South Nottinghamshire Cricket League

Newly promoted Gedling and Sherwood demonstrated that they haven’t come up to Division A purely to make the numbers up with a resounding thrashing of 2007 runners up Calverton. Despite being without the services of new signings Samrat Sharma and Alex Kelly, Gedling routed the visiting batting line up, shooting them out for just 65. In reply an unbeaten 36 from Carl Blake saw the home side through without any qualms.

It wasn’t such a pretty picture for Keyworth, the other promoted side, as an outstanding performance from Long Eaton’s professional Umar Hassan was the difference between the two sides Hassan struck 112 in the visitors 215 and then snaffled five victims with the ball. Despite 65 from Ian Graham, Keyworth fell some distance short on 135.

Attenborough, some peoples dark horses this season gave out a sound beating at Newstead Village. A combination of some accurate bowling from skipper Andrew Simkiss, Sam Clulow, Martin Rayner and a procession of run outs meant that the home side could only muster 86 off their allotted overs, Attenborough got home with the loss of just two wickets.

South African Brad Moses (78*) made a good start for Radcliffe on Trent, however Chris Holden (7 for 41) was the real star man as Balderton slumped to 128 in pursuit of the visitors 196.

Simon Neal’s first game in the South Notts resulted in a century as Unity Casuals ended with 197, Southwell’s Matt Wookey taking with 5 for 29. In reply John Richardson hit a half century and Dave Makey 43, however it was left to veteran Jim Scott (21*) to see the visitors home with just four balls to spare.

The game of the day on paper in Division B saw promotion contenders Rolls Royce Leisure and Eastwood lock horns at Hucknall. On a typical early season wicket, Eastwood struggled early doors but some indifferent bowling allowed Neil Gregory (58) and Ikram Ul Haq (45) to get away. There was the familiar collapse when Gregory ran himself out but a total of 187 for 9 was more than useful. It proved to be far too many for poor Rolls, only Richard Arberry (60) had the stomach for a fight as Ul Haq (4 for 29) and Umar (2 for 15) exploited the conditions beautifully.

There was an explosive start at Kimberley as  Gotham’s Shane Litchfield (43) went about his usual business, cracking four sixes and two fours against the new ball. Fourteen year old Prabhdip Sidhu (3 for 53) helped keep the visitors in check later but a useful total of 203 had been posted. In reply there were fifties from Danny Williams and Steve Bennett, but it was the experience of skipper Andy Platts that was the telling factor in the end as his unbeaten 38 saw Kimberley through with 5 balls to spare.

Another side to look out for are Loughborough Carillon as their students excelled at Kirkby Portland (118) with Chris Peploe (79) and Cameron Flitten starring in the teams 76 run success. At Clifton Village, not even 6 wickets for skipper Eddie Pidduck and 52 from ex Notts Amateur Nadeem Akhtar could stop Ellerslie falling to defeat with Pete Fairhall (5 for 49) and Dominic Robinson (4 for 13) being the game winners.     

In the Eastside derby, three wickets apiece fro Belvoir’s James Fellows, Richard Gadd and Matt Irvine helped restrict Bottesford to 127. In a nail biting finale it was left to Irvine (26*), playing against his former club to see Belvoir home with one wicket to spare.

It was bad day at the office for newly promoted Fiskerton in C as they were hammered by 112 runs at home to Hyson Green Caribs (259 for 4). Radcliffe’s seconds first game in the division after a two year exile ended with a losing draw as a second successive fifty for Steve James saw Plumtree  Seconds take the majority of the spoils.

David Pipes has been sorely missed by Collingham over the past couple of seasons, the club has spiralled down from the Premier League to C in the space of just three years. However, Pipes first game back from a serious injury was a successful one as his 84 saw the visitors past Nottingham’s 179 with seven wickets intact.

Hucknall’s form in the second half of 2007 was excellent and they continued the trend on Saturday with a close fought seven run victory at home to West Bridgfordians (179).

Into D and the outstanding performance came from Matt Shaw as his 7 for 22 was the catalyst behind Risley’s success at Thurgarton (128). Despite six wickets for David King, Stanton by Dale (103) slumped to a second successive defeat as Long Whatton (181) ran out easy winners.

