SPORTING WEEKEND IN PILSLEY

PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS CC 189 FOR 6 BUTTERLEY UNITED CC DID NOT BAT

DCCL DIVISION 6 N/E AT BARLOW HILL PILSLEY SPORTS GROUND

29 AUGUST 2020 --- 1PM

PILSLEY COMMUNITY 0 NEWTON GEORGE AND DRAGON 6

PSF AT BARLOW HILL PILSLEY SPORTS GROUND

30 AUGUST 2020 --- 1045AM

ANDY ALDIS WITH THE WINDMILL AT SOUTH NORMANTON IN THE DISTANCE

Looking at some of my mates European sporting weekends away whereby a Friday arrival in a cosmopolitan city sees them take in a collection of games over the three days they also consume copious amount of beers, of which I can give a miss, and never having achieved anything like it I thought this weekend was the time for a reply to their efforts. 

So with a gusto and spirit not to be denied my own sporting weekend would take place in the metropolis that is Pilsley in North East Derbyshire.  The former mining village has been a regular on the calendar over the last few weeks as I've had the pleasure of making myself aware of the cricket club but this weekend I would be adding the Sunday league football side who utilise the sporting grounds too.  So much has this become a regular now I'm thinking of contacting Derbyshire County Council to see if I can take out a lease on one of the bus shelters in Lower Pilsley and I could plan an overnight stop into the planning.

STEVE WOOD HITS OUT ON HIS WAY TO TOP SCORING FOR PILSLEY

Saturday lunchtime would give a pretty poor outlook with the forecast for more of the wet stuff from mid afternoon and after all we have been through in the last few months don't you think we could just have some nice weather for the sport especially now with just three Saturdays left in this truncated cricket season.  Indeed the weather in the last week saw a fair few pre-season football games called off and added to that today was Clay Cross Town who were due to entertain Teversal.  So with umbrella in hand and top coat zipped up arrival at a windy Barlow Hill which past readers will know offers a commanding view of the surrounding area to three sides and although blustery there was a threat of some of the dampness to follow.

Last time out Pilsley and Clay Cross inflicted defeat on the league leaders for the first time and today's opponents Butterley United must have been well within their sights and to that effect they got off to a studious and cautious start to build a stable base .  It was 33 for 1 in the thirteenth over when Stephen Eyre was trapped lbw for seven.   As Wood [71] began to open up he was ably supported by the big hitting Andy Aldis [63*] who launched one mighty maximum in the thirty ninth over that's still rolling around in the village centre now I believe.  When Wood fell pushing the score along the home side lost three quick wickets with Tristan Bowers, Will Green always one who fancies taking on the big hits and Gareth Hatton falling cheaply it was left to Pete Lacey [10] to support Aldis who was successful in hitting out and taking the total close to 200.

STEVE WOOD EARLY ON AS HE MAKE HIS WAY TO A SCORE OF 71

It had started to show some sight of rain in the distance as I went on the fifteen minute sabbatical around by the old pit canteen as has become the regular amble during the tea interval but as the walk became an increasingly more damp affair I feared for the second innings.  True to form arrival back at the ground saw players sheltering in any spots they could get cover with all buildings currently closed.

ANDY ALDIS HITTING BIG FOR PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS

At around twenty past four with the rain still coming down, the wind blowing strongly and the light deteriorating the decision was taken to call a halt to proceedings.  A great shame only in cricket can we get near yet so far from a result but in fairness this was a very cold afternoon where you constantly wanted to ask for the heating to be turned on never mind up.

So an abandoned game which I guess in fairness was my first of the season but on the way home with umbrella up against the rain and fighting keeping the protector aloft against the wind it was to be observed that the travelling cars had their lights on so poor was visibility at just before 5pm.

SUMMER CRICKET IN ENGLAND AS OPENER WOOD WRAPS UP

Sunday came and with a bright start things looked more promising although it had to be said that their was still a strong breeze.  Thanks to Pilsley Community manager Phil Barksby the details of the venue and kick off for the extension of the sporting weekend away were gained and the walk that is now becoming a familiar one was undertaken to arrive at Barlow Hill just as the two teams kicked off.

To the far side of the cricket ground is the re conditioned site of the ground Pilsley Community Fc newly promoted from Division 3 of the Chesterfield and District Sunday Football League the side would now look up just one table to entertain Newton George and Dragon who have been performing strongly in recent times and today would visit their near neighbours for a pre-season outing. 

SUNDAY MORNING IF ONLY SATURDAY AFTERNOON HAD BEEN LIKE THIS
NEWTON ON THE ATTACK

As ever with pre-season no team sheets so I wont attempt to guess even though there were a few known regulars in action.  The bright morning made the tangerine of Pilsley and equally impressive kit of Newton who were in grey, white and tangerine further add to the glare of the morning, sadly though no number on the visitors kit.  The early shine though was from the visitors who were testing the Pilsley keeper who was often denying the onslaught single handedly the home sides cause was not helped when their number 12 had to go off after falling heavily while making a fantastic goal line clearance to deny Newton.  Three goals in eight minutes from the half hour mark would send the division one side into a comfortable lead that had really been a fair reflection on their touch and go fast flowing football.

NEWTON KEEPER CLIMBS HIGHEST TO DENY PILSLEY

The second period saw Pilsley gain a little more traction in the proceedings but it was still not enough to deny Newton who doubled their advantage by the final whistle from referee White with goals three minutes into the second half, the highlight a strike with twenty minutes remaining with the outside of the boot and a penalty for handball with three minutes remaining.

