Matlock hold on to claim a draw against Rutland

Matlock bowler Ed Lander (centre) takes the plaudits after claiming the wicket of former team-mate Kevin Leatherday against Ilkeston.

Rutland dominated from the moment they elected to bat at Causeway Lane and piled up an imposing total of 297-5 before declaring with three of their overs remaining.

Captain David Smit led the charge with 94 before he was run out by a direct hit from Chris Pemberton, but by that point 265 runs were already on the board.

Kevin Leatherday (19) had set the tone at the start, hitting his former team mates for a four and a six in the first ten minutes, and after he was adjudged LBW to Ed Lander, George Moulds made 39 including two further maximums.

Rutland were cantering at five runs an over and that increased to six during a stand of 88 between Smit and Luke Marriott who hit 45.

The waiting batsmen were eager for a crack at the short boundaries and Rob Green helped himself to 41 from 36 balls.

Once Danny Shelton had launched a six onto the A615, Smit called time on the innings and the game’s tempo changed completely.

If Rutland had hoped to entice Matlock into a chase, they were to be disappointed as the hosts were intent on survival.

After losing both openers cheaply, Drew Mullaney and Ed Lowe thwarted Rutland’s attack by leaving anything not on the stumps.

The partnership held fast and was starting to blossom when Green clean bowled Mullaney for 60 with the final ball of his spell.

With eight overs remaining, Matlock were 129-3 and the game appeared to be heading nowhere.

Suddenly, it was lit up. Matt Parry caught a remarkable one-handed overhead catch at long off to send back Lowe (46).

Bowler Aiden Smith then followed it up with two more wickets in the same over.

But Matlock stood firm for the remainder and ended on 145 for 7 and to take four points to Rutland’s 19.