The first of two ties in the league came in Division E where Southwell II entertained Thrumpton. Chasing 185 for victory, the visitors must have thought they had passed the winning post thanks to Steve Weightman (66) and Mark Payne (44). However, an LBW victim for James Wookey with five balls remaining meant the honours were shared, Wookey’s seven wickets ensured a day to remember for the family.

There was an early finish at Nuthall as four wickets apiece for Mick Mason and Paul Raynes bowled out Hucknall II for 59. In the battle of the two promoted sides, Gedling Colliery II just came out on top at home to Caythorpe III thanks to an unbeaten 83 from returnee Zaheer Rehmann and four wickets for veteran Mike Bailey.

In Division F, Hoveringham are attempting an incredible sixth successive promotion and four wickets from Brett Lear and three from Rashid Akhtar ensured a winning start at West Bridgford Legion (86). It was good news also for the other promoted side, Kinoulton who had Steve Harling (5 for 33) and Shaun Campbell (5 for 19) to thank for their 36 run win at Bottesford II (77).

Wymeswold had a mixed season in 2007 but fifties from Richard Bowley and Paul Brain ensured 2008 got off to the best possible start at Collingham II (103).

Into G and Oxton’s winning run from 2007 continues as Chris Berry (44 and 2 for 31) was the man of the match in his team’s nine run win at Beeston Sycamore (142).Elsewhere, Lowdhams Ross Miller’s five wicket haul  ensured a successful fight back for Lowdham who managed to defend 108 at Epperstone (77).

Whatton and Aslockton have endured a miserable couple of seasons with successive relegations.  However,  2008 in H  started brightly with a resounding nine wicket victory at newly promoted Lambley (109), Alex White and Simon Wallace each grabbing three wickets.

There was better news for another promoted side, Burton Joyce in J as 63 from Kris Seymour and 4 for 17 from Scott Pratt saw their side to a three wicket success at Basford Hall OB (153 for 8).

Continuing in J Bingham’s sixteen year old starlet Richard Shipman had a game to remember. Firstly he struck 58 as his side totalled 166 at Sutton Bonington. However Shipman was only just getting warmed up as his 8 for 16 triggered a career best and bowling performance of the day as the home side crashed to 71 all out.

Thurgarton II in L are another side who have struggled in recent seasons and it must have been déjà vu at first yesterday when they could only manage 80 at Belton. Enter Calum Williams though whose five wicket haul handed the visitors a rare and surprise victory, Belton eventually falling twenty eight runs shy of victory.

There was agony for Mark Fish of Fiskerton II who was dismissed one short of a century ay Newark II in Division M. There was some consolation though as his side recorded a comfortable 71 run success. There was also a personal best in the division as 14 year old Alistair Munroe hit a maiden fifty as Radcliife on Trent III won at Lowdham II.

The second tie of the league came in N as West Bridgfrodians III and Ruddington II could not be separated on 95. Clive Notman of West Bridgford and Tajamal Rashid of Ruddington each grabbed five wickets apiece. Matt Murfin (5 for 2) recorded the division’s best figures though as his Chilwell II side demolished Snibston Grange (28)

 The division’s best performance in P came from 16 year old Connor Wheeldon of Shepshed Town IV who took 4 for 9. Yet it was all in vain as Hoveringham squeezed past the 83 runs set for victory with three wickets remaining.

In R there was an excellent debut from Bingham II’s twelve year old keeper Tom Spencer who conceded just the two byes. Thirteen year old George Farrell also had a share of the limelight with three wickets, but it was visitors Beeston Sycamore III (160) who had the last laugh recording a 41 run success.

Finally, early season wickets usually bring their fair share of low scores due to the bowler friendly conditions.  I wonder if anybody could foresee the outcome at East Leake II though. Visiting Belvoir were shot out for 60 thanks to six wickets from Sam Marshall. Incredibly East Leake were dismissed for just 14 which is the Leagues second lowest score ever (Poplars dismissed for 9).

The 2008 Gunn and Moore South Notts League begins in earnest this week with Division A being devoid of clear favourites for the golden ticket to the Premier League.

In a season totally ruined by the inclement weather, Calverton finished runners up last season. However they may find it difficult to improve on this with no overseas player and the loss of veteran bowler Tim Haines to Caythorpe. Much will be expected of youngsters Billy Armstrong and Tom Wright to step up to the mark this season.

