SMOOTH FINAL WIN FOR ELVASTON

LANGLEY MILL UTD 153 ELVASTON 159 FOR 5
MARSTON'S SMOOTH TROPHY FINAL AT STAINSBY HALL CC
28 AUGUST 2017 --- 11.30PM

NICK BRIARS ON HIS WAY TO A MAN OF THE MATCH PERFORMANCE

A man of the match winning performance from opener Nick Briars, 56, saw Elvaston to victory over their division 2 challengers Langley Mill Utd who had earlier posted 153 all out.  The 'Mill' had been in trouble early on at 2 for 2 but Joshua Lacey remained resolute for his 37 and a late flurry from Jack Scott, 27, saw them reach a total that for a long time looked a distant hope.  It really wasn't enough and after a blistering start from Simon Cusden, 33, the show was set up for Briars contribution to see the silverware visiting the Elvaston trophy cabinet.

BANK HOLIDAY CRICKET IN FINE WEATHER

Bank Holiday Monday and a red hot day, hardly a cloud in the sky and no threat of rain what was going on?  An early start from base again with a change at Ripley onto a quiet Heanor and a short connecting service to Smalley home of Stainsby Hall Cricket Club.  On previous walking expeditions around the locality I had completed a circuit of this well appointed ground and always looked at a visit and today like last weeks trip to the nearby Shipley Hall CC the opportunity arose from this Marston's Smooth Trophy final.

STAINSBY HALL CC SET FAIR TO HOST TODAYS FINAL

Arrival at the ground 15 minutes before the start allowed enough time to catch up with the scorers and Chris from the league and by now there was a healthy crowd gathering around the boundary for the encounter with local side Langley Mill having a majority of the support.  Having approached the ground by St Johns Rd entry was by the pavilion and an impressive affair it is with changing rooms and scorers box on the top of this double storey building with below a smart bar area which also offers a comfortable view of on the field proceedings for the colder days.  To the side is the umpires changing rooms going around to the right a few properties offer a view of the ground and out into the countryside and I guess Holbrook on the hills beyond.  Behind the bowlers arm is a tennis court and bowls club before we come around the expansive viewing boundary just the sort of sight that makes cricket a pleasure to watch.  Then heading back towards the business end we have the new Stainsby House/Hall over the boundary edge.  Just behind this was the former Stainsby House from which of course the club takes its name following the house falling into disrepair it was knocked down in 1974.  The new build is a Spanish style sprawling building with not a single corner in the build it was originally built for Robert Morley of Alida Packaging, Heanor.  When a few years later it was put up for sale the asking price was £450,000 a substantial ask in the 70's allegedly viewing interest came from Cilla Black and my favourite Telly Savalas the laconic singer of 'if' I say singing because take a look he just speaks all the way through, but of course famous for his portrayal of TV cop Kojak, "who loves ya baby"?

JOSH LACEY SEND ONE OF INTO THE VIEWS FOR LANGLEY MILL

During the early part of the day it was good to catch up with League Chariman David Allsopp and my chauffer of last week Michael thanks for the welcome again and also time to talk sport with John Whitaker from Stainsby Hall CC who I had also met last week, so once again a really friendly greeting at this final, thank you.

BATSMANS VIEW

The coin toss was won by Langley Mill and they elected to bat it looked a challenging decision and when they were 0 for 1 and then 2 for 2 by the second over and more worryingly 31 for 3 not long after it was not looking good.  Thankfully though Lacey [J] steadied the ship from his opening berth with 37 from 69 balls and although it was now slow going for Langley Mill they needed to hold the innings together.

LANCE HUMPHREY LANGLEY MILL UTD

He was joined in his endeavour by South African overseas player Lance Humphrey who was out for 21 caught and bowled by Harry Allen just as the tempo was being increased.  With just 72 on the board things were looking ominous and the target of setting a challenge was far away but the tail wagged with valuable contributions from Daniel Hanson, 14, Mathew Heafield, 15, Simon Lacey, 17, and a lovely cameo from Jack Scott of 27 including 3 fours and one maximum that saw Langley Mill post 153 all out with 22 balls still left.

HUMPHREY CAUGHT AND BOWLED HARRY ALLEN

The total looked probably 50 runs short of a par score but credit to Langley Mill they stuck at it and in the late order posted a total that looked a long way off for most of the innings.  For Elvaston Allen took 4 for 28 from his 10 overs and South African David Jacobs returned 3 for 21.

