of the DCCL first division whilst the majority of other sides were unable to start and instead had to settle for 7 points.

Winning the toss was important and Hayfield captain Tom Jarvis obliged by calling correctly. He had no hesitation in inserting the home side, despite having lost 3 of his main bowlers to either injury or unavailability. With regular Chris Unsworth ‘hamstrung’, David Platt opened the attack with Jarvis and, despite the ball coming quickly onto the bat, Hawk Green struggled for early runs against the seaming ball. It was Jarvis who struck first, removing the openers for single figures, both victims of outside edges to wicketkeeper Sam Hudson. Platt also struck at the end of his first spell with the key wicket of home skipper, Andy Littler. In truth, the Hawk innings never really got going with wickets falling at regular intervals. Jarvis, in particular, was finding plenty of movement and bounce and no batsman looked comfortable at any time. He bowled unchanged from the marquee end and finished with fine figures of 5-27. David Platt returned to produce 2 fine yorkers to finish of the Hawk innings for a paltry 80 and fully deserved his haul of 3-24. It shouldn’t be too long before the opposition players stop asking the question ‘Who’s the big blond-haired lad?’… Hayfield also welcomed back Josh Unsworth from Australia who, in view of the fact that he has played no cricket since January, managed commendable figures of 1-25 from his 7 overs.

Hayfield’s response was positive and the game was soon over as a contest as Russell Evans blitzed his way to 27 before being caught and bowled. Despite the loss of a couple of late wickets, Hayfield cantered to a 7-wicket win with the reliable Sam Hudson still there at the end on 24 not out. However, the victory assumed slightly Pyrrhic proportions with Anthony Ebbrell and Julian Burgess both picking up injuries during the game. And whilst Hayfield were saying ‘g’day’ to Josh Unsworth, it is ‘arrivederci’ to Russell Evans who is missing the next 3 games due to holiday. Hopefully Hayfield’s title push will continue in his absence, beginning with next week’s home game against Hazel Grove.

　

 

Ist XI vs Compstall (a) Sun 14th June (BISSENDEN CUP 2nd Round)          Won by 6 runs

Hayfield 144 a/o      Compstall 138 a/o

Hayfield and Compstall locked horns in a compelling cup game in which the fortunes of both sides ebbed and flowed. However, when 17 year-old David Platt flattened Rick Shaw’s off-stump with just 7 runs required by the Compstall team, Hayfield had secured a memorable victory which went some way towards easing the pain of last year’s defeat in the Bissenden final.

On winning the toss, Hayfield skipper Tom Jarvis bravely chose to bat first on a wicket that proved to be far from ideal for free-flowing strokeplay. Hayfield were soon in trouble with opener Russell Evans bowled in the first over, the victim of a ‘jaffer’ from Rick Shaw. Julian Burgess, Steve Shaw and Gareth Davies each threatened to provide some impetus to the innings but were out before reaching twenty in the face of some very accurate bowling. Compstall worked their bowling changes intelligently and only a patient (and ultimately crucial) 46 runs from opener Sam Hudson and a late injection of energy from Dave Higginbottom and Jarvis ensured a competitive total was achieved.

In reply, Compstall appeared to be coasting to victory with Mark Richards in particular making batting look far easier than Hayfield had hoped. Hayfield were then further hampered by a hamstring injury to Chris Unsworth and, with the score now over 30, the away side’s prospects looked bleak. However, the enforced introduction of David Platt paid dividends as Bailey soon chased a wide one and Sam Hudson snaffled the chance. Soon after, Platt induced an edge from Stuart Jackson and Richards played one shot too many and was well caught by Unsworth, Platt again the bowler. At the other end, the wily Dave Higginbottom was giving nothing away, conceding just 16 runs in his 8 overs. After 6 penetrative overs, Platt was replaced by Davies who quickly removed Needham and, crucially, Compstall skipper Pete Richards who tried to hit over the top and miscued to Ben Higginbottom.