 Dark horses for the title could well be Attenborough who despite finishing an under par seventh in 2007, have made some useful additions. Firstly they have acquired an overseas player in the form of South African Craig Woods who is a top order batsman and spin bowler. Keeper Joe Gates has relocated to Crewe, but has been replaced by Chris Evans who has experience on the County Second Eleven Circuit. With promising bowler Dom Harvey looking a menace in training and Alex McKinlay expected to be available all season, Attenborough may well surprise a few people.

Long Eaton were there or thereabouts last season and Umar Hassan is returning for a fifth season.  They can also rely on runs from skipper Brett Scothern  but may lack the strength in depth to go all the way. 

If form in the second half of last season is an indication then Newstead Village would be one of the favourites thanks to some outstanding performances with both bat and ball from Pakistani Tariq Mahmood. Unfortunately, Tariq is not returning but skipper Andy Paulson is extremely hopeful of another overseas joining them this week. Simon Milham has moved to America so much will be expected of Andy Graham, Paul Nott and Nick Rose in the batting department.

 Balderton had a bright start last season but faded somewhat after July. Nevertheless Ishan Ratnayake is returning with a place in the Sri Lankan A side waiting for him on his return. Seventeen year old left arm bowler Harry Shepherd joins from Collingham but the side still looks a little light in batting, despite the excellent performances of Tim Clipsham in 2007.

Both Radcliife on Trent and Southwell stayed up on the last game of the season with a thrilling tie. For Radcliffe Brad Moses, a batsman from South Africa replaces the inconsistent Waddington Myawanga. Southwell have spent the winter improving facilities at their picturesque ground meaning that an overseas player hasn’t been high on the list of their priorities. They have also lost Alistair Haynes to Farnsfield. Both clubs will be relying on home grown talent for any success.

Now we turn to the three new clubs. Notts Unity Casuals are a bit of an unknown quantity with coming down from the Premier League. They seem to hold a number of promising youngsters who found the Premier League a bridge too far in 2007. The side will be captained by Andrew Jackman, formerly of West Indian Cavaliers  and life certainly will not be dull at Lenton Lane with the appointment of club stalwart Jit Jani as first team manager.

Gedling and Sherwood have certainly not rested on their laurels as they prepare for their first season in the top flight. They have recruited Indian batsman Samrat Sharma from Ellerslie and opening bowler Alex Kelly from Clifton Village. Simon Smith and Kiwi Jason Giblett are now injury free so survival should be the least of their targets.   

Keyworth have no overseas player at present but in Ian Graham they will have one of the leagues outstanding talents. Liam Sanders has returned to the club but batsman Chris Ladd has relocated to Wiltshire whilst Grant Parker may have to return to Australia in July.

Down to Division B and the unluckiest team last season had to be Rolls Royce Leisure. After being in the top two for the majority of the season, they lost out on the last day of the season with defeat to Keyworth. However, they have done their upmost not to miss out in 2008 by recruiting four players. The Karim brothers, Salim and Wasim return to the club from Carrington Caribs whilst Richard Arberry and keeper Matt Faulkener join from Papplewick.  Add this to Waheed Khan and Steve Gregory being more available and it would be hard to bet against them returning to the division they left in 2005.

It may be a different picture for relegated Ellerslie who have to do without the services of Samrat Sharma. Skipper Eddie Pidduck wants to consolidate this season and will do so without Gavin Johnson who has left the club, rejoining though is Richard Johnson.

Eastwood could count themselves slightly unlucky to go down last year with 11 of their 18 games being cancelled or abandoned. In skipper Neil Gregory they will have one of the leagues best batsmen and Ikram Ul Haq, Ejaz Ahmed and Saeed Ahmed should all do well. Squad member Jordan Lee has also joined from local rivals Kimberley.

The success of Clifton Village and Kimberley Seconds will mainly depend on first team availability. Both teams have new captain. Alex Turner is in charge at Clifton, though Luke Gunn will hold the fort until Alex returns from University. Fifteen year old Notts Academy player Adam Shepherd should spend most of his time in the first team after impressing in the seconds last season. Kimberley will be captained by Andy Platts. Andy was an opening batsmen in Kimberley’s golden era in the mid nineties and returned to play in 2007 after a decade out the game. With the first team acquisitions of Josh Mangan, Nick Langford, and Dan Mason, it may mean that the talents of Vaughan Hamilton and Alex Heslop will bolster the second team.