DAVID JACOBS 3 FOR 21 FOR ELVASTON

Having completed a few circuits of the ground I decided to have a small amble around the village in the break between innings and visit the local shop.  In this task I had not been to observant upon entering Smalley earlier in the day as the local Premier was now permanently closed!  So back to the pavilion for more hoppers food, crisps and pop.  Here it has to be said although Stainsby Hall were fine hosts they missed a treat by not selling food or having a BBQ set up with a large crowd this was a revenue stream the club would have undoubtedly benefited from.

A MIGHTY STRIKE FROM CUSDEN

So to Elvaston's reply and as ever a bludgeoning start from Cusden who hit 33 from 19 balls with 4 fours and 2 maximums it was just the start Langley Mill didn't want but how it put Elvaston on their way.  By the time this entertainment was over in the fourth over the score was 34 for 1 with Cusden contributing all bar one of the runs!  Proceedings slowed down considerably now but for the Mill this was all about bowling out their challengers and with a solid effort from Briars and his partner Elliott Lawley, 26, the score had reached 101 before the latter fell for the second wicket.  With Ben Wright third out when the score was 135 a couple of late wickets saw Elvaston finish with 5 down for 159 with Fraser Smith finishing proceedings with a boundary clearing effort to claim the trophy.  In the bowling stakes Josh Lacey returned 3 for 27 which added to his 37 saw him contribute well to Langley Mill's performance.

ELVASTON CC MARSTONS SMOOTH TROPHY WINNERS 2017

All that remained was for Martin Alssopp to invite Sean Collins from Marstons to present the Trophy to Elvaston Cricket Club and the silverware was held aloft again by a celebrating team something that has been done since its inauguration in 1903.
Return journey all ran smoothly, rather aptly today, and base was arrived at around 7pm from an enjoyable day out in Smalley and Stainsby Hall Cricket Club. 

HAT TRICK HERO DENIES CLIPSTONE

CLIPSTONE 2 PICKERING TOWN 4
NCEFL PREMIER @ THE LIDO/WORKSOP VAN HIRE STADIUM
26 AUGUST 2017 --- 3PM

CLIPSTONE FC

Clipstone went into this game as underdogs against many peoples title favourites Pickering Town but after a first half performance that had seen them lead 2-1 at the interval they would have felt desperately unlucky to still be in search of their first point.  The visitors had Ryan Blott with a strikers hat trick to thank alongside a foul in the build up to their third goal but as time wore on it was clear that the visitors were just too strong for the Nottinghamshire side in the final quarter of this encounter.
Local travel today and with a lot of indecision a move towards Mansfield via a change in Alfreton was made and although the journey was stilted by Farmer Giles deciding to take his combine harvester with trailer 5 miles down the A61 at 10 mph a small gap was still there to connect for Stag town.  On route I had made up my mind and Clipstone it would be with a chance to re acquaint myself with the village and the club the latter I had not visited for a good few years.

COMMANDING SITE OF CLIPSTONE HEADSTOCKS

Upon arrival in Mansfield bus station an adjacent bay had a stripey boys bus ready to depart for said village and the biscuit was taken as we went on another circuitous route to enter the Garibaldi estate, I know its a bad pun but I couldn't resist it.  Ignoring the early departure for ground and village to depart at the far end of Mansfield Rd there is a need to photograph the headstocks from the former pit.  The headstocks on completion, 1953, were the largest in Europe.  Indeed on the journey I got talking to a chap from South Wales who had made his home around the area since the 1970's and he informed me of the modern pulley system in operation at the pit in its hey days.  Sadly like the whole area the NCB closed the pit before UK Coal took over for a short period only to final cease operation in 2003.  Now the village as the remnants of the pit towering over the village some locals want them gone as a derelict reminder of the past while others are eager to develop a future adventure park around them as a unique attraction.  As with all projects like this it takes time and things seem to be at a standstill but hopefully the Heras fencing can come down soon and Clipstone's heritage be put to good use.  Walking back into the village the massive welfare and houses all give away this villages past, like many of its kind a now derelict cinema that's tried bingo and night club re launches lies in ruins.  The unique street naming doesn't take too much working out from First Avenue to Second Avenue and our ultimate destination the nearby Seventh Avenue time gone by never to return but the village lives on and like all former mining villages are enhanced by the local Coop which provided hopper delight pop and Ginsters roll.

