Lineker carves out trail at Ockbrook

Once it was confirmed that Matt Lineker had left Alfreton and moved to Ockbrook & Borrowash, the outcome of the Beechwood Motor Group Derbyshire Premier Cricket League looked set to be foregone conclusion.

After nine games, the 2005 and 2006 champions are yet to be beaten and Lineker is in the form of his life as he showed when he made 135 against Sandiacre which secured his side a winning draw and a 19 point lead at the top of the table.

His epic innings formed the backbone of a bumper total of 269-9 with former skipper Matt Cassar adding 31 and Ian Darlington 65 while John Jordison proved the best of the Sandiacre bowlers to finish with 3-71. Sandiacre replied scoring 213-8 in the 50 overs with James Chapman making a valuable half century. Lian Wharton took 4-74.

Spondon, the team most likely to scupper Ockbrook's grand plan, completed a ten run win over Dunstall to in a closely contested affair despite a third wicket partnership between Carl Eyden and Jamie Benstead which gave them a robust platform over the first 20 overs for overhauling the 221 total. Spinners Chris Windmill and Joe Ashdown kept as tight rein on the scoring and the pressure intensified throughout the innings until three balls from the end when Dunstall lost their final wicket.

Alfreton remain third in the table after a winning draw to Lullington Park. Alfreton scored 219-7, with George Chapman taking 4-51 for Lullington, who scored 197-9 in reply. Ben Bridgen (32), Richard Green (41) and Alan Gough (61) were the principal run-scorers while Fahad Masood and Groves both bagged four wickets apiece for Alfreton.

Elvaston remain bottom of the table and are still seeking their first victory of the season after yet another loss, this time to Chesterfield. Batting first, Elvaston batted first scoring 215-6, Australian Brett Crichton hitting 76 and Lee Archer 61. Chesterfield (219-4) eased past their total in the 47th over, with Ben Slater scoring 55. Simon Lacey (42 not out) and Ross Whiteley (37no) were still in at the close for Chesterfield.

Alvaston & Boulton managed a good win away at Ticknall, although their 212-7 looked attainable for the home side. Ticknall's Ryan Cowley turned in the best bowling figures of the day, taking 4-55 and had notable help from young Edward Ikin, who got a wicket off his first ball. In reply, Ticknall were all out for 168, Jonathan Thompstone scored 34 and Cowley 41, while Yasser Tariq (3-38) and Tauseef Ali Kazmi (3-34) led the attack for A&B.

Rolls Royce knocked Stainsby Hall off the top in Division One after getting the better of the sides' clash on Saturday. Stainsby batted first scoring 200-8 with Sherrick Chavda scoring 46 and Tom White 44.

In reply, Royces cruised past the target in the 37th over. Their star batsmen were Arfan Fazal (76no), Mohammed Waseem (59no) and Muhammad Sultan (58) as they recorded a 22-point win.