Loughbrough Carillon always seem to start well but then fade somewhat when the University players return home.  However, it may be a different story this year as John Harrison returns on a gap year, he will be joined by student and Surrey U19 all rounder Chris Peploe and Cameron Sutton who should be available for the majority of the season.

Bottesford had a mixed season last year and Jim Ward replaces Simon Claricoates as skipper. Simon is not expected to feature this season. The club have recruited Mike Fowler, an all rounder from Lincolnshire whilst hopes are high for youngsters Phil Irvine and Lee Fazackerley to make an impact this season.

Kirkby Portland finished last season strongly and they have added Gary Devonshire to their ranks from local rivals Newstead Village. Gary will add much needed to weight to the slow bowling department. Also coming in is all rounder Anthony Booth from Riddings.

It was too close to call for Gotham in 2007 as they retained their Division B status on the final day with a win over Collingham. Popular New Zealander Brad Moore is retuning to the club as skipper although Kevin Perrell will hold the fort for the first couple of weeks. Kevin Brown also joins from Chilwell and will double up on the coaching side. There will be a few anxious moments though in May and June as no fewer than eight players will be at University.

All the significant action in Division A occurred at the foot at the table, where prior to commencement of the days play, no fewer than five sides were still in fear of succumbing to the drop.

Attenborough were the first team to be saved from eviction, bad light the winner in an evenly poised game at Long Eaton with the visitors managing 55 for 3 chasing 137 for victory. It was more of a struggle for Eastwood though who were probably heading for defeat at 120 for 7 when the light became too bad as they required a further 100 runs for a vital win at Balderton for whom skipper Alan Jackson struck 84.

All this meant was that for Eastwood to survive then they would require both Southwell and Ellerslie to lose. Ellerslie  faced a tricky task to defeat runners up Calverton who made 197 with second team skipper Chris Miller top scoring with 50. With the ball Billy Armstrong produced a seasons best 6 for 47 and despite battling performances from Todd Mills (51) and Sunil Sharma (42) Ellerslie fell 25 runs short and so face a spell in B.

So one down and one to go for Eastwood, now to Radcliffe where Southwell needed 179 for a victory. Extras played a huge part in the reply, 73 in total, including 34 wides and a huge celebration ensued once the scores were tied. It mattered not one jot what subsequently happened but Southwell lost their final three wickets for no runs leaving the scores level and both teams surviving leaving Eastwood to join Ellerslie and wonder what might have been if they had been able to employ an overseas player.

Plumtree (89) suffered a title hangover as they were stuffed out of sight by Newstead Village who must be wondering what might have been if their overseas star Tariq Mahmood had arrived at the start of the season. Tariq Mahmood’s seven wicket haul took his tally to an incredible 31 in six games, Newstead finish a highly creditable fourth.

It was slightly less complicated in B where Rolls Royce would be promoted if they beat third placed Keyworth. A defeat for Rolls would mean Keyworth would be up and Rolls would have to rely on second place Gedling and Sherwood slipping up.

It went according to plan for the leaders in the first innings, racking up 209 for 9 thanks in the main to 59 from keeper Dave Dixon. It has been a relatively quiet season for Keyworth’s star Ian Graham, but he came to the fore on Saturday following up his 6 for 70 with an unbeaten 93, including 29 off a single over to see Keyworth passed the winning post and into Division A.

Heartbreak for Rolls and for West Bridgfordians who travelled to Regatta Way to face Gedling and Sherwood without skipper and star player Jon Sheard. Gedling’s Alex Norton who usually bats in the tail, opened up and survived a confident caught behind appeal to record his first century for the club, John Gill chipped in with 47 and the visitors faced a stiff task of obtaining 224 for victory. That feat became even harder after an outstanding new ball spell from Paul MacMillan. West Bridgfordians then decided upon damage limitation and gambled that they would win their final match of the season next week at Kimberley. This led to an extremely tedious passage of play as the visitors closed on 105 for 7, the result meant promotion for Gedling, however a final twist ensued as Bottesford (201) claimed an unlikely victory at Loughborough Carillon (168) to save themselves meaning Bridgford were doomed to the drop.

At Gotham it was the losers who would join Bridgford in C, Gotham managed just 144 but Tom Chamberlain hit back with 5 for 24 to bowl Collingham out for 110. It’s a sad fall from grace for Collingham who were playing Premier League cricket as recent as 2005.