CLIPSTONE WELFARE CC

With an nearly two hours to kick off I decided to wander the streets only to realise right behind the football club is Clipstone Welfare Cricket Club who were at home today in the Bassetlaw Championship to Cuckney 2nd's.  Again days gone by showed what would have been a wonderful pavilion in the pit years and two sides coming to the end of their season, it was good to walk the boundary and enjoy some of the views and of course get into conversation.  Today it was a pleasure to speak to Cuckney's Justin Joseph who was making the transition to the seconds and by the close of play was on the winning side as the visitors bowled Clipstone out cheaply while the blog was away watching the football.
Clipstone FC is situated adjacent to the main Mansfield Rd and by the side of the former Lido another sign of the activities of old in this village but now its just cricket and football that remain so no bathing today.

RUNNING REPAIRS FOR MR CLIPSTONE BARRY CLARKE

The business end of the ground is all behind the goal were you enter the ground to the right a small stand with low former Mansfield Town seats and the hospitality cabin named after Mr Clipstone, Mr Barry Clarke a man whose life as been associated with the club and can be found performing a variety of duties for Clipstone FC.  To the left of entry are the changing rooms, toilets and snack bar/bar area.  Proceeding on down the touchline is a semi lofted covered terrace that continues into a seated area and then falls away into uncovered standing this section has the cricket at a slightly higher level behind.  The opposite touchline is uncovered hard standing with both dug outs housed in this area, the far goal is out of bounds making the ground 3 sided.

QUALITY PROGRAMME AT CLIPSTONE FC

Having purchased raffle, eats and some water[!] its time to force the needle of the record and say 'programmes' many clubs are bemoaning having to do programmes and they don't sell etc.  Years ago I used to make a final selection of a game on the quality of the programme, youth eh, good programmes are few and far between and take massive amounts of work and thankless hours of effort and they need then to be promoted on the day to spectators.  Let me say here £1.50 for this production in what is one of the best efforts I've seen around my visits for a few years deserves nothing but applause to the editors, take a bow, full colour lots to read plus quality pictures for the neutral or the regular.  So if you are wondering where to go this season get yourself down to Clipstone pick up a good programme, take a look at their social media with excellent pictures and match highlights too and if your a local and your not buying one why not?

CRAFTY LOOK AT THE CRICKET

The game then and the North Yorkshire visitors were already off too a good start and looking to add 3 more points against the hosts who were on zero and most think will be a long hard season but money talks and times last season became hard for Clipstone who thankfully to a band of dedicated helpers have seen their way through those times to commit to a community football club and more importantly a community still with a football club, well done!

A UNIQUE OPENING GOAL CELEBRATION FOR PICKERING

An more entertaining start you wont see with three goals in the first 11 minutes and although there was a slackness about them it didn't matter because the underdogs were 2-1 to the good at the end of the passage of play.  It started badly for the hosts after 3 minutes when Blott picked up on a defensive error and drove on to fire home from just inside the box.  Within in minutes it was all square Tim Gregory crossed off he right and Eddy Birch turned the ball into his own goal, but it was delirium for Clipstone when they went into the lead Jermaine Jatau broke through and put a superb lob over the stranded visitors keeper Harry Andrews.

PICKERING ON THE ATTACK GREAT KIT

Entertainment continued at a pace with Gregory supplying Jatau who probably should have finished but just missed the target then Pickering hit the post before the visitors Russell Parker was felled in the penalty box and Lewis Taylor stepped up to the mark but Liam Kerry saved the home side with a save to his right to protect the home sides lead at the interval.

HANDS UP

The second period would be hard work for Clipstone and the ball hold up facility of front man Jatau was lost when he went off injured.  Within 5 minutes of the restart it was all square with George Bissett rising well to head home Taylor's right had side corner.   Controversy came with 19 minutes to go what looked like a push on a Clisptone defender on the edge of his own box went unpunished and Blott got his second to give Pickering the advantage.  The visitors were now well in the ascendancy and Blott completed his hat trick and made it 4-2 to the visitors when he head home at the back post.  In the closing minutes Pickering could have extended their lead but for some last gasp defending but this would have been harsh on a Clipstone side who put in so much effort but in the latter stages tired after trying to keep Pickering out.

SECOND HALF PICKERING FREE KICK

Nice to do a fairly local trip and catch up with Clipstone a fully enjoyable visit much assisted by the friendly nature of the club and that quality programme long may their enthusiasm and hard work continue.
Return connections went well with time for more hoppers food to be consumed and base return fell in at around 7pm thanks to 2 smooth connections.