This was an impressive performance from newton who again if this side turns up week in week out will be challenging the top spot in division one.  Pilsley should not be too disappointed they came up against one of the stronger sides in the area and will be ok in their new experience in tier two.

So my own sporting weekend may not live up to a trip to some far flung European city but you know what I was home for tea, now where is that number for Derbyshire County Council Estates Department.

ROCHE'S HELP ASHOVER DEFEAT THE LEAGUE LEADERS

ASHOVER BARBARIANS 226 FOR 6 CLOWNE TOWN 136 ALL OUT

DCCL DIVISION 3 N/N AT MILKEN LANE

22 AUGUST 2020 --- 1PM

JACOB ROCHE WITH THE BAT FOR ASHOVER

Ashover secured a convincing win against league leaders Clowne Town with a victory margin of ninety runs thanks to a sterling effort with the bat from Alex Flint [42] and after a late flurry from Ben and Jacob Roche to get the score above two hundred they each then swept through the visitors with four wickets apiece.  

SOME PEOPLE JUST DO CRICKET SPECTATING RIGHT AS CLOWNE FANS PROVED GUARDING AGAINST ALL WEATHERS

With an indifferent weather forecast and the enticing pre-season friendly between Tibshelf Fc and Bakewell Town in the diary for a few weeks the plodding along to Shetland Way was in the diary.  However thankfully on the morning a quick check revealed the disappointing news that Tibshelf had pulled out of the fixture that would have pitted MRA against CMFL, so once again a home fixture will have to wait but a wasted journey was avoided.  There was another football game but with the end of this short cricket season close by the enticing encounter between in form Ashover and league leaders from Clowne the only danger would be the heavy showers and blustery wind on the three mile walk along country roads to Milken Lane.  As previous blog readers will vouch for this walk to Ashover, although steep in places, is a breath of fresh air and with just one very brief downpour arrival at the ground was just short of an hour after setting off.  Of note today though was the alpacas seem to have gone on holiday nowhere in sight on the descent into the village.

ALEX FLINT TOP SCORING BATSMAN FOR ASHOVER BARBARIANS

With a football match taking place on the overlapping pitch all was moved away by start time and the umpires were well on time before the 1pm start to give any stragglers in the watching crowd the hint to move along.  As ever a convincing start from Jack Fletcher [19] and the ever big hitting of Russell Cooke [36] got the home side away to a good opening the latter was looking to move it along and as he went through the gears this time he fell before he could do any more damage to the visitors caught by captain Adam White off the bowling of Harry Wilson.  The score at this stage had reached 80  and in the thirteenth over the visitors needed to slow the run rate down and limit the extras total.  The latter was something they would not be able to do and ended up with 63 of which 54 comprised of non fielding extras and so that column top scored in the end for Ashover and resulted in Clowne probably bowling around seven extra overs something that was reflected in their overs taking just ten minutes short of three hours to complete.

JOSEPH KINSEY CLOWNE TOWN CC

When Elliot Dickens and Jack Fletcher departed within close proximity it brought Flint and Darren Parkin [37] to the crease for a stand of 90 before the former was run out by the latter who seemed uninterested in what looked a comfortable second.  One wicket brought a second again and at 198 for 5 with two with just over two overs left the score was looking a little shy of a fair total against the league leaders.  Ian Miller went for a single and this brought brothers Ben [15] and Jacob Roche [5] to the crease with a late bit of hitting from the former secured Ashover a total nicely into the two hundreds.

It looked a little short of what I thought they would defend against Clowne but after the obligatory walk around the lovely village the arrival back must have been a little early as even after seeing Mr Bown the butcher packing away the players were still not out to see the reply.

THE CLASH OF THE SEASONS BEGINS

The visitors lost Oliver Turnbull early on bowled by Roche [J] but it was skipper Adam White [31] who was getting into the mood to take the attack to the home side before he edged to second slip and the grateful hands of John Green again of Roche [J] and with batsman number 3 keeper Ben Lodge falling caught and bowled to Roche [B] shortly before with the score also on 51 the visitors needed a solid middle order to try to rescue proceedings. 

CLOWNE CAPTAIN ADAM WHITE DEFENDS HIS WICKET

The pressure mounted as wickets fell at regular intervals although there was a smart little knock from Joseph Kinsey [40] who tried to galvanise the response to the Roche brothers however when he fell off the bowling of Ian Miller it was no surprise to find the taker of the catch was a Roche, Jacob, adding three catches this afternoon to a superb performance.  The final total for Town saw the last three wickets all fall on it and when Curtis Botham was bowled just short of a quarter to seven the final accolade would be taken by Roche [J] with Ashover collecting 27 points and second place in the division with a superb effort against a Clowne side who will be determined to put this result behind them next week at Holmesfield.

Added to their cameo with the bat for the home side the Roche's finished with impressive bowling figures Ben 4 for 27 and Jacob 4 for 26.

BLOWN OVER SIGHT SCREEN REPLACEMENT MAY NOT BE AS EASY AS FIRST THOUGHT

For the second week running like at Pilsley and Clay Cross in last weeks game the league leaders suffered defeat to sides whose pedigree appears to be rising every week its just a shame that this shortened season is soon to close.  Once again though today the game of cricket was the winner as both sides gave of their best with the weather holding out apart from a very brief stoppage in the Ashover innings and a sharp downpour taking out around ten minutes in the Clowne reply.  Although the erratic blustery wind did amazingly blew over a sight screen something that was not as easy to immediately put back in place as a the slats would drop out of their guides as the structure was put back into its upright position.