In C, Clifton Village II failed to achieve the win they required and now need 13 points from their final game to guarantee promotion. Clifton slipped to a surprise 20 run defeat at home to Plumtree II (168 for 8) for whom Alamgir Khan took 6 for 66. Carrington Caribs cemented their place in second with a 43 run win at Nottingham. Caribs left arm seamer Ansar Khan has been their player of the season and he was in form again taking 6 for 46 as Nottingham look likely to slip into D and into their lowest level of cricket since their merger.

 Belvoir eased past Long Whatton and a win for Belvoir in the return fixture next Saturday will ensure promotion. Whatton meanwhile require 3 points to secure their C status following a disastrous July and August.

There were a few anxious moments at Bramcote as Hucknall’s Martyn Wagstaff rode his luck with two edged fours in the final over to bring his side a one wicket win. However news of Nottingham’s defeat filtered through meaning Bramcote remain in C for at least another season. For Hucknall, they have been the form team in the second half of the season and will be kicking themselves for having such a sluggish start.      

Fiskerton wrapped up the championship in D with a comfortable six wicket win at home to winless Calverton II (109), and, as expected, Radcliffe II join them in C, passing Stanton by Dale’s target of 134 with six wickets in hand, Simon Towers top scoring with an unbeaten 51.

Meanwhile, the great escape was completed as Willoughby pulled off their fourth victory in five games to stay in D. Their latest success came at home to fading Wilsons, Willoughby racked up an impressive 215 but in reply Wilsons at one stage had reached 126 without loss with over 20 overs remaining. However, not for the first time this season, the bowling of Gino Taj swung the game towards the home side, dismissing Syed for 80 and Ghani for 44. The rest offered little resistance and the visitors fell 33 runs short on 182 meaning Thrumpton, following defeat at Newark are relegated.

Wollaton II secured their passage back into D with a close fought two wicket win at Hucknall II (190 for 4), skipper Andy Crossley seeing the winners home with 39 after Tim Young had struck 66 earlier in the innings. Wollaton II play Risley for the championship next weekend. A miserable weekend was complete for Collingham who saw their second team relegated from E following a three defeat at home to Underwood (132 for 7), Tom Chalkley hammering the final nail in the coffin with 59.

Caythorpe III are champions in F, achieving the feat without bowling a ball in anger as nearest challengers Gedling Colliery could only manage two out of the required four for a final ball victory at Eastwood II who had totalled 189 thanks to the Buckley’s of Matt (79) and Tom (48).

There was a battle for the title in G with Chilwell and Hoveringham locking horns with Kinoulton looking on eagerly following an easy win by 6pm at home to Bramcote II, a defeat for Hoveringham would mean a second successive promotion for Kinoulton. Chilwell posted a huge 269 and seemed to be on top with Hoveringham rocking on 181 for 6 in reply although Stuart Walton was still at the crease undefeated on 79. However, the pace of Ali Mohammed was too big a risk in the fading light, Chilwell refused to take him off fearing the advantage it would give to the opposition. With an enforced stalemate the umpires had no option but to abandon the game, meaning both sides were promoted. There was a fine end to the season for Epperstone and in particular Ian Burrows who claimed 7 for 16 including a hat trick in the comfortable win over Gotham II who now must beat Whatton and Aslockton next Saturday to survive.

In H Kirkby Portland II join champions Oxton in the promotion honours defeating nearest challengers East Bridgford (185) by seven wickets thanks to 52 from Mick Barratt and 6 for 37 from Steve Giles. At the wrong end of the table it was goodbye to Elks II who were agonisingly defeated by one wicket at home to Loughborough Carillon II.

The day began in J with three teams in with a good shout of promotion, the first team to be confirmed were Newstead Village II who despite making just 107 themselves, shot visitors Stapleford out  for a paltry 53 with Danny Greenhaigh and Liam Beastall grabbing four wickets apiece. Lambley must have been confident of joining Newstead at the tea interval after restricting visitors Sutton Bonington to 130. However, what a day to choose for your worst batting performance, Ian Stone picked up five wickets and Mark Sturgess four as Lambley collapsed to 68 all out.  

The window of opportunity was now firmly open for Carrington Caribs II and with centuries for Sajid Akram and 16 year old Asif Haq, victory and promotion were easily obtained after thrashing Gladstone.