WIRKSWORTH & MIDDLETON WIN THE BIG T20 FINALS DAY

DERBYSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LGE PEAK MARQUEES JOHN ELSE T20 FINALS DAY
STAINSBY HALL, DUFFIELD, ELVASTON & WIRKSWORTH & MIDDLETON
20 AUGUST 2017 --- 10AM/1PM/3PM @ THE FIELD SHIPLEY HALL CC

PEAK MARQUEES T20 2017 WINNERS WIRKSWORTH & MIDDLETON CC

A powerful performance on the day from Wirksworth and Middleton [W&M] saw captain Ben Perry-Taylor lift the cup to scenes of delight after an enthralling finish against Elvaston.  Both sides had reached the final with crushing semi final displays but with Jake Harrold, 81, leading Elvaston's response to W&M's challenging target the trophy looked to be heading south of Derby.  That was until Jack Ritchie disturbed his timbers with the score on 125 and some tight bowling in the latter stages saw W&M win the final by 7 runs after a sterling effort from both sides.
With the weather forecast fair the option of visiting the exquisite Shipley Hall Cricket Club for the first time was undertaken after Saturday night checks to confirm the event was definitely being hosted at their Field venue. The vagaries of Sunday morning public transport from base saw a change in Ripley allow departure at just after 1030 in Heanor, a sharp walk to the edge of town and a pacey completion through the Nutbrook walk into Shipley Park soon had me arriving at this tucked away ground.  Upon arrival the first game was well under way and Duffield were batting against Elvaston with 9 wickets down the game looked a cert for the latter to snap up a final appearance, more of which later.

SHIPLEY HALL CC TODAYS FINAL HOSTS

Shipley Hall Cricket Club is situated in the Shipley Country Park which was the grounds of the Miller Mundy family and their former hall was surrounded by the grounds and lakes.  The family had risen to prominence with the ownership of many mines in the Shipley Collieries Company portfolio and with a keen interest in cricket the club was formed in 1899 with much interest shown from the area and the Miller Mundy's the club soon attracted a selection of top players.  Following the death of the squire the whole area was sold onto the colliery company and then the NCB in the 1970's the site was sold further to Derbyshire County Council who have now developed the park into its current format.  Part of the land was developed early on as Britannia Park a medium scale attempt at an Alton Towers type of attraction but then sold onto become the more famously named American Adventure Theme Park.  Sadly after varying attempts to re ignite this it closed in 2007 and the whole area is now fenced off and overgrown car parks pay homage to days of fun that many had experienced during the theme parks short time in existence.  The Miller Mundy's hall was also lost to subsidence following the years of mining although a lodge still stands now serving refreshments to the many walkers enjoying the area.

SHIPLEY HALL CC WITH PETER YOUNG ON THE HEAVY ROLLER

The cricket club was a former haystack field and after reclamation has seen much action some of the early pictures are very interesting showing little in the way of trees round part of the outfield, however today the whole ground is lined with enough trees to give an arborist a field day if that's not an oxymoron!  With a selection of seats under the shade of various branches the ground offers a great outing for serial circuit walkers with many paces to hover to watch the action, although the pavilion area is of course the main focus.  Two new apex roofed 2 storey additions for changing rooms have been added to the middle single level original building.  Inside it is a wood panelled affair with many interesting pictures from times gone by plus a bar, catering area and pool table, clearly the building has greeted many over the years and I'm sure would tell a story or two if it could.  Separately to the left hand side is a double decked standard building with grounds mans storage area at base level and above a smart electronic scoreboard with scorers room above.   So from the previous weeks of the Huddersfield League Cricket grounds and their expansive views today would offer up a complete contrast of an enclosed ground that I guess says English cricket all over it, a lovely setting.
So the first game was well under way and thanks to a cameo from James Hardwick at the end of the Duffield innings the managed to bat out their 20 overs and score 94 for 9.  For Elvaston Jonathon Ball took 5 for 7 in his 4 overs to assist proceedings for his batsman.  It was a relatively regulatory affair as 97 for 3 was reached with 5 overs to spare Jake Harrold top scoring with 29 ably assisted by Ben Wright with 25.  After a visit to the scoreboard to check in with the scorers and Chris Higginbottom from the league a thank you for your help today it was much appreciated.

W&M KEEPER MICHAEL JEFFERISS APPEALS FOR A LEG SIDE CATCH V STAINSBY HALL

During the second innings it was a pleasure to meet club man Peter Young who had found himself in the area in the early 1960's and was still here!  Shipley Cricket Club had become a love of his life, as was clear for the other volunteers here today, with an appearance on the heavy roller and other duties during the afternoon too.  Initially from the West County we did joke that I guess he would have nearly been accepted up here by now.  Great to meet you today thanks for your time and your kind gift of your centenary brochure, to the others from Shipley Hall his fellow assister in ground duties in the break between games whose name I didn't get and also the BBQ man and lady in the kitchen/bar area excellent full day hats off to you all clubs survive because of people like you.

