by Simon Lacey

Shipley’s first XI were under-par in all departments on Saturday and deservedly lost by five wickets at Nutbrook, the first time they have lost to the West Hallam side.

James Cokayne made 37 and veteran Mark Starr, struggling with a leg injury, battled through for 55 not out but Nutbrook, with the pitch drying and easing, made relatively light work fo the target mainly thanks to a splendid innings by Richard Henshaw.

Danny Haddon and Josh Buckley both bowled well but they are carrying the attack at the moment.

Progress was made in the Village Championship on Sunday but in the worst possible manner.

Birch Vale & Thornsett, a village close to New Mills, conceded the game only 90 minutes before the scheduled start time.

The second XI are still struggling but managed to cling onto a losing draw.

Grahame McDonough and Martin Chapman had Clay Cross in trouble but they posted a reasonable score and, despite the efforts of Dave Robinson, Shipley had to hang on at the end with two wickets to spare.

It was a magnificent weekend for the third XI. They bowled Morton out for 58, skipper Gary Hickinbotham and Graham Farnsworth both taking 3-14, and then openers Tom Rimmington and Simon Torr almost got home for a ten wicket victory before perishing on the line.

After collecting 22 points on Saturday, it got even better on Sunday against Swanwick.

Shipley batted first and were able to declare on 200-4.

John Whitaker (27) and Simon Torr (43) got off to a good start and then Rob Cokayne took over with superb 84.

Swanwick put up tough resistance and managed to hold on until the 46th over but the Shipley bowling eventually prevailed.

Jordan Leeming and Rowan Jobling did a great job with the new ball and then Farnsworth and Hickinbotham were among the wickets again.

A weak Sunday XI made the long trip to the fantastic ground of Sheffield Collegiate at Abbeydale Park, Sheffield and were well-beaten.

All the boys tried their best and 100 all out was a much better score than it looks against very strong opponents.

George Essex and Martin Starr were the leading run-scorers.

Collegiate, worried by the possibility of rain, sent out some powerful batsmen and got the runs in quick time.