JONATHAN TAYLOUR EIGHT OVERS FOR ASHOVER

IVANHOE AND MUTTON REMAIN UNDEFEATED IN PRE SEASON

NEW TUPTON IVANHOE 2 MUTTON FC 2

PSF AT LANGER LANE

20 AUGUST 2020 --- 6.30PM

EARLY MATCH ACTION FROM NEW TUPTON IVANHOE V MUTTON FC

Pre season has been good to both these teams so far but it was New Tupton Ivanhoe who were thankful when Marc Bright popped up to fire home a sweet finish in the final minute to protect their undefeated run going against a Mutton Fc who had lead the game since twenty five minutes into this workmanlike encounter.  The Chesterfield Sunday League side would be upset not to hang on after they had the advantage for most of the game but Tupton would prove hard to beat adding to their worth going forward into the new Hope Valley League [HVL] season.

A brisk forty five minute noisy walk alongside the A61 would see a departure from the Tupton sides North Derbyshire base just over the council border into Chesterfield territory to Langer Lane a ground that hosts their HVL games and making this close to a home fixture as a sizable following came along from Hasland the base for Mutton Fc.  The Tupton side have just had the proud recognition from Deerbyshire County FA as being the club of the year, to add to their Charter Standard status, something that resonates through their thirteen sides of which the senior side sits at the top of the set up.  The club obviously have a need for pitches and in the last couple of years have developed a brand new pitch at their North Side base and have played some trial games their in the last few weeks.  The ultimate hope is that when changing rooms are installed the seniors side will move back to its natural geographical base. 

THE SCENE IS SET FOR MORE PRE SEASON ACTION

The 'away' side Mutton Fc will start their league campaign in just overt three weeks and came to their new name from their former title of Hasland Community A but now based out of the famous former Brampton Brewery establishment in the village and one I can say I enjoyed a few visits to in the 90's.  

The focal point to know you have arrived in the vicinity of the ground is Linda Stores on the junction of Langer Lane and the A61 a regular stop for many in the area for their renowned take away hot cobs having had no tea I did manage to resist the temptation though with the shop still open.  The pitch it has to be said was looking in fine condition and was well marked out and after a rest for a season or so back Chesterfield Borough Council do seem to have done a good job with the surface.  Of course tonight with the current situation continuing changing rooms etc are out of bounds so kits and bags are all pitch side as we kick off just a few minutes after the allotted time.

WALLER CONVERTS HIS SECOND

Mutton had sent their players out with the instruction to 'enjoy it its only a pre-season friendly' well they started out with a real determination that had the home side on the back foot from the off.  The HVL side were in shock just after twenty five minutes they found themselves two goals down the first as we entered double figures on the clock saw Liam Waller force the ball home at the near post and the second another close range conversion that found the prolific front man in the right place at the right time again to double the advantage.  To be fair at this stage Tupton were not in the game and appeared to be being out bossed all over the pitch they had gone close with a Jim Bown header just over from a right wing corner but then out of nowhere scored the goal of the game when just shy of the half hour mark when Max Jackson raced into the left half of the penalty box being well marshalled by the Mutton defender, however he took a stride in advance of his marker and unleashed an unstoppable shot past Andy Topham to reduce the arrears. 

BOWN GOES CLOSE WITH A RISING HEADER

Half time was probably a blessing for the home side having reduced the deficit they could gather again whereas for Mutton Fc disappointment having conceded in a game they had commanded from the off.  

MUTTON CONTINUE THE POSSESSION

The second period was a strange affair with little in the area of goalmouth action but what it did not lack was a sheer determination from both sides who committed heavily to what was now a battle for dominance something that the visitors still seemed to be winning.  Referee Bradley Maw came into the encounter when he cautioned a Mutton player for a late challenge and then when they thought they had won a penalty after the attacker raced into the box he appeared to be felled but to the dismay of the Hasland following referee Maw showed the attacker a yellow card for simulation.  Moments later the visitors were reduced to ten men for the same amount of minutes as they had a player sin binned for dissent.

DEFENSIVE ACTION REQUIRED FROM TUPTON

Back to the football and Mutton would strike a post when a free kick off the left eluded everybody and amazingly bounced back off the woodwork though a collection of players and to safety.  With the constant collection of changes to the fore it was Mutton who still looked good value for their lead and Tupton were not really advancing.

THE WOODWORK SAVES IVANHOE

 

That was until the final minute when the ever pacey Wright turned up to fire a sharp effort past Topham to level the scores in a quite remarkable way.  Overall Mutton would be more than pleased with their showing over the ninety minutes if not the final result and for Ivanhoe's it was a game in which they never gave up and proved that with a battle to the end attitude their season in The HVL may be more productive than recent ones if pre-season if anything to go by.  Daft to make early predictions but if both these sides can keep together and have at their disposal the squads they had tonight both Mutton and Ivanhoe's will not be far off the top of their respective leagues.

TUPTON JUST ABOUT CLEAR UNDER MUTTON PRESSURE

PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS WORTHY WINNERS OVER LEAGUE LEADERS

PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS 130 FOR 7 RIDDINGS 129 ALL OUT

DCCL DIVISION 6 N/E AT BARLOW HILL PILSLEY SPORTS GROUND

15 AUGUST 2020 --- 1PM

JOHN WORTHY TAKES THE LAST RIDDINGS WICKET TO COMPLETE A FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE

Pilsley and Clay Cross recorded their first league win of the season thanks to a fantastic team effort but they were ultimately grateful to the experienced John Worthy who slowed down the league leaders fast progress and then took half a dozen wickets to see them crumble and in the process he returned career best bowling figures added to this he then contributed a valuable twenty with the bat to give Pilsley a three wicket victory and 27 points.