In K Burton Joyce go up as champions, winning all eleven of their fixtures, the latest being at home to Belvoir where Chris Seymour smashed 113. The game of the day though was between West Bridgfordians II and Basford Hall OB, a match in which the winners would be promoted. Basford posted a useful looking 176 but Stuart Smedley (82*) and Ravi Singh (42) punished Basford’s attack to record a comfortable victory. It was far too little too late but at least Thurgarton II’s had something to smile about recording their first victory of the season at home to Lenton Abbey, Jay Raj the man of the match with 6 for 16.

Most issues were settled in Division L. however there was to be no slacking for champions Woodborough who got past Underwood II (164) with plenty to spare. Breaston join Woodborough in K next season after Simon Park’s unbeaten 81 was the catalyst in his sides 33 run success at mid table Flintham (164). Two other highlights in the division were Craig Fairhall’s 99 not out which was delivered off just 39 balls for Clifton Village III and Lee Johnson’s career best figures of 7 for 27 which bowled Kimberley III to victory at home to Willoughby II.

There was all to play for in M as leaders Thrumpton II played host to second place Keyworth II. It was however a little one sided as Thrumpton managed a meagre 80 off their 45 allotted overs although credit must go to Chris Legg (4 for 28) for some fine bowling. The eight wicket success meant that Keyworth were champions completing a memorable last day double for the club, poor Thrumpton slipped to a final fourth position.

Surely the game between third and fourth at the start of the day, Wilsons II and Belton would produce the team to follow Keyworth. Belton turned in a poor batting display scoring just 100, yet a superb effort in the field led to Wilsons crashing to 91 all out. Yet incredibly this wasn’t sufficient to take them up, Caythorpe IV, fifth at the start of play, took the maximum 20 points in their hammering of Farndon IV and secured promotion by a single point, Shaun King (81) and Kevin Jones (55) amongst the heroes for the winners.

Finally well done to Whatton and Aslockton II’s who were another team to survive on the final day of the season. Their victory at home to Kirkby Portland III, thanks in the main to Steve Walton (4 for 14) and Paul Fergus (3 for 8) coupled with a surprise defeat for Long Eaton III at already relegated Beeston Sycamore III sent the West park club down instead.

The beer was flowing at Plumtree on Saturday night as the home side secured the championship and the golden ticket to the Premier League. Despite the season being hit by the weather there is no doubt that Darren Wright’s men fully deserve their success due to their all round strength in depth.

A positive result was all Plumtree required on Saturday and Navid Latif, back in the country after playing representative cricket in Pakistan went some way to achieving this on his own cracking 127. Rob Tapp (62) and Steve James (47) also chipped in whilst the extras also notched up a half century. Visitors Long Eaton, themselves title challengers until a fortnight ago were left chasing a formidable 316 for victory, however they made a decent fist of it, Tim Taylor (83) and Umar Hassan (81) the chief contributors in their 267.

At the bottom its all going down to the final game with no fewer than five teams still in fear of the drop.  The game between Eastwood and Radcliffe had all the twists and turns you would expect in a relegation battle. Batting first, Eastwood looked well set for 200 at one stage but yet again Neil Gregory (60) lacked sufficient support as the middle and late order, Stuart Hill (38) apart collapsed to 167 all out. Radcliffe’s reply was solely based around Zimbabwean Waddington Mwayeanga (97) who was put down twice. Wickets fell at regular intervals, particularly in the middle order to Dave Summers, but Mwayeanga found willing partners in Simon Hopson and Alex Reed Brewer. A further clutch of wickets followed leaving Simon Ward and Pete Vickers to nurdle the visitors through to a priceless one wicket victory.

Southwell knew that a defeat would probably see the end of their brief sojourn in the top flight, however by winning at Ellerslie they bring the home side right back into the mire. Southwell successfully chased down the 169 target set thanks to unbeaten contributions from Tim Green (78) and Dave Rimmer (46), for Ellerslie, skipper Eddie Pidduck fought a losing battle with 5 for 55. The performance of the day though went to Attenborough who could only muster 149 at home to second placed Calverton, yet the home side produced a tremendous performance with the ball to dismiss Calverton for 113, Sam Clulow the man of the match with 42 and 4 for 26.

