In the June issue I reported that Tideswell’s cricketers were propping up the Yorkshire & Derbyshire League 5th Division as the second half of the season began. In early July I took a week’s holiday and was pleased to see on my return that our lads were now 7th of the 9 in the division, and thus out of the relegation places.
This, it turned out, had been achieved with the minimum of effort and fuss. On 5 July Norton Woodseats 2nds were scheduled to play at Tideswell . Lacking the makings of a team, they conceded, thus gifting Tideswell a hatful of points. Our lads have in fact still to win, or even draw, a match in the League this season. But with 3 home League games to come, what is needed is a partisan home crowd, willing the opposition not to turn up.
Friendly games have continued to be lost owing to Tideswell’s shortage of batting. This was not the case when Baslow visited on 13 July, though. Their all-out total of 124 (Ian Hoverd 4-14) was passed with 2 balls to spare, Mike Sayers scoring 30 and Stuart Scoffins 27. Dan Shirt and Greg Taylor were in at the end.
Two days later Peak Park were the visitors for an evening game, having won the away match in Bakewell in June. Joe Rooke and brother Ben helped reverse this result at Tideswell, when the custodians of our environment made 99 and were beaten with several overs to spare for the loss of no wickets.
Other local players who deserve a mention include James Isaac (3-33 + 2 catches v Wingerworth) and Will Grainger (21* v Sheffield Hitters).
As well as coaching youngsters, Stuart Scoffins has turned the cricket square into a vastly-improved strip, as is clear to see. Bishop Pursglove School entered a team along in a schools Kwik-Kricket competition recently, which was boosted by skills learned from Stuart to finish in a very creditable 3rd place out of 11. This is all the more reason for prospective players to step up now and help keep the club going while these lads develop.
For the diary: there are home matches coming up on Thursday 31 July (evening) and Sat 2 Aug. That leaves 2 more League matches on 16 and 30 Aug (Saturdays). Spectators welcome.
TCC would like to thank The Corner Chippy and Andrew’s of Tideswell for sponsoring match balls this season.