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1st XI claim second spot
with maximum points
Sunday, 2 August, 2009

Matlock C.C 1st XI 156 for 7 (27 points)
Swarkestone C.C 1st XI 140 All Out

After the disappointment of all the games being washed out by the rain on Saturday, at least Matlock did have an important game on Sunday when they entertained Swarkestone in their game in hand on all the other Division One teams.

The result of this game was crucial to both sides for, whoever won and gained a maximum 27 points would go into second place in the league and in a close encounter Matlock emerged the winners and rightly claimed second spot.

Swarkestone skipper Wayne White won the toss and elected to bowl first and although Matlock lost Christoff Visser and George Moulds cheaply, Caleb Mierkalns scored an entertaining 24 before a patient and sensible fourth wicket stand of 45 between Steve Pell (34) and Eddie Lowe (35) restored some respectability to proceedings on a none to easy wicket.

Two more wickets then fell rapidly and it was only a good eighth wicket unbroken stand of 35 between Martin Leatherday (32 not out) and Rob Lowe (10 not out) that enabled the home side to a total of 156 for 7 after 50 overs.

For the visitors, wickets were shared by D. Dixon (2 for 33), B. Dilks (2 for 35), W. White (2 for 38) and M. Scott (1 for 33).

Matlock needed to take wickets and take them as quickly as possible to gain the momentum, but they were held up by T. Anderson (36), J. Guthrie (16), M. Scott (19) and R. Corner (13) and at 103 for 4 the visitors were well placed to go on to victory.

The one thing in Matlock's favour however was that at no time were Swarkestone up with the required run-rate and with pressure building on them and Christoff Visser coming back for his second spell, a good crowd were treated to some spectacular action as the visitors slumped from 105 for 5 to 140 all out. Visser bowled well in his second spell to finish with (4 for 35) and he was again supported by Eddie Lander (3 for 25), Gareth Johnson (1 for 15), Steve Haslam (1 for 22) and George Moulds (1 for 35).

This was a tremendous performance by the Matlock team but special praise must be given to the groundsmen and willing helpers for getting this game on, considering that the wickets were underwater the day before. Well done a great team effort.

Matlock now look forward to next Saturday's 'Match of the Day' as they visit Elvaston in a top of the table clash.

Any queries relating to senior teams we will endeavour to answer your queries quickly via e-mail seniorplayers@matlockcricketclub.com