YES IT REALLY WAS 1 FOR 4

The second game pitted W&M against Stainsby Hall the latter being neighbours from 'just down the road'.  It couldn't have gone much more wrong for the locals with what seemed a cavalier attitude of throw the bat at everything they were 1 for 4 in the 2nd over and 9 for 8 shortly afterwards.  With 9 extras in the total of 32 chipping in to help the total.  From the W&M point of view a devastating spell of bowling from Josh Pickering had seen home return 6 for 9 in his allotted 4 overs.  The reply was a straight forward affair with the runs knocked off in 3.2 overs to win by 10 wickets although even then the scorecard had a misbalanced feel to it with Ben Gartside hitting 28 to Michael Jefferies 1.

W&M JOSH PICKERING DISTURBS THE BAILS

During this game it was a pleasure to meet Steve a former Wirksworth resident now residing in Sheffield and it was great to catch up with all things sporting and local, hopefully you enjoyed your day and a victory in the end for your lads made the journey worthwhile.
The league officials now had a choice to make with a 4pm start for the final giving over 2 hours to wait the decision was made to bring the final forward to 3pm and following the toss we saw Wirksworth bat first and set a challenging score of 165 for 7.

EARLY ACTION FROM THE FINAL WITH ELVASTON BOWLING

Featuring in this total was Gartside with 56 from 26 balls including 8 fours and 3 maximums he was ably assisted by Joe Greenhalgh who fell just one short of his half century caught by Ben Wright off the bowling of David Jacobs.
The total looked a really good ask but after 10 overs Elvaston were 87 for 1 right up with the asking rate and with wickets in hand, you had to favour them.

JOE GREENHALGH ON HIS WAY TO 49 FOR W&M

The loss of Ben Wright and Mitchell Bradley took the score to 107 for 3 in the 14th over and it was looking a one batsman game with Jake Harrold going well and aided by being dropped on the boundary on 58 a lot rested with him.  Hero of the semi final Ritchie came up with the goods for W&M when he disturbed the stumps of Harrold it was 125 for 4 with a valiant 81 from the opener it was enough to secure him the man of the match award later.

JAKE HARROLD MAN OF THE MATCH FOR HIS 81 FOR ELVASTON

Some tight bowling from Perry-Taylor, Greenhalgh  and Ritchie added further pressure and the ask rate was above 10 now.  With 2 overs to go the score was 132 for 4 but even with the wickets in hand 34 to win was a big ask and Elvaston didn't have the big hitters able to respond but they made a valiant effort needing 19 off the last over the fell just 7 runs short on 158 for 7.
The presentation was a smart little affair brief and to the point with scorers, umpires, hosts and the runners up Elvaston thanked for their contribution to a good day and the latter to a close and entertaining final.  But now it was time to crown the 2017 T20 county league champions Wirksworth and Middleton Cricket Club and for former MCC player and League President Tony Pope to present the trophy to the victorious captain Ben Perry-Taylor.

WIRKSWORTH AND MIDDLETON 2017 T20 WINNERS

With time to spare a walk out towards the main Heanor Ilkeston road for a bus was gratefully stopped when a league official, sorry didn't get your name [I was bad at that today], very kindly gave me a lift to Heanor and with one change I was back at base for 7pm.
Enjoyable day out, well organised by Shipley Hall and the league officials with a cracking final too, well done all.

HEANOR SQUEEZE HOME IN THE CLOSING STAGES AGAINST TEN MEN ATHLETIC

SOUTH NORMANTON ATHLETIC 0 HEANOR TOWN 1
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER @ MJ ROBINSON ARENA
19 AUGUST 2017 --- 3PM

THE THREE TEAMS ENTER THE PITCH AT LEES LANE

A goal in the 87th minute from Elliott Reeves sealed victory for Heanor Town but how they made hard work of it against South Normanton Athletic who had been reduced to ten men after just 7 minutes when Kuwesi Ofushine was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge.  Heanor could rue many missed chances this afternoon and should have had the game out of reach by half time but as the home sides confidence rose they looked the stronger side in the second period that was until Reeves struck.
Short journey selected this week and for a while no cricket mainly due to the inclement weather forecast around Huddersfield.  Having finally plumped for this local derby which would pit Athletic, newly promoted from EMCFL after West Bridgford declined, against Heanor Town local now fellow Midland Football League rivals.

