Aston-on-Trent 229-6 (27 points) beat Matlock 89 all out (three points) by 140 runs.

LAST time Matlock travelled to Aston-on-Trent, Liverpool were drawing 3-3 with West Ham Utd in the FA Cup Final, a day so cold that even sleet paid a visit as Matlock were outgunned, outfought and outplayed.

This visit promised better things.

Sure, Aston were top of the league, but Matlock were one of only two sides to beat them this season.

So much for promises!

If you add outmanoevred and outthought to the growing list, then you’ll pretty much have the picture here, as Aston steamrollered Matlock’s weak attempts to save the game.

Aston’s innings owed much to Mansoor, whose century was well constructed indeed, giving only one half chance.

He was supported well by Azad late in the innings and that ever threatening total of extras that Matlock seem to rack up whenever they take the field.

In the ‘Dixon of Dock Green’ era, telephone numbers were certainly shorter than the 334 extras Matlock have conceded to date – compared to a combined total of 220 by the opposition – effectively giving each team a ten run advantage each game.

Not that Aston needed it.

After tea only Andy Smith showed any sort of application or willingness to compose any sort of innings. Cheap dismissals abounded as Matlock seemed to lack the attitude required to chase the score, and to lack the wherewithal to defend when a win was obviously out of reach.

Matlock are beginning to look over their shoulder now at the chasing relegation pack, and although the hounds are still on the leash the collars are beginning to fray.

Finally, and on a more serious note, best wishes from all at the club to Josh Mierkalns who has spent a week to date in hospital.

Maazi man-of-the-match: A good spell of bowling from Andy Roddis.