Setting off to this game with the usual brisk 45 minute walk it would be an overcast and murky day in North Derbyshire with a cold chill and the option for a coat had to be taken.  The choice between cricket and football was made and a visit to the welcoming Pilsley was decided upon, having secured a game on Thursday night and with cricket a clear option today with no clear rain forecast.  

Having covered the two local pits and little history of the area and with this blog normally featuring other points of local interest I was struggling to come up with anything but I shouldn't have worried today would end up being very much again about the cricket and a turn up for the books.  Visitors and league leaders Riddings were undefeated and with Pilsley and Clay Cross [PCCCC] having no victory in their locker they sat second from bottom of the table you had to fear for a difficult afternoon for the latter, but as ever sport as a habit of delivering the unexpected.

Just to add the small snippet of interest and this may only be for 'locals' here I decided with twenty minutes to the start time and probably five minutes away to veer off on a small diversion up Locko Lane and to reminisce about the former large Waterloo Hotel, named after this area of the village.  The establishment sat on top of a steep rise in the road that commanded a superb view over the surrounding area sadly now disappearing due to further house building.  Having been demolished a fair few years back a large gathering of apartment blocks appear on the site and now carry the former public houses name.  Just above is an unclaimed road with a large row of terraced houses running at the opposite direction to Locko Road and although called The Acres I can only assume they were houses for the nearby Pilsley colliery, but that may be me assuming to far.  Coming back onto Rupert Street just shy of The Star public house the arrival at the ground was conveniently timed as the first delivery was due to take place by Pilsley captain Tristan Bowers.

TWO WICKETS FOR PCCCC CAPTAIN TRISTAN BOWERS

Lets make no bones about the opening overs PCCCC were in danger of going for 250 plus and after 10 overs the visitors aggressive hitting had seen them secure a score of 85 for 2.  The opening two wickets seeing Bowers dismiss both openers Tom Spencer and Ady Elks leg before.  Their replacements, captain, Chris Steele [42] and Terry Gainey [36] threatened to take the game away from the home side and they were 105 for 2 at one stage.  Changes were needed to slow Riddings running away with the game before the half way stage of their innings was reached and the masterstroke was to bring on the experienced Worthy and then in tandem with Gareth Hutton.  Not only did these two slow the run rate down they forced a quite amazing collapse from the top of the table side.  Gainey was first to go for Worthy to secure his first while fellow strike partner Steele fell to Hatton who dislodged his bails.  When two batsman go close together its often the time to re gather yourself but nothing could have foreseen this collapse that saw the remaining half a dozen batsman all dismissed for ducks.  With Worthy bowling Aaron Needham, having Daniel Jackson caught by keeper Richard Lee before Bowers took an excellent catch racing out to collect a skier with the ball coming over his shoulder for a wonderful take to send back Dan Parkin.  At this point I have to apologise the camera was in the bag and I was taking a bit of time to just watch the game. 

PILSLEY CLOSE IN FIELDERS READY

Worthy would see Jamie Simpson lbw before It was time for bowling partner Hutton, who returned 2 for 2 in 4 overs, to dismiss Ryan Cox caught behind and then Worthy would wrap up the visitors innings with Adrain Head bowled leaving last man Dean Tebbitts stranded on of course no score.  By the end of that display Worthy had returned 6 for 13 in 8.2 overs which would see his best return at senior cricket if the bar had been open he would I'm sure had a few drinks bought for him.  

An amazing turn around had seen Riddings bowled out in 25.2 overs in just over ninety minutes from what seemed an unassailable position after ten overs. 

STEVE WOOD FOR PCCCC FENDS OFF THE RIDDINGS BOWLING ATTACK

Could the home side take this challenge on board and get a first victory or in the worst case scenario hold on for a draw only time would tell and after a tea interval mini walk around by the old pit canteen again arrival back at the ground twenty minutes later would be in time for the PCCCC reply.

With the visitors fired up for this it would take patience and the home side showed that with a cautious start defending against Dan Parkin and Dean Tebbitts.  Opener Pete Lacey couldn't wait much longer and he lofted one to mid on off Parkin after his resolve was tested.  Man of the match Worthy came in prepared to guide anything high and slightly wide of the off stump over the slips and he added a valuable 20 to the scorecard before trying the shot once too often and was caught by Ady Elks off of Parkin with the score on 50 for 2.  Riddings made the bowling change with Ryan Cox who dismissed the ever patient Steve Wood [13] with his first ball leg before he then removed Daniel Haslam with a full toss that was snapped up by Tebbitts.  This brought captain Bowers [26] out to join Andy Aldis [23] at the crease and these two steadied the ship while keeping the scoreboard moving.

JOHN WORTHY NOW FOR THE BATTING

With the score reaching the psychological plus of three figures Bowers was opening up but sadly fell caught by Adrain Head off of Cox and it was 103 for 5 in 29 overs.  No need to panic.  However when Aldis went caught by Elks off the bowling of Chris Steele PCCCC were still fourteen runs shy of victory and there was a degree of nervousness.