MORE RESEARCH.....FISH AND CHIPS

 A fairly early arrival left plenty of time to explore and although the blog has done Lees Lane plenty of times before its normally in midweek so time to re familiarise with the area.  First point of call was The Frying Squad a chippy that had been marked down for a while to try and which receives some impressive reviews.  Todays experience was certainly good and rides into the top portions of the fish and chip table and overall was probably todays highlight.  On the roundabout walk back into the village centre the route meandered back along Downing St and to the end were the local butchers name as always amazed me, A.E. Bacon.  As a former mining village times are still hard in the area and mostly the shops in the evening are shuttered up so today it was good to see many still open.  The obligatory visit to the local Coop followed with an impressive logo re fit in the new blue style symbol looking really impressive on this store. 
With enough time on my hands for another portion of chips.....I decided against and I discovered the excellent Post Mill Centre, community facility, and the town park garden.

MARKET ST CLOCK IN SOUTH NORMANTON

With a strong wind and the threat of rain ever present today it did make me wonder where the days of sunny red hot August football days had gone.

EARLY CHANCE FOR JAMIE SLEIGH

The ground awaited and as the rain came down sharply a dash for the entrance was made I wont repeat a descriptor here because it has been covered many times needless to say it a smart large blue and white affair with a bar and catering area plus small programme shop too.  The ground is quite exposed from the Blackwell end and with the wind very blustery today I did wonder if this would have a detrimental affect on proceedings.  Just before kick off it was clear there would be a majority in the crowd coming from Heanor, hopefully South Normanton can pull in some supporters for their new challenge because it is full credit to them that they were ready and willing to take this late call for a move up to step 5.

REFEREE RICARDO SHOWS AN EARLY RED TO OFUSHINE

The first half was a weird affair with the dismissal of Ofushine for his challenge on Dom Wilkinson after just 7 minutes and by half time Heanor really should have been out of sight.  Number nine Jamie Sleight had had two strikes on goal before referee Ruebyn Ricardo, freshly back from Denmark officiating in The Iber Cup, had produced his red card.  Myles Scott fired over soon after before Shaun Roulston headed just over from a right hand side free kick.

A YELLOW FOR JOSHUA CRADDOCK

On the stroke of half time a lovely flick  header from Jevin Seaton found Sleigh but the home keeper Charlie Mansfield saved well.
The Heanor number 9 was certainly in the goalmouth action straight from the re start Mansfield again got the better of his effort before his next effort from wide right fell away wide of Mansfield's far post.

LATE SOUTH NORMANTON PRESSURE

South Normanton were now starting to believe they could win this game and Abou Sylla  and Jack Tyson both went close on 70 and 71 minutes respectively.  Before Heanor got back in the action a hesitant clearance from Mansfield found Gregg Marriott who pumped the ball back in to the far post and with a tight angle but open goal Sleigh deflected his header wide.
The move of the game came on 80 minutes when Sylla beat two visiting players before firing just inches over from 20 yards.
There were chances a plenty for Heanor to have wrapped this game up and just as it looked like they didn't have the ability to finish the game off up popped Reeves to squeeze the ball home between Mansfield and the post to secure 3 points.

CONFIDENT TAKE FROM HEANOR KEEPER OLIVER CAMMIDGE

Its always a mystery what happens when a ten is reduced to ten men whether they try harder or the opposition just ease off this happens so often and although Heanor secured 3 points late on they made really hard work of getting them.  Overall a poor game with some uninspiring football that thankfully did give up a goal in those late stages.  Sometimes teams have to win ugly and I guess today the victors Heanor would go for that to gain maximum points.
Return journey was comfortably completed with a hoppers tea from the big T's in Alfreton before making the onward journey back to base.

