Welcome return as Brailsford win
CRICKET is back and Brailsford & Ednaston 1st XI made a winning return.
Recreational cricket was given the green light to return on Saturday, after a three-month delay, although the Derbyshire County Cricket League format is different.
Matches are 40 overs per side in all divisions, start times a uniform 1pm and there will be no promotion or relegation.
The winners of each regionalised division will play off in September, at the end of the 10-match season, to at least lend the programme some level of competitiveness.
In Division 3SN, Brailsford & Ednaston 1st XI returned with a five-wicket away win against Elvaston 2nd XI.
Brailsford won the toss and elected to bowl, Elvaston making slow progress to 40-2 at the halfway point.
The introduction of spin twins Ben Walker (5-30) and Ian Clarke (3-14) saw Elvaston bundled out for 91.
Brailsford’s reply, with openers Tom Harris and Connor
Houlihan reaching 20, looked smooth as they reached 57-2 but a flurry of wickets reduced them to 62-5.
Wicket keeper Mitch Coxon (11 not out) then joined the experienced Matt Dowling (15 not out) to complete the job in 28.4 overs.
Brailsford’s 2nd XI suffered a four-wicket home defeat against Draycott & Hanbury 1st XI in Division 6SS, Sam Birks finihsing 71 not out in a 175-7 total.
Sam Glossop took three wickets but Draycott were able to pass their target in the 26th over as Daniel Charles (55) and Mitchell Ayling 40 not out) did the damage.
Clifton 1st XI were due to start their Division 1 South campaign away at Sawley & Long Eaton Park but the match was cancelled.
The 2nds did play though and celebrated a 31-run home win against Rosehill Methodists 2nd XI in Division 7SN.
Clifton batted first after Rosehill won the toss, reaching 129-5 in their 40 overs with Harry Moore top scoring with 38, while Tom Hilton hit 34.
Rosehill were then dismissed for 98 in 32.1 overs as Stuart Blake and Ben Gregory finished with three wickets each.
Clifton’s 3rds were also at home and Steve Walwyn led his team’s scoring with 40 but they suffered a five-run defeat against Dunstall.
Clifton 1sts welcome Alrewas 1sts on Saturday, while Brailsford 1sts are at home to Quarndon 2nds.