Mixed emotions for Kellogg as his side fall short of target
While Ockbrook's game at Quarndon was abandoned, the current champions were staring defeat in the face at 16-3 in reply to Ilkeston's 187-5.
But a stand of 119 between Kellogg (57) and Warren Bell (60) put them in a strong position before a flurry of late wickets left them hanging on for a losing draw.
“I was generally pleased with the performance but we were a little disappointed not to have won,” said Kellogg, who was eventually dismissed by five-wicket paceman Wayne White.
“Me and Warren put on quite a few and we were in a great position to go and win the game.
“We were in a bit of a mess but we said to each other that we still had to be positive. We didn't take any real risks, we just ran hard, stayed ultra-positive and rattled them a bit.
“Maybe we threw it away a little bit and exposed the tail but we remained positive and were still going for it right up until the last three overs.
“It was not easy towards the end because it was getting dark and Wayne was quite a handful in those conditions.”
Kellogg added: “We were slightly below par in the field, maybe due to the conditions, and perhaps we let them get about 15 more than they should have got.
“Every run you save in the field is one less you have to get, so that has cost us.
“We haven't played poor cricket but a few too many errors in all departments cost us. Fair play to Ilkeston, though, they played well, so we can't have too many complaints.”
Kellogg also praised the umpires for their part in getting the game played.
“Both teams wanted to play and we have got three points closer to Ockbrook, so it was worth it,” he said.
“Both umpires were really helpful and, in the end, the conditions were generally fine. The interruptions disrupted things a bit but it was a good game of cricket.”
captain's knock: Sam Kellogg hit 57 for Spondon.
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