ANDY ALDIS A VITAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE PCCCC VICTORY

It was very tense and tight now, certainly watching from the boundary edge with increasingly cold hands, but the equation was simple it was averaging two an over with four wickets in hand from the last five overs.  But that simple it was not as Riddings tightened the screw with sharp fielding and PCCCC were finding it difficult to get the ball away to that effect Will Bedford tried to force the scoring and was caught by Daniel Jackson of Steele trying to loft the ball away off his legs, 125 for 7.  It was time for Thomas Wildgoose [5] to join Gareth Hatton [8] at the crease and with three overs remaining four was needed with three and thankfully the former found the boundary and my hands could warm up again.

BOWERS LAUNCHES HIMSELF INTO THE BOWLING

A quiet remarkable game from the superb start made by Riddings that threatened a very one side encounter to a super comeback assisted by Hatton but seen through by Worthy who then chipped in with the bat as things looked edgy at the start of PCCCC and their reply.  To the end the visitors remained competitive and they knew from earlier on in the day that wickets could tumble under pressure.  Thankfully on this occasion PCCCC stuck to their task and gained a superb victory that their efforts deserved.  At the end of the day though cricket was the winner in this excellent game and both sides take credit for that.

WILL BEDFORD LOOKS TO GET THE BALL AWAY

HARLINGTON HITS FOUR FOR CALVER

GRASSMOOR SPORTS 3 CALVER 4

PSF AT BARNES PARK

11 AUGUST 2020 --- 6.30PM

CALVER MAN OF THE MATCH HARLINGTON RACES THROUGH

Dave Harlington hit an impressive four goals as Hope Valley League side Calver Fc secured their first win in the clubs pre-season campaign on a red hot evening in North Derbyshire.  A brace in each half was enough to give the visitors a comfortable lead before Grassmoor secured a late goal to narrow the final score line.

Grassmoor Sports as a club would welcome a second Hope Valley side after last weeks outing against neighbours New Tupton Ivanhoe who make up a small collection of sides who compete in the league but are out of the 'natural' Peak District area of the competition, indeed Calver start their campaign in a month away to Pilsley Community in Stonebroom to bring the club back into the suburbs again.  For the home side The Chesterfield Sunday League as of yet has no start scheduled with a meeting planned to decide this shortly.

On a humid and red hot night when moving your small finger was enough to bring you out in a sweat the twenty five minute walk to Barnes Park was undertaken with some trepidation but arrival was made fairly comfortably ten minutes before kick off.

During last season I found myself taking an increased interest in the grassroots levels below step seven and I have to say with local travel being the order of the day in pre-season and who knows for how long in the current climate the response from all the clubs to fixture questions has been fantastic and I include tonight's visitors in this comment.

Towards the end of last seasons there was a move by The Hope Valley League after a decimated season due to the wet weather to complete fixtures and clubs who had not played home or away would take on an emergency fixture by playing both games on a one hour basis with a small break in between.  To that unique effect I had planned to take in what turned out to be the final game at Calver before the season was curtailed but this didn't happen for me.

Calver as a village was always a journey towards the Peak District with my parents and my auntie and uncle as a youngster and going through the crossroads it always seemed like a start of the journey and when you came back through a return to nearly home territory, plus there was always the chance of calling back at The Eyre Arms for pop and crisps.  As an aside to that the garden centre and sweet shop outside serving Bradwells ice cream made the former more bearable.

MORE ACTION WITH A RIGHT WING CROSS IN THE FIRST HALF

So to tonight's game both sides I guess will make changes in personnel and positional play the visitors came to this game off the back of a 3-3 draw at home to Railway and as a club Sports from a home loss to Ivanhoes.  As ever its more or less impossible to trouble sides for teams with changes as well in pre-season games so apologies for any poor spellings etc.

Grassmoor started strongly and Calver looked out of sorts this may have been the warm travelling conditions that had made it difficult to start refreshed but just past the quarter of an hour mark it was the visitors who took the lead when the home keeper misplaced his clearing pass and Harlington nipped into to fire home his first of the game.  More or less immediately Sports were level a foul just inside the box allowed the ever youthful former Chesterfield player David Hoole the chance to convert from the spot.  A convincing finish from a player who clearly showed his pedigree tonight after his professional career at Saltergate in the eighties.

It would be the visitors who went into the break with a one goal advantage when Harlington was again alert on hesitancy in the home defence and he raced on to round the keeper before firing into the empty net.

As the heat continued to beat down Grassmoor were level within three minutes of the re-start with their second penalty converted this time by Toby Dawes.  As the goals flowed it was a move with an identical descriptor which was finished off by a text book header from Harlington to complete his hat trick following a lovely cross from Littlewood.  He made it four on 53 minutes when Owen set up the frontman to convert comfortably.  It looked a great move to show the Hundall cricketer a strikers role and having seen club at Ashover Barbarians a few weeks ago a bit of research found that it was the only game he had not tuned out for so far for this season.  

The game drifted away a little in the closing stages from the visitors point of view as Grassmoor continued to play some lovely football and their efforts were well rewarded by a lovely cross goal shot that flew in at the far corner by the number 5.

A morale boosting victory for Calver with the star of the night Harlington claiming the man of the match performance by virtue of his four goals.

FIRST HALF BALANCING ACT

With the light fading more sharply than lastThursday night the final whistle brought the chance for a take on of water for the players who had displayed fantastic resilience to the conditions in this pre-season game that had provided some entertaining football and a chance to catch up with another Hope Valley League side.

