Last ball thriller leaves Derbyshire race wide open

Sandiacre pulled off a thrilling final ball victory over leaders Ockbrook & Borrowash to leave the Beechwood Derbyshire Premier League title race wide open with the two remaining games to be played this weekend.

In what was described as the most outstanding game of cricket to be played in the league all season, Ockbrook's Matt Lineker made 87 from 103 balls and shared a third wicket stand of 75 with Derbyshire's Tom Lungley to raise a competitive total of made 279 for eight.

In reply, Sandiacre were at one stage 193 for six and looking like runners up despite a 77 from James Chapman but Ian Parkin added 64 with rookie batsman Matt Swann as Ockbrook's bowling lost its focus.

With eight wickets down and six needed off the last over, it was left to Swann to hold his nerve and take Sandiacre to the finish line, which he did with some style despite seeing his ninth wicket partner caught off the fourth ball of the over.

Fifth ball was a dot but Swann forced the last ball through point to give his side a famous victory, earning them 22 points to go within four points of the top.

Lullington moved up the table after a win over Alfreton who slumped to 176 all out in the first innings, despite 71 from Steve Stubbings and 36 from John Aspinall while Paul Dawson bagged 4-50. In reply, Lullington only just managed to notch up 177 for seven in 51 overs. Ben Bridgen scored 36 while Fahad Masood (3-27) and Tom Young (4-54) took the main bowling honours for Alfreton but it wasn't enough to get them the win.

Chesterfield remain third after a maximum point win away to Elvaston. Batting first, they were all out for 239 with one ball to go after contributions from Brian Gladwin (37), Andrew McCarroll (31), Drage Thompson (30), Peter Camm (46 not out) with James Baker taking 5-52.

In reply, the visitors took control and Elvaston were all out for 167 in the 39 over. Paul Birch scored 33 and Rob Kettlewell hit 65 while Kevin Dean bagged a brilliant 5-29 and Simon Lacey assisted with 3-40.

Ticknall remain bottom after another defeat this time to Alvaston & Boulton. The visitors Ticknall, rattled up 246 for seven in the first innings. Ryan Cowley scored 50, and captain Graham Chamberlain added 53 while Anthony Woolley took 3-43. In reply, A & B cruised past the target for the loss of four wickets. Anthony Woolley struck again scoring 111 not out and David Lewis closed on 62 not out.