Rules and rain ruin promotion chase

ASHBOURNE’S Cricket Club’s promotion chase ended with them watching it rain on Saturday – but the Derbyshire County League rule book had already dealt them a blow.

When Rolls-royce had been beaten by Derby Congs the previous week, the result had put Ashbourne in charge of their own destiny – weather permitting – in Division Seven South.

Wins in their last two games would have put them in one of the two promotion places.

However, during the week, it was found that Congs had fielded an ineligible player in the game they had won.

No matter that he had batted 11, got a duck and contributed only a catch – the result was reversed, a grateful Royces received a maximum 27 points and are back in the top two with a game to play.

Saturday then saw the rain come down with only 11 overs of the game at home to promotion rivals Darley Abbey played. Both sides took six points – and the top two were out of reach.

“It’s been a tough week for the team, as the last few weeks have seen us beat the top two and seen results go in our favour against our other rivals,” said Ashbourne captain Liam Duffy.

“The reversal of the Rollsroyce v Congs result was a blow. It’s a totally correct decision but still a blow.

“The last 10 games have seen six wins, a winning draw, one loss and two abandoned – but we’ll aim to finish on a positive at home to Packington on Saturday.”

Clifton’s promotion bid in Division One goes to the last day after none of the top five could complete their games – Clifton’s, at home to Langley Mill, did not even start.

They remain second and promotion is in their own hands on Saturday, although they have a tough last game against current leaders Dunstall – a winning draw for Clifton would probably work for both sides.