Derby Cobras crowned champions 1999/2000

The British Indoor Cricket Association brought its carnival to Willows Sports Centre in Derby on Saturday 26th February for the final round of this year's indoor cricket national league. Local interest and expectation was high as Derby Cobras and Nottingham Bulldogs played each other in the final game of the season with Derby in first place and Nottingham in second and everything to play for.

Derby Cobras who included Derbyshire CC professional Lian Wharton and England Indoor team members Ian Darlington (Ockbrook and Borrowash CC), Danny Spasic (Dunstall CC) and Tom Windscheffel (Brailsford and Ednaston CC), as well as ex England Indoor captain Richard Dalton, batted first and posted a competitive 97. Nottingham Bulldogs, themselves including in their squad outdoor pro's Paul Franks, Dave Lucas, Richard Stemp and Noel Gie from Nottinghamshire, started well in their reply.

However, sharp fielding and precise bowling from Derby restricted them to just 53 off their 16 overs and thus handing the National League title to Derby for the first time. It was just reward for Derby, who have maintained their good from all season and added their National League title to that of British Open Runners-up, which they gained back in October after narrowly losing out to Stumps of Aston Villa, Birmingham.

This inaugural National League title for Derby Cobras is confirmation of their arrival on the indoor cricket elite scene, after the late 1990's were dominated by teams from Stumps of Villa Park. Derby's team consists of a mix of local league outdoor cricketers and seasoned indoor players who are helping to promote this highly entertaining version of this country's national summer sport.

Next stop for four of Derby's title winners will be the Indoor Cricket World Cup, to be held in South Africa in October. Ian Darlington, Danny Spasic, Tom Windscheffel and Lian Wharton are all hoping to be named in the England squad later this month.

For further details on the above, please contact

Rick Smith on 0115 924 4766 or Stewart Edge on 01332 204004. Email cricket@willowssportscentre.co.uk