Leek takes centre stage in 1986

By Mike Latham

There is nothing like the excitement of seeing cricketing history, especially for a groundhopper.

When Derbyshire CCC entered a sponsorship arrangement with Staffordshire Moorlands Council in the late 1980s to take Sunday League games to out-grounds in the district it opened-up a great opportunity to tick off new county grounds.

Beginning in 1985 Derbyshire played Worcestershire at the splendid Knypersley ground, which I’ll write about in due course. The following year it was Leek CC’s turn, the town where the county captain, Kim Barnett, went to school, Warwickshire the visitors.

Kim Barnett batting for Derbyshire, Norman Gifford at mid on

Not only did I find some photographs of the game during a recent loft search, but the programme, too. And to think I only ascended the ladder to find my daughter’s old riding trophies.

Derbyshire v Warwickshire, 18 May 1986, John Player Special League at Highfield, Leek.

I remember going to the game with my dad, driving through Stockport, down the A523 past Macclesfield, finally the helpful and welcoming people on the gate, being able to part the car close to the boundary, the audience a large and respectful crowd of cricket-lovers.

Watching Derbyshire was a joy- so many friendly people including the familiar faces of the programme sellers, the raffle ticket dispensers and the old boy who pottered around with his distinctive Derbyshire tones, ‘Derbyshire Year Book.’

It was a simply wonderful publication, presided over for many years by the estimable FG (Frank) Peach. I collected everyone back to the mid-1960s, they remain a treasured archive. Great attention to detail, the articles written by Michael Carey, especially on departed players, particularly poignant.

The Warwickshire captain, Norman Gifford, won the toss and invited Derbyshire to bat in front of an expectant crowd.

Derbyshire struggled, particularly against Brian McMillan, Warwickshire’s new South African signing.

The Derbyshire innings underway

Then aged 22, McMillan went on to play 38 Tests and 78 ODIs for his country and having served his apprenticeship in Warwickshire’s Second XI in 1985 after coming over on a scholarship deal that existed between Transvaal and Edgbaston, he was keen to make his mark.

Barnett was a victim of McMillan- to a catch off the bowling of Tim Munton for 23 and only county stalwart Alan Hill made much of the Warwickshire bowling.

Alan Hill makes runs through the leg-side

Hill battled his way to 43, easily the county’s top score as Derbyshire subsided to 132 all out, McMillan claiming the wickets of Hill, Reg Sharma and Roger Finney for 22 runs.

The highly respected Gifford, then in his mid-40s claimed 2-15, ending the Derbyshire innings by bowling ‘Great Dane’ Ole Mortensen.

Ole Mortensen bowling for Derbyshire

Jutland-born Mortensen was a huge favourite around the county grounds and a fine fast bowler who gave the county great service, taking over 600 wickets in both forms of the game.

Bruce Roberts, an occasional Derbyshire wicketkeeper

Derbyshire experimented with having all-rounder Bruce Roberts, born in Zambia, as wicketkeeper, and he caught Dennis Amiss off Mortensen as Warwickshire looked vulnerable in their reply.

Roger Finney opened the bowling for Derbyshire

With Andy Lloyd run out and Gordon Lord lbw to Roger Finney, the visitors struggled to 15-3.

McMillan, batting at four, played a highly responsible innings which belied his tender years.

In the generic 16-page programme issued for all Sunday League games at that time, with a one-page insert for the specific game, he said: ‘I like to think I’m not a batsman who can bowl or vice-versa, but a genuine all-rounder.’ The cover of the programme, bizarrely, featured the Essex batsman, Ken McEwan.

He proved the point with an unbeaten 37 and with help from wicketkeeper Geoff Humpage (25) and Asif Din (33) Warwickshire got home with five wickets intact and an over in hand despite some miserly Derbyshire bowling spearheaded by West Indies ace Michael Holding (0-18 off 8 overs).

Michael Holding bowling for Derbyshire

The Highfield ground at Leek has since staged another seven List A games, four involving Derbyshire, the others for Minor Counties or Staffordshire fixtures.