League leaders Ockbrook and Borrowash show their class as they defeat a spirited Alfreton side.

It’s never an easy task for a newly promoted side to come up against an established premier league side and the assignment was made harder with the loss of captain Jake Simpson this week. He was replaced as leader by Tom New and in came Ben Rudkin as a replacement player. The only other change was Ryan Newton in for Tom Bexton in rotation. Matt New is unfortunately still out injured.

Ockbrook won the toss and surprisingly elected to bowl first on what was a good pitch. Premier league Stalwart Gareth Young (2-22) opened up down the hill and was economical as ever from his 12 overs. Derbyshire quick Dustin Melton (2-42) took his long run up from the Wingfield Road end as he faced up against the opening pair of Woolley (14) and Tom New (20). At 33-0 Alfreton looked in an ok position but a collapse saw the home side limp to 54-4. A rebuild was needed and Joe New led a small rally with 36 runs along with the dangerous hitting of Comins (32) but from a poor start Alfreton was their undoing as they only managed to sneak 184-7 from their 50 overs.

The seasoned Ockbrook batting line up then took to the field with wicket-keeper Mykylo Bird (61) and veteran Luke Harvey (30) surviving many early LBW shouts, much to the displeasure of the Alfreton players. Once the openers had departed thanks to Asim’s (2-52) leg spin and Joe New’s (2-63) seamers, Ockbrook had a mini collapse of their own and 116-4 from 89-0, there was a glimmer of hope for the newly promoted side. Berlusconi (55*) and Conners (18) however put paid to that idea and the pair bludgeon quick runs to help get last seasons premier league runners-up over the line and the victory.

Definitely a move on from the Alrewas defeat last week for Alfreton but it doesn’t get any easier this week though as the first XI come up against another top side in Denby. They start at 12:00 on 14th May at the Copper Yard, Denby.

The 2nds are at home on the Asha Oval, Alfreton Park as they face Riddings 1st XI which is 13:00 start.

The club are always on the lookout for new players and If you would like to return to cricket or try somewhere new please get in touch with the club on their various social media accounts.