HEANOR ROAR TO FIRST WIN

HEANOR TOWN 4 ROCESTER 1
MIDLAND FOOTBALL LEAGUE PREMIER AT THE TOWN GROUND
15 AUGUST 2017 7.45PM

THE TOWN GROUND HEANOR TOWN FC 2017/18 SEASON

The Lions roared out a warning with a hardworking and determined performance that swept away their Staffordshire based visitors by 4 goals to one including a brace from the impressive Elliott Reeves.
Footy returns to the blog with this midweek fixture and who can turn down a midweek fixture at Heanor?  Well increasingly it had become me due to the vagaries of public transport and missed return connections in Ripley as regular readers will be aware my days of challenging Usain Bolt to a sprint for the Nines have know been put to bed.  However with a train just after ten allowing me a good chance of the down hill walk from Heanor in 20 minutes the challenge was accepted.  With the clock allowing an early base station departure at 5.20pm there was time to visit the big M's just by Langley Mill station and joy of joys as the order number had gone around its cycle I received order number 001, something never achieved before [?].  Only when I looked up at screen did I discover that the new cycle starts at 000 oh well something still to achieve!  The start at base station was slightly disconcerting when a north bound Leeds train was declared 19 minutes late due to disruptive passengers and it wasn't even a Saturday.
Corporate meal eaten the option of steep hill walk to Heanor was avoided by jumping on a Rainbow 1 to the Market Place for tonight's game so allowing a small amble to The Town Ground.  No need to repeat a descriptor of this much visited ground and although the blog is neutral it often doesn't feel like it when watching Heanor.  There was the chance to catch up with a few favourites and mascot Lenny the Lion was on show with his brand new squad number on display on his shirt, Mr Squires junior and senior were their to renew acquaintances with,  thank you to the latter for an end of game lift down to the station which definitely gave me plenty of time for the final service north out of Langley Mill.

LENNY SIGNED AGAIN FOR ANOTHER SEASON

Heanor after a loss at home to Aylestone Park in the FA Cup and last week at Worcester needed a morale boosting win and I guess Rocester who had also had an unconvincing start were looking for the same.  After 13 minutes though the upper hand went to the home side with a beautifully worked goal that allowed left back Myles Scott to continue his run and slot the ball home.  That the way we went into half time but The Lions soon doubled their lead when Jamie Sleigh, 8 minutes into the second period, turned in the box and fired low into the bottom right hand corner.   With 3 minutes of normal time it was 3-0 when Reeves outpaced his marker to fire past the visiting keeper with supreme confidence something that he did again in the 4th minute of stoppage time from the penalty spot after prolonged delaying tactics by the visiting keeper had failed to deny the young Lion.  In between these two goals Rocester pulled back a consolation goal with a wonderful opportunist 25 yard lob of the Heanor keeper thanks to Oli Roome whose alertness produced a cracker.

SOME PEOPLE WANT TO SEE THE BACK OF LENNY WELL HERE IT IS WITH HIS NEW SQUAD NUMBER

A hardworking and determined victory for Heanor who fought for every ball something that is always a pre requisite of a Glen Clarence Heanor side.
The departure from Langley Mill was on a HST 125 heading back to Leeds and all being on time the final bus was made out of base town with arrival back just after 11 being a whole lot more comfortable and there was no running shoes required to end an enjoyable game to start the 2017/18 season.

DETERMINED SHEPLEY GET HOME

SHEPLEY 186 FOR 7 CAWTHORNE 184 FOR 9
DRAKES HUDDERSFIELD CRICKET LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP @ MARSH LANE
12 AUGUST 2017 --- 1PM

SHEPLEY CC WITH EMLEY MOOR IN THE FOREGROUND

Shepley got home comfortably in the end to secure the win against Cawthrone but there was a moment of doubt as they reached their target.  Cawthorne had set what looked like a fair target thanks mainly to a stand of 123 for the second wicket with overall A J Dehmel 69 and Iqbal Khan 43 being the main contributors.  In reply Brenton Thompson supplied 55 with Oliver Thompson close behind on 54 helping to secure the 7 wicket win which was ably assisted by some calm batting from Archie Greaves at the business end.
Saturday had come around again it was a generally fine day so it must be The Drakes Huddersfield League and a trip on the Penistone line, mustn't it?  Of course and the usual catalogue of events occurred full bus to base station train to first change at Sheffield now loading with the re commenced football season and change to the Huddersfield line and breathe.  Once again the Penistone line was nice and calm with a seat gained, I'm not getting bored with the views and today the departure two stops on from the lines named station saw arrival in Shepley for a Premiership game versus Cawthorne which would be the first time I would have seen a team twice in this league.

ARRIVAL AT SHEPLEY

The village of Shepley has its station to north eastern edge of the village and the steady climb to the centre delivers a collection of new and old houses some of the old are a typical of the area but some are amazingly not with the old hall and many stone terraces that give the impression of a former mill village, although I'm not sure how true that is of what looks like a farming area.  The village is lovely away from the busy Huddersfield Road and at the end of todays late finishing game there was a little time to explore a few of its gems.  The village itself is famous for the Shepley Spring company bottler of as an example Ice Valley Water, the former Cooperative society The Shepley Independent and Provident founded in 1852 and when they finally needed to seek a bit of help the Central England Coop came in to keep the store going in 2013.  The village is also famous for being the place were the founder of Everton and Liverpool FC Ben Smith Chambers grew up.

