Close loss to nearest rivals sees Rolleston relegated

ROLLESTON’S relegation from the Beechwood Mazda Derbyshire Premier Division was confirmed as they lost a tight game by five runs at home to Belper Meadows.

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The visitors were the only team Rolleston could have caught but their run chase came up short after a good effort with the ball.

Belper, in their first season in the top division, have found six wins to stay for a second campaign.

They chose to bat at the Willows and made 222-7, opener Nicholas Manns 60 taking him to 1,214 for the season.

Jamie Rowland added 36 and Connor Mitchell’s 55 not out from 43 balls was to prove crucial, in an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 67 with Chris Whiteley (23 not out).

Captain Alex Brown returned an exemplary 2-18 from 10 overs and his 45 wickets, with three five-wicket hauls have done as much as anything to keep his team afloat in a difficult campaign.

Gareth Marshall (43) and Josh Dent (27) put on 55 for Rolleston’s first wicket and Richard Green followed up with 51 from 57 balls but they lost wickets at crucial times and got behind the clock, closing on 215-6 to end their stay in the top division with one game left.

Alrewas were well beaten, by 172 runs, away to second-placed Sandiacre Town.