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Rutland's seconds and thirds get off to a flyer
by Ross Slater
Ilkeston Rutland’s cricket season got off to the perfect start on Saturday with all their teams taking the spoils.
The second XI and third XI did their winning on the pitch while the first XI made runs of a different kind – from the fridge to the barbecue, as they flipped burgers for revellers at the St George’s Day Carnival on the Rec.
But whatever relishes they were using can’t have been as hot as what James Brandrick was serving up to Shipley Hall third XI down at Gallows Inn.
The unpredictable teenager took 16, including a straight six, off a perfectly respectable first over of the season by Tommy Starr.
He continued to pound the bowlers to all parts, making his first century (112) as he put on 169 for the first wicket with Ross Slater (47).
Rutland’s 224 for 3 declared looked a daunting target after Warren Sheldon’s pace had accounted for four Shipley batsmen in his first seven overs.
A stand of 71 between captain Gary Hickinbotham and the youngster Starr then frustrated the home side but Danny Law bowled Starr and James Brandrick mopped up the rest with 5 for 16 to thoroughly ice his cake.
Late last August, the second XI’s defeat at Ashover possibly cost them promotion but this time they made no mistakes after captain Martin Brandrick asked the hosts to bat.
They were bowled out for 146 with six bowlers sharing the wickets in a fine all-round display.
Rutland then made light of the chase smashing 17 fours and five sixes to win by six wickets with 20 overs to spare.
Matthew Wakefield’s unbeaten 55, his third consecutive half-century against Ashover, provided the necessary glue.
The club’s Under 13s, who are fielding two equal strength 8-a-side teams, also began their season promisingly.
The ‘A’ team had the harder task but pushed Sandiacre’s finest to the limit with fine unbeaten innings from captain Amrit Bola (30), George Brandrick (21) and Jack Brewer (12).
The result stayed in doubt until Harry Sotheran saw Sandiacre home with 22.
The ‘B’ team beat Ockbrook’s B team by nine runs with captain Adam Slater making an undefeated 28 and Rory Shotton hitting 18.
This week the season starts in earnest with the first XI in league action at Quarndon on Saturday and hosting a cup tie with Stoughton & Thurby on Sunday.
The second XI host Morton Colliery while the thirds make a similar journey to the firsts to play Quarndon.
The Under 13s will be competing in the Derbyshire round of the Collard Dawn Cup on Bank Holiday Monday.
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Weather for Ilkeston
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -1 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light snow
Temperature: -5 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: South east