OLD AND NEW TOGETHER

The gentle climb along Marsh Lane saw a turn along a narrow lane to take us to the cricket ground of Shepley Cricket Club, formed 1871 and playing at this ground since 1888, members of The Huddersfield Cricket League since 1932.  As you may imagine the ground is on the heights above the village and as you turn towards the playing area there is a selection of younger trees and a seating area offering a wonderful greeting with the clubs buildings ahead of you.  Here in lies intrigue I had seen a few pictures and assumed a superb new club house well Shepley are not quite there yet but wow how good it looks with work still to be done inside this when completed will stand really well and I guess be much loved.  To the left hand side are the new changing rooms with grounds mans garage topped off by the scoreboard while to the right is the clubhouse a current much loved and homely building.  The attraction [?] in here was the sign in the toilets from the committee warning to replace the handle back into flush position otherwise due to the club not being on the main sewers their could be a flow back of smell from the tanks.  Out on its own to the far left is the refreshment shed which served up teas during the game and teas at the break I guess this had seen many a conversation on cold days take place within its walls.  Talking of cold days today the sun became increasingly more popular as the day went on but the whole afternoon was spoiled by a 15 mph wind that being on the tops gave the feeling of 40mph, within the village it was not really noticeable.  Around the rest of the ground there is much space beyond the outfield for car parking white stone washed walls for additional sight screen coverage and some seats uniquely constructed with scaffolding planks behind flush to the stone wall to create some protection.

CHARACTER OF THE REFRESHMENT HUT AT SHEPLEY CC

The view from the business end is once again dominated by another view of Emley Moor TV mast it must have been viewed from all sides now surely?

CRICKET AND A VIEW

To the north the valleys and hills towards Huddersfield offering a fantastic backdrop to any game here at Marsh Lane, with the farmer bringing in the hay and the occasional cow appearing over the adjoining fields wall this is probably one of the quintessential views of English cricket.

AJ DEHMEL CAUTIOUS FOR CAWTHORNE

To the game then and an early wicket gave Shepley hope of seeing Cawthorne into difficulties but that was to dismiss the visitors overseas player Dehmel who made an attractive 69 and Khan who proved his worth to the side with 43, their stand of 123 took the score along nicely.

IQBAL KHAN GUIDES ONE AWAY

The wickets in hand saw the run rate in the remaining 15 overs approach 4 and over but the ball couldn't be struck away within any major scoring and by the time the last ball was delivered the visitors had posted 184 for 9.  During the latter stages of the innings it was interesting to catch up with Iqbal Khan and talk cricket and listen to some of his many experiences and thoughts on the game, thank you good to chat.
For Shepley Nasir Jamal was the pick of the bowling with 4 for 35 in his 10 overs coming in from the Marsh Lane end.

DEHMEL LOOKING FOR THE BOUNDARY

Tea interval upon us and I elected to pop down to the Coop for some hopper provisions, sarnie, pop and chocolate of course.  It was another chance to view the village and when arrival was made back at the ground it was just in time for the start of the Shepley reply.  A stable start was given a little caution when the first wicket fell at 23 but this brought Oliver Davidson to the wicket to join Brenton Thompson and it was 115 before the latter went for 54.  So a very familiar feel to Cawthorne's innings.  The change bowling of Khan had brought the breakthrough in his second over and he added a further wicket in the same over to leave the home side at 120 for 3 at around the halfway stage.

BRENTON THOMPSON DISPATCHES

Top scorer Thompson, 55, was out in the 38th at 154 for 5 and it would be a matter now of could the visitors dismiss Shepley. 
With ten overs to go The Rams were still 25 short with now just 4 wickets on hand and although they lost a seventh wicket before reaching the target with a sweetly hit 4 the game had produced a slightly tense finish in which Shepley had enough still available to see them home but in which Cawthorne had pushed them all the way.  Time check showed 7.45pm and this had ben one heck of a long day but with 50 minutes to go to my next train I popped off on a little discovery walk around the village, not before thanking todays scorers for their help in some of the stats during the game, thank you! 
As per all good hopping's journey provisions were taken in again at the you know where.  The time on Shepley station was spent viewing Emley Moor as the evening darkness drew in and as we waited to approach Barnsley station it was now dark with a change in Sheffield and the avoidance of late night revellers and drunken blokes we arrived back at base station just after 10pm and arrived back at overall base just shy of 11pm.  This was a long day for a cricket match but an enjoyable visit to Shepley and after all I cant have it both ways when the Hoyalndswaine game finished at 3.30pm the other week here the match served up a full days play, next time though I'm going to turn off the wind blowers!