Suddenly, the home side were 77-5 and this soon became 85-6 when Bass drilled Ben Higginbottom straight to Jarvis at short cover. Any thoughts that Hayfield had done enough to win were soon banished by the lower order who each chiselled out a few runs to take the home side ever-closer to victory. Unfortunately for Compstall, each time they threatened to take the game away from Hayfield, a wicket fell and the game was back in the balance. With twenty runs still needed, Davies returned to bowl Markowitz bringing number eleven Shaw to the wicket to accompany the experienced A Jackson. Between them, they eked out a partnership of 13 before Platt, having just been cover driven for four, delivered the coup-de-grace to end a truly memorable game. With Sam Hudson, Gareth Davies and David Platt all starring in an important game, there is no further proof needed that the club’s youth programme has paid dividends. Platt finished with commendable figures of 4-30 from 7.5 overs and Davies 3-16 from 6. Ben Higginbottom also chipped in with 2 key wickets as Hayfield await the draw for the next round.

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Ist XI vs Hollingworth (h) Sat 13th June        Won by 98 runs

Hayfield 279-9      Hollingworth 181-6

A rapid hundred by Steve Shaw and a perfectly paced half-century from 16 year-old Gareth Davies provided the platform for Hayfield’s highest total of the season so far to help consolidate their position at the top of the table.

On winning the toss, the Hollingworth captain confounded everyone, and not least his disgruntled team mates, by inserting Hayfield on a flat track on a hot and sunny day. Hayfield started positively but the loss of both openers before the score had reached 30 caused a few butterflies amongst the home supporters. However, smiles turned to sunstroke for the away side as the cavalier Shaw and the more measured Julian Burgess (38) put on 147 for the third wicket. Shaw hit six 6’s in a sparkling exhibition of strokeplay before being dismissed for 101. Following the loss of Burgess it was left to Davies (67 not out) to orchestrate the tail. After a cautious start, he flayed the tiring Hollingworth bowling to all parts in an innings that combined patience, skill and no little power.

In reply, Hollingworth seemed to set their sights well below the 280 that they required to win and instead settled for the maximum batting points target of 175. To this extent, they were successful, but not until the penultimate over by which time most of the spectators (and indeed some of the Hollingworth team) had lost interest and gone home. Openers Halliday and Knight showed some purpose in a stand of 63 but thereafter the game seemed to drift towards a stalemate as wickets and runs were at a premium. Hayfield did pick up 3 bowling points on a flat and unresponsive pitch with skipper Tom Jarvis and Burgess each taking 2 wickets.

Next week promises to be a more competitive affair with Hayfield travelling to second-placed Hawk Green in an eagerly awaited encounter.

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Ist XI vs Hadfield (a) Sat 6th June                Won by 7 wkts 

Hadfield 90a/o     Hayfield 92-3

The atrocious weather that had blighted the High Peak area for some 24 hours seemed to bypass the Glossop area and, rather surprisingly, cricket was playable on a cold and breezy day. Following a few frantic calls to players who had their minds more prepared for football in Kazakhstan or rugby in South Africa, Hayfield took advantage of Compstall’s cancelled game to record their sixth successive victory and extend their lead at the top of the table.

On winning the toss, skipper Tom Jarvis inserted Hadfield on a green wicket that offered variable bounce and the home side were soon in trouble at 15-3 with Jarvis and opening partner Chris Unsworth (2-23) both taking wickets. However, Hadfield, led by captain R Ball, showed character to fight back and, at 70-4, a tricky target beckoned for Hayfield. There were some uncharacteristically wayward deliveries sent down by the bowlers and, for a few overs, there was some lazy fielding more akin to the neighbouring old people’s home rather than a side at the top of the league. However, a fine spell from the ever-improving David Platt (3-11) and a brisk second spell from Jarvis (3-36) saw the home side slip to 90 all out.

Hayfield’s reply was led in typically aggressive fashion by Russell Evans who blasted 37 runs to quickly take the game away from Hadfield, leaving Julian Burgess (25 not out) to steer Hayfield home with many overs to spare.

The following day’s cup game against Compstall was cancelled after only 4 overs’ play and the rescheduled game will take place on Sunday, June 14th at 1pm, the day after Hayfield’s home game against Hollingworth.

 

Ist XI vs Compstall (a) Sat 25th April         Lost by 84 runs

Compstall 251-9      Hayfield 167 a/o

Hayfield were left to wonder what might have been after a lethargic performance in their opening fixture against the league champions.

Compstall’s decision to bat first looked questionable as openers M Richards and the prolific Bailey were soon back in the pavilion with only 30 runs on the board. The general consensus was that two more wickets would be sufficient to expose an inexperienced lower order and so it proved, but not before skipper Pete Richards had hammered the Hayfield attack to all parts, making full use of two small boundaries. Crucially though, he was dropped 3 times (including before he had scored) although none of the chances were straightforward. He had excellent support from Needham and Chew and at 220-3 it looked as though a 300-plus score was possible. But following Richards’ dismissal for a fine 106, the innings fell away to 251-9. The best bowler was new captain Tom Jarvis who led by example with 5-45.

