They were defeated at Ilkeston on Saturday and were then eliminated from the cup by Dunstall on Sunday.

On Saturday, home side Ilkeston batted first and posted a total of 220 for 8.

Alfreton were guilty of letting the home side off the hook after they were 53 for 3 and 137 for 6.

Useful contributions from Smit, Hislop and White were chiefly reponsible for the total, while Young, Masood and Clarke each took two wickets.

The score which was about 60 more than had looked likely, also looked a stiff target in the conditions.

In reply, Alfreton were soon in difficulties as they lost early wickets.

However, Nish Makwana was showing a welcome return to form with some determined batting.

Makwana fell for 48, but none of the other Alfreton players were able to handle the Ilkeston attack.

It quickly became clear that a losing draw would be the best they would get.

However, Tom Young fell in the final over to give Ilkeston victory.

It had been another bitter experience for the Alfreton players, albeit with a much weakened side.

On Sunday they had an early opportunity to make amend playing Dunstall in the Cup, knowing a win would take them to the knockout stages.

Dunstall were asked to bat first and a very tight opening partnership from Fahad Masood and Jonathon Clarke put early pressure on.

Encouraging

With a run rate of just over two, and two early wickets from Masood, it was a much more encouraging start.

However Craig Jennings who had plagued Alfreton last week with the ball was to do the job with the bat this week.

Several let offs, particularly a glaring run out, with the batsman several feet out did not help the Alfreton cause.

Jennings finished on 85 not out and Dunstall closed on 191 for 7.

In reply Jake Simpson and Nish Makwana made a confident start.

Even when Makwana was dismissed, Alex Mace continued the good progress.

Simpson fell just after drinks for a good 30, but Mace was showing his early season form.Andy Gwatkin and Mace seemed to be taking the home side to victory.

However, Mace fell to an outstanding one handed catch by Jamie Benstead for a fine 54 with just over 50 needed.

Suddenly Dunstall realised they had a chance.

As the rune rate grew, wickets began to fall. Gwatkin fell for 38 and the home side needed four to win off the last ball.

They could only manage a single, and what had seemed a likely victory had turned into defeat.

The performance, however, was better,and will give them heart ahead of their home match with league leaders Ockbrook on Saturday.