League watch

Isn't YouTube a wonderful thing?

I am perhaps preaching to the converted, but for those of you who haven't yet discovered what it offers, I can give you an excellent example from the weekend just past.

There was no Derbyshire fixture, so while waiting for the England Red Roses to start their Six Nations match against Scotland, (it was an enjoyably chilled day, chez Peakfan) I went on to YouTube to see what live cricket was on offer. 

I struck it lucky. Alrewas CC v Chesterfield in the Derbyshire Premier League and what a game it was. So good that I kept watching and there was a lot of talent on display. 

Ben Slater opening for Chesterfield with Hassnain Akhtar, on the Derbyshire Pathway last year, with Ben Martindale to follow. A good professional too, in Kemira Wijenayake, even though Matt Stewart wasn't involved for them, presumably because of county commitments. 

Chesterfield ended a thrilling game, winning by two runs. It was a fixed camera at one end, but hugely enjoyable. A delightful century by Gareth Woolley probably should have taken the home side to victory, but Slater's wily leg spin slowed them down and the innings ground to a halt after the dismissal of the centurion.

If you find yourself with time to spare on a Saturday, there is much to enjoy in the more limited streams of the league clubs. Ticknall had an 'All Our Yesterdays' opening pair of Tom Wood and Paul Borrington, who breezed to their target against Ockbrook with an opening stand of 159 in a nine-wicket win. 

Sandiacre demolished Alvaston and Boulton, with the evergreen Dan Wheeldon, 'The Premier League Anderson' taking three cheap wickets. This against a batting line up that contained Alex Hughes, Mitch Wagstaff, Tom Knight, Hamidullah Qadri and Chris Durham. They should score plenty of runs this season, but managed only 112 this week. Connor Marshall is still bowling his leg spin to good effect for Sandiacre too and there is much to enjoy in what appears a very strong league.

Even a division lower there is cricket worth watching, although Daryn Smit's Clifton were beaten this week, despite the presence of Oscar Edwards and Zak Kelly, who have done well in the county age groups. Mind you, Cutthorpe did have Eddie Barlow playing for them, which explains a lot...   

Meanwhile, down in Division 3 (South), a talented all rounder is still doing his stuff for Brailsford. Tony Palladino returned figures of 10-4-9-3 as they bowled out Dunstall Seconds for just 56, winning by eight wickets.

When you've got it - and Tony certaInly had - you never lose it. He's the same age as Jimmy Anderson now and I suspect still gives similar cause for concern when you are taking guard against him...

Much to enjoy, like I said. 

Don't forget to have a look, when you next have a little time to spare.