Hayfield’s innings started brightly with Russell Evans taking the attack to the Compstall opening bowlers. However, every time Hayfield looked like they were carving out a good position, a key wicket fell. Sam Hudson and Steve Shaw batted well for 41 and 42 respectively but the loss of Shaw slowed the scoring rate and Hayfield were eventually all out for a disappointing 167, knowing that they must improve a great deal if they are to challenge their rivals again this season.

　

 

Ist XI vs Birch Vale (h) Sat 2nd May                Won by 1 wkt

Birch Vale 124      Hayfield 128-9

Following the previous week’s defeat, Hayfield knew that they would have to improve in every aspect of the game if they were to be serious about winning the league. However, they made very heavy weather of chasing down a modest total set by their local rivals in a low-scoring but entertaining game.

Birch Vale batted first on a wicket offering some help to the bowlers but never really threatened to dominate at any stage. Both the fielding and bowling from Hayfield were greatly improved from the Compstall game and the Birch batsmen were pressurised throughout their innings, eventually subsiding to 126 all out with Chris Unsworth (3-37), the ever-improving Gareth Davies (2-19) and Tom Jarvis (2-28) doing most of the damage.

A fine bowling and fielding performance, however, was very nearly undone by some poor Hayfield batting. Rick Johnson and Tom Isherwood bowled well for Birch, but questionable shot selection and a shambolic run out left Hayfield in the dire position of 25-5. This was nearly 30-6 when Dave Aldridge was dropped at mid-on and Birch’s failure to take this chance proved costly as Aldridge (43) and the middle order slowly began to fight back. However, the reintroduction of Isherwood (6-26) delivered 3 quick wickets, leaving the final pair of Unsworth and Jarvis needing 17 runs to secure an improbable victory. Whatever nerves there were amongst the home supporters were quickly dispelled as both ran well between the wickets and disdainfully put away the bad balls to steer their side to their first victory of the season, much to the delight and relief of their colleagues.

　

Ist XI vs Tintwistle (a) Sat 9th May      Won by 68 runs

Hayfield 126 a/o     Tintwistle 58 a/o

Having secured their first win of the season against Birch Vale the previous week, Hayfield arrived at Tintwistle in a confident mood, although the loss of the toss under gloomy skies and on a damp, seamer-friendly pitch meant that batting first would not be easy.

A combination of good judgement, patience and shot selection was required if the bowlers were to be given a chance to work their magic on a pitch that would possibly get a bit easier as the day went on. So when Hayfield found themselves at 48-6 (through a combination of bad judgement, impatience and poor shot selection) things looked far from rosy. However, once again, it was left to the lower order to rescue the batting as Gareth Davies (35) and Aussie debutant, Mark Conroy (22), helped secure a respectable total of 126. Davies, in particular, was able to apply his sound technique to manoeuvre the ball into the gaps, showing the other batsmen how to bat in favourable bowling conditions.

If there were any fears as to weather 126 would be enough on this wicket, then they were firmly laid to rest as the opening attack of Tom Jarvis and Chris Unsworth had the Tintwistle batsmen on the back foot from the start of their innings. Both bowlers were accurate and economical and the scoring rate barely exceeded the over count. Unfortunately for Tint, they were also losing regular wickets and at one stage were 31-8 before limping to 58 all out. Unsworth claimed 4-26, Gareth Davies capped a fine all-round display with 4-16 and Jarvis ended with 2-13.

Although conditions were helpful, this was an intelligent bowling display by Hayfield and the fielding over the last two weeks has generally been excellent. However, the batting still needs to improve if Hayfield are to consistently win matches.

Ist XI vs Newton (h) Sat 16th May                  Won by 184 runs

Hayfield 245-2      Newton 61 a/o

The long-awaited batting improvement finally came as Hayfield trounced Newton to move into joint second place in the league.