SECOND HALF ACTION WITH CALVER ON THE ATTACK

WARSOP TON GIVES PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS THE UPPER HAND

PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS 236 FOR 7 SHIPLEY HALL 2'S 150 FOR 4

DCCL DIV 6 N/E AT BARLOW HILL PILSLEY SPORTS GROUND

8 AUGUST 2020 --- 1PM

JACK WARSOP ON HIS WAY TO A CENTURY FOR PILSLEY

Despite a century from Jack Warsop Pilsley and Clay Cross could not find that elusive first league victory of the season and had to settle for a winning draw against Shipley Hall 2's who held out at 150 for 4 and also remain in search of their first win.

The last visit to Barlow Hill a couple of weeks previous saw an umbrella almost permanently aloft and on the return journey I spotted the superb little memorial garden to the local pits further down on Rupert Street and made a note that on any return I would gather a picture of this fantastic effort.  So with warm weather forecast the 'brolly was firmly placed in its holder along side its fellow rain beaters.  The walk of approximately fifty minutes would see me arrive at the memorial pit tubs just a few minutes before the ground as was mentioned in the previous blog the former Pilsley Colliery was just over the road from the sports grounds and closed in 1957.  However Parkhouse Colliery was just a field or two away from the sight screen at the Clay Cross end of the ground closed later in 1962 but is always remembered for its disaster on 7 November 1882 when 45 men and boys died deep down in the pit.  Later years would see CMFL football side take on the name although not really with any pit reference more a colloquial reference before a change to its current title Clay Cross Town FC.

THE IMPRESSIVE MEMORIAL TO PILSLEY AND PARKHOUSE COLLIERIES

Onto the cricket and with both sides seeking that first victory the home team must have been showing some confidence of finding that first maximum especially when the visitors were a little short of a full compliment.  However it was good to see a team representing Shipley Hall after a few years ago blogging the T20 county finals there and meeting the long term club man Francis Peter Young a fine servant to his club and the game.

With no weather problems today the major issue would be the heat on this exposed ground the views would be hazy rather than covered in constantly drifting rain showers as per the last encounter with Lower Pilsley.

THE SCENE IS SET

Pilsley rattled off to a confident start with the scoreboard regularly clicking over or in today's climate the buttons were pushed for the electronic display to change its numerical order.  The first five overs went for 39 runs and although there was a slight restriction in the flow in which Ian Knowles went for 38 the overall score was always on the plus side with Warsop taking his opportunities well.  At the half way stage the score had moved to 121 for 2 with Steve Wood [7] the other batsman sent back to the pavilion.  Captain Tristan Bowers came in for a quickfire 20, Sam Doy secured 5 while Will Green [14] was again dismissed by a boundary catch this time an excellent running effort.  Warsop fell on the last ball of over 31 shortly after securing three figures from 95 balls with a dozen 4's and three maximums a sterling effort on a energy sapping afternoon.

STEVE WOOD CONCENTRATES

John Worthy hit a valuable 25 from just over half the deliveries to his total and when his partner Pete Lacey was run out for 4 captain Bowers had seen enough and declared the home sides innings after 34.4 overs, a decision that would mean Shipley would face the additional five overs giving Pilsley the chance to close in on that first victory.

TRISTAN BOWERS FRONT FOOT FORWARD FOR THE SWEEP

The Shipley reply could have been seen to have been in trouble at 31 for 2 but a third wicket partnership of 68 was enough to steady the ship and with the loss of just one more wicket the visitors held on batting out their adjusted 45 overs to finish on 150 for 4.  In the process of trying to take the full set of wickets needed captain Bowers used eight bowlers but it wouldn't be enough to deny Shipley Hall a defensive display that would give them confidence going forward too.

BAT HELD HIGH TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPLAUSE FOR HIS CENTURY JACK WARSOP

For Pilsley this was, although a winning draw, probably disappointing to not secure a victory against a side who had to bat out the additional overs but the confidence from a big total and the century from opener Warsop will probably outweigh that.  The visitors were batted out of the game with the total posted but would be pleased that they were not dismissed cheaply or within their allotted overs and more than survived for the draw.

SAM DOY PILSLEY AND CLAY CROSS CC

A humid afternoon with a two and a half mile walk to base followed by a spell in the shade and a glass of refreshing council pop.  This Saturday coming Pilsley are at home again against Riddings and with the continuation of local sport during the current climate hopefully it wont be too long before a revisit is

scheduled in to Rupert Street.

HEAT MIST NOT RAIN THIS WEEK

IVANHOES IN CONFIDENT START

GRASSMOOR SPORTS 1 NEW TUPTON IVANHOE 6

PSF AT BARNES PARK

6 AUGUST 2020 --- 6.30PM    

A CONFIDENT START FOR THE TUPTON MANAGEMENT 

An encouraging start for Hope Valley League side New Tupton Ivanhoe with a comfortable victory over Chesterfield Sunday League neighbours Grassmoor Sports at Barnes Park on a sultry evening.

Almost exactly a year ago the local pre-season derby saw Iavnhoe travel to Clay Cross for a fixture against the 'United' of that town a game that the latter surprisingly won tonight though Tupton kicked off with confident start.  As per most of my recent sport it would appear that the order of the time would be more grassroots variety and the small walk to Grassmoor via the double incline of Hagg Hill was undertaken.. Approaching Barnes Park via the site of the former, in days of old, local cinema and the still current Boot and Shoe the park showed up looking fairly busy with footballers, practicing cricketers and skate park attendees.  