Batting first, Hayfield started positively with Russell Evans reverting to type and putting bat to ball from the start of his innings (as opposed to leaving straight ones..!) to give the innings early impetus. Opening partner Sam Hudson, more cautious but rock solid, was a perfect foil as Hayfield raced to 140 before Evans was first out, agonisingly 4 runs short of what would have been a deserved 100. Julian Burgess arrived at the crease and the score moved on to 185 before he was well-caught for 22. Steve Shaw (28 not out) then joined Hudson to provide some late-innings acceleration enabling Hayfield to set their opponents 246 for victory. Hudson finished on an excellent 82 not out, vindicating the decision to open with him at the start of the season.

In reply, Newton were never in contention and an excellent all-round bowling display by Hayfield saw them skittled for just 61 runs with skipper Tom Jarvis (3-21) and Gareth Davies (2-23) blowing away the top order. It was left to Ben Higginbottom (3-11) to bamboozle the tail and end the game.`

This was a more complete performance by Hayfield and the foundation for a huge victory was laid by a near-flawless batting display on a pitch that offered some help for the bowlers. Once again, the bowling was both penetrative and accurate and the fielding, led by the exceptional Ben Higginbottom, was of the highest standard.

 

Ist XI vs Old Glossop (a) Sat 23rd May        Won by 8 wkts

Old Glossop 119 a/o     Hayfield 121-2

Another comfortable win by the fast improving Hayfield team who, encouragingly, made light work of a run chase in far from perfect batting conditions after heavy midweek rainfall.

After overcoming the initial shock of actually winning a toss, skipper Tom Jarvis inserted the opposition and, along with opening partner Chris Unsworth, set about trying to make early inroads into the Old Glossop top order. Aided by some quite exceptional catching and fielding, they took regular wickets to restrict the home side to 119 all out with Jarvis (4-40), Unsworth (3-30) and first change bowler Gareth Davies (3-12) doing most of the damage, although there was an encouraging debut for David Platt who took a fine catch and who bowled with energy and enthusiasm in a promising 5 over spell. The benchmark for Hayfield’s fielding continues to rise with Ben Higginbottom (can you name a better fielder in the league?) taking three more excellent catches and Russell Evans following suit with two excellent efforts running backwards, which somewhat eased his memories of Tintwistle a fortnight earlier.

The run chase soon became a formality after opening batsman Evans won a fierce duel with OG opening bowler Matt Woodcock. This private contest ended when Evans despatched a pull shot out of the ground into a neighbouring factory yard and, despite his dismissal for 49, Hayfield powered to victory with Sam Hudson (25), an in-form Julian Burgess (34 not out) and Steve Shaw (13 not out) the other contributors in an emphatic 8-wicket win. Hayfield are now the league leaders after the abandonment of Compstall’s game and a heavy defeat for leaders Hawk Green.

　

 

Ist XI vs Dinting(h) Sat 30th May        Won by 8 wkts

Dinting 151 a/o     Hayfield 153-2

Potentially this looked like a tricky fixture as league leaders Hayfield entertained second placed Dinting, who on their day are a match for any side in the division. However, another solid display in the field and a batting masterclass from wicketkeeper Sam Hudson and Julian Burgess saw Hayfield comfortable defeat their closest rivals.

Skipper Tom Jarvis was back to his usual self when he lost the toss and Dinting elected to bat first. However, the decision backfired as the visitors struggled to 101-9 before a determined stand of 50 for the last wicket boosted the score to 151 all out, J Massey ending on 36 not out. The other highlight of the Dinting innings was an extraordinary cameo by bowler-turned-all-rounder John Coleman who blazed five 6’s in his 39. Just as he was threatening to take the game away from Hayfield, his assault was ended by Chris Unsworth who bowled well to record figures of 4-54. Gareth Davies managed to notch up another 3 wickets in his ECB restricted spell of five overs. Congratulations to David Platt who took 2-13, his first wickets at this level in only his second game.

Hayfield’s reply got off to a contentious start with John Coleman removing the dangerous Russell Evans for a third ball duck, adjudged LBW in the first over. However, Sam Hudson and Julian Burgess eased the tension with an exemplary partnership. They negated the obvious threat of paceman Coleman and took advantage of the easier pickings coming from the other end, scoring freely in the process. Making batting look very easy, they took the score to over 100 before Hudson was bowled for 63 and it was left to the evergreen partnership of Burgess (45 not out) and Steve Shaw (28 not out) to deliver the last rites to Dinting.

This was another fine performance by the Hayfield team and hopefully this form can be taken into next weekend when they travel to Hadfield in the league followed by a revenge mission in the cup at Compstall on Sunday.