Grassmoor is a smaller village than Tupton but as of course many of the villages in these parts was built up around its pit and then when that close the adjacent carbonisation plant was the source of employment until that closed.  It is also the start of the previously blog mentioned Five Pits Trail and was the former home of Paul Burrell the butler to Diana Princess of Wales.

Barnes Park tonight's venue was now in sight and looking fairly busy with footballers, cricketers and skate park attendees.

Grassmoor is smaller than Tupton but as per many of the villages around these parts was built up around its pit when that closed subsequent employment was found at the adjacent carbonsiation plant until its also shut.  The village is the start of the previously mentioned Five Pits Trail and its famous former resident is Paul Burrell the butler to Diana Princess of Wales.

GRASSMOOR TEST OUT THE TUPTON WALL

Just for the record most bloggers seem to be recording how many days since their last football match well here goes its 152 for me and a journey back to the early days of March when departure from Langwith Road Shirebrook would see the end of the curtailed 19/20 season.  With some caution about re entering the football arena and with limitations my early decision was to go to proper 'grassroots' football and having taken in the Ivanhoe's pre season game last year tonight seemed as good an option as any.

Ivanhoe started strongly and had the upper hand for most of the opening 45 minutes something backed up by their two nil half time lead courtesy of a Lewis Bramwell brace.  An opening close range effort after just ten minutes was met by a sweet lofted strike from the edge of the box seven minutes later that drifted over the Grassmoor keeper.

With the copious amount of subs as in all pre-season friendlies there was a rest for the impressive Bramwell at the start of the second half but more than catching the eye now was the speedy Marc Bright who also seemed to be able to deliver a nice cross from out wide too.  It was Bright who added the third after the Grassmoor keeper had superbly pushed a Tupton effort onto the bar he fired home the lose ball within two minutes of the restart.  Five minutes later former Clay Cross Town keeper Charlie Clayton playing in a outfield role all keepers seem to desire fired home to make it four without reply, the celebration towards his touchline teammates may need a bit of practice though.  It was five when Joe Holmes nestled the ball in the back of the net before Clayton popped up again with a clinical cross goal strike that flew past the Grassmoor keeper with twenty minutes remaining.  

Grassmoor had the better of the closing stages a left hand corner form the 15 was played back in by the number 4 and a sharp finish from the red shirted number 7 provided a consolation goal.  In the final minutes Clayton found himself back between the sticks as the Ivanhoe's keeper retired injured from proceedings and he was grateful for the cross bar as the home side rattled it with an edge of the box shot.

IVANHOES CLAYTON WHEELS AWAY AFTER CELEBRATING HIS FIRST GOAL

First ninety minutes of the season and how was it.  Well I cannot say I was comfortable I made the assessment that park football would be best with plenty of movement allowed and of course the restrictions of steps 1-7 of no spectators currently would probably push hoppers into watching at venues similar to this.  Having made the decision to walk to sporting fixtures currently it would limit the options in footballing and cricket terms and I guess going forward many of these sides will have but a handful of spectators in attendance.   

Tonight I stood a good few yards behind one goal away from most of those attending and with both teams sensibly taking up opposite sides of the pitch it did limit gatherings well.  The park though was busy with the skate park well populated, dog walkers meandering around and the cricket club training added to this a warm evening bringing people out that will I guess not be walking through similar venues on a wet November afternoon.

Cricket seemed to be ready to start although I guess they were more or less in season and eager to get going and although there are many of the ECB guidelines that need re-reading it appears as with anything some clubs proceed well.  In relation to football I guess many including players will not have looked at the FA instructions which is a shame because like cricket some clubs some will follow them and others wont,  I would urge all clubs and players to read them.  From a conversation with an official at the local senior non league side I know they are looking at all possibilities to take on board a full raft of safety measures on match day and this is very encouraging because if this season is to start or even finish clubs must take on board the guidelines.

Here tonight I let the ball roll past me without retrieving it on a few occasions, as in cricket, I did mention to one passing spectator who gave me a strange look at my non retrieval the FA regulations to protect all parties involved, but who knows how many have read them.

Tight non league grounds I believe will possibly be uncomfortable whereas grounds with space around them and with officials who are well versed and organised will feel more comfortable added to this step 8 and below plus Sunday league will get probably more comfortable when the colder weather returns and it will be just the hardy characters frequenting the local park pitches. 

So a good start for New Tupton Ivanhoes with Grassmoor showing some encouraging signs in the second half too lets hope football will come good and see an entertaining 20/21 season for both of these sides who put on an entertaining encounter tonight. 

ROCHE SETS ASHOVER VICTORY UP FOR COOKE TO DELIVER

ASHOVER BARBARIANS 145 FOR 0 HOLMESFIELD 141 ALL OUT

DCCL DIV 3 N/N AT MILKEN LANE

1 AUGUST 2020 --- 1PM

JACOB ROCHE GAINS THE WICKET OF MATT DAFT ON HIS WAY TO A FIVE WICKET HAUL

Captain Russell Cooke once again starred in the home sides devastating win with nearly seventeen overs to spare they reached the target without losing a wicket and it was a century from Cooke which saw a winning maximum scored that allowed him to reach 100 not out and at the same time gather the 22 points for the home side who secure consecutive Milken Lane wins.  But today's victory was set up by a superb bowling display from Jacob Roche who claimed a 'fifer' for just 21 runs in his allotted ten overs.

DAN HOLMES HOLMESFIELD OPENER HOLDS THE POSE

So for the third time this season and the second week running the thoroughly enjoyable three mile walk to beautiful Ashover was embarked upon and with this week the additional memory awakened of a family member who purchased the former Ashover Zoo to re-tell an added stride was in my step, especially handy for those steeper climbs.  The journey is now attracting constant efforts to achieve it in sub one hour and its pretty close depending if there is any miss appropriation in timing points or comfort breaks.  The usual route found the alpacas in place and as the ground came into view it appeared Derby Caravan Club where in a nearby field.  With fine weather forecast the inevitable happened with the first hour seeing a constant dodge of light showers that threatened from the west but thankfully not sharp enough to take the sides off.

ENGLISH SUMMERTIME RETURNS WITH LITTLE SHOCKS FOR THE PREPARED

It would appear Ashover like to chase and that may appear the best option on this wicket but for Holmesfield who arrived undefeated it looked like being a stern challenge for an improving home side.

Indeed the visitors got off to a solid start before losing opener Mayank Sharma with the score on 42 caught by Roche [J] off opening bowler Jon Branson.

TAKE THAT

The innings then stumbled under the influence of Roche [J] he bowled fellow opener Dan Holmes and when he sent the stumps flying of Matt Daft and Joe Poste without scoring Holmesfield were reeling at 48 for 4. The fifteenth over had been a remarkable three wicket maiden with once again a bowler on a hat trick the third time this season and the third time it had not happened in a game attended.  Branson returned the favour to Roche by grabbing a catch offered by visiting captain Jimmy Pearson for a duck and when the efforts of Williams Helliwell were finally ended by a sharp caught and bowled from Jonathan Taylour the same player also bowled David Ward and it was damage limitation at 73 for 7.

JACON ROCHE SECURES HIS THIRD WICKET BOWLING JO POSTE

There was a sterling effort from Russel Parker [35] and Nick Crapper [25] which rescued Holmesfield towards the end of the innings the latter became Roche's fifth wicket.  As partners ran out for Parker he was bowled by John Green four ballS short of the forty overs which had seen the visitors achieve an in the end respectable 141 all out.

RUSSEL PARKER LOOKS TO ANGLE ONE AROUND THE CORNER

Ashover Zoo I know it sounds unbelievable but over the previous two visits I had taken the picture of the former house and gardens that housed this remarkable set up.  It was a property that I had been privileged to go into after a family friend bought it in the early 70's after the zoo had closed.  I well remember the families efforts to restore this property over the next two years something which meant them living in a large holiday type caravan in the grounds while trying to hold down jobs as well.  In the end in the owners words he 'just ran out of money'.  The tales he told fascinated a younger me about the property being a former zoo and although I have always known this surprisingly I had never done any further research until speaking to the family friend on the morning before this game and mentioning the property.  It sits superbly on top of the hill at Ashover with excellent views over the Matlock main road, village and surrounding area and is the most prominent property in sight from the cricket ground.

THE FORMER HOME OF ASHOVER ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS NOW A FANTASTIC RESIDENCE

Also known as Pan's Gardens the establishment was set up in 1955 and closed down in 1972 with its residents the Keeling family, Clinton and his wife Jill had a selection of exotic animals including I believe monkeys and I seem to remember our friend mentioning larger ferocious animals although that may have got lost in time translation.  There are certainly mentions of former visitors and employees of animals being in sections of the house although these were of birds in the kitchen and water based animals in the bath, as well of course within the grounds.  It would appear that groups and schools would visit and in later years Mr Keeling would go to educational establishments to give talks to impart his knowledge, he would it seems have been an interesting character.  The family interest clearly passed onto his son Jeremy who is the co founder and animal director of Dorset Monkey World.  An amazing little piece of history from a small rural village in a time when many of these creatures would only have been viewable for most people in books.

CAPTAIN FANTASTIC COOKE SECURES VICTORY AND A CENTURY WITH A MAXIMUM

So after a wander around the village in the tea interval and some further views of the wonderful properties time was well judged as Ashover were just about to embark on what looked like a fair challenge.  However as per last week if Cooke gets away he will hit big and confidently with the able support of Jack Fletcher who holds up in a supporting role these two can be a danger to any opposition.

The second over of the innings saw Sharma concede seventeen runs and at 23 without loss the Barbarians were off to a great start.  Although Holmesfield did pull it back somewhat with three consecutive maidens one for Sharma and the others for Nick Crapper.   At the ten over stage Ashover were setting a pace at 4 an over and providing nothing untoward happened were well on target.  Slowly but surely Cooke increased his tempo even more with some mighty blows all around the Parish grounds and into the adjoining showgrounds requiring a few stone wall climbs to retrieve, indeed one straight maximum disturbed the grazing sheep by the pavilion end but Cooke didn't care he was enjoying this too much, as were most of the spectators,  

As partner Fletcher [33] came out of his supportive shell his strike rate was increasing and with a few wides thrown in to the equation Cooke was looking like he may be stranded in the nineties.  Thankfully he secured a single off the last ball of over 22 and with three required to win he was a maximum short of his century.  The second ball of over 23 was sent down by Archie Crapper a nice full toss but cometh the hour cometh the man as Cooke launched it for just about the straightest maximum you could achieve and the sheep were disturbed once again as the Barbarians captain held his bat aloft and victory was achieved.

MESSERS MARSHALL AND THOMPSON LOOKING SMART ON A BRIGHT AFTERNOON

This had been a wonderful display from Cooke and add to that the bowling of Roche [J] a dominant victory by an Ashover side who in this form are now looking like the side to stop in this mini season.

Return was achieved in sub one hour and just for the record the alpacas are still not talking to me.