Attenborough’s weekend got even better on Sunday with a superb victory at home to Plumtree in the semi final of the Popkess Cup. The winners chased 215 and got home with one ball and one wicket to spare, Clulow again top scoring with 78. Attenborough play the winners of Collingham and Carington Caribs in the final at Kinoulton on September 9.

There are no issues settled as yet in Division B with the top three of Rolls Royce, Gedling and Sherwood and Keyworth all winning. Seven wickets for Kevin Pearson who is enjoying another Indian summer was the catalyst in Rolls’ seven wicket win at home to West Bridgfordians (180). Rolls are in pole position but have to travel to Keyworth on Saturday. Its looking bleak for Collingham who are in danger of suffering their third successive relegation, they travel to Gotham on Saturday with the losers almost certainly relegated. Kimberley II breathed a huge sigh of relief after a four wicket win at home to Gotham, skipper James Griffiths (37*) anchoring the side home.

Clifton Village II require just one win from their remaining two fixtures to secure a quick return to Division B. They had the lions share of a winning draw at Hickling who could only make 88 in reply to the visitors 238. Carington Caribs are second following a win at home to Plumtree II, Belvoir are third but if they win their remaining two games, both against freefalling Long Whatton then they too will be promoted.

It is too little too late but Attenborough II have found some form in August. Chasing 172 at Long Whatton they only needed David Harris (79*) and Mike Dickinson (76). Whatton will be glad of their early season form as they cant buy a win at present. Nottingham seemed safe enough at the halfway stage but a poor run has seen them slump to second from bottom. Ian Lobb of Hucknall put them to the sword on Saturday recording an unbeaten 100 and in reply Scott Harris took 4 for 34 and Martyn Wagstaff 3 for 26 as Nottingham slipped to 122 all out and defeat by 60 runs.

Despite defeat at nearest rivals Radcliife on Trent II on Saturday, Fiskerton are promoted from Division D. Radcliffe must beat Stanton by Dale on Saturday to join them. A fine all round performance by Newark’s Steve Kennewell (133 and 3 for 31) was the reason behind their success at Stanton. Meanwhile Willoughby are making their own version of the great escape by grabbing their third win in four games, a comprehensive one too which ended Thurgarton’s slim hopes of promotion. Skipper Gino Taj was again in the wickets claiming 4 for 27 as the home side was shot out for just 109.

Wollaton hold on to top spot in E with Risley second , however with just the one game remaining Risley are the only side that are guaranteed promotion. Not for the first time this season, Risley (180) showed their strength with the ball, Matt Shaw claiming five wickets and Chris Gough four as Nuthall’s promotion push ended with a 68 run defeat. Wollaton’s Andy Rattray rolled back the years with 102 at home to West Bridgford Legion (129) who with a 113 run defeat against the table toppers are heading for a swift return to Division F.

The two promotion places in F are settled, congratulations go to Caythorpe III on their second successive promotion whilst Gedling Colliery return to E after just one season in the lower league. Gedling made light work of the 160 set by Ravenshead, Rob Platnam (70) and Geoff Moore (69) doing the brunt of the scoring, defeat for Ravenshead means they are relegated. Elks have had a good run of form in the second half of the season, Scott Law (87) again in the runs in their six wicket win at home to Wymeswold (181). Elks should finish third which should stand them in good stead for a crack at promotion next season.

Another week another leader in Division G, Chilwell (236) take over again following a comprehensive win at Gotham (100), Jason Woolliscroft being run out on 97. Kinoulton blased an incredible 372 against previous leaders Hoveringham, Tom Richards smashing 137 and the consistent Steve Harling 57. Hoveringham gave it a good go though with their star Stuart Walton smacking 152 and Murray De Banke an unbeaten 70 as the hosts finished on 298. A win for Hoveringham against Chilwell next week will see them promoted whilst Kinoulton must win their remaining two games and hope results go their way. In the battle of the bottom two, Whatton and Aslockton (154 for 8) gave themselves a glimmer of hope of avoiding the drop by defeating relegated Bramcote II by 53 runs, Alex White grabbing a hat trick for the winners.

The inevitable was confirmed on Saturday with a richly deserved title success for Oxton who have played 13 won 13. Chris Graham performed the star turn this week with 6 for 14 as fading East Leake slumped to 96, a target which the champions passed for the loss of five wickets. Kirkby Portland II looked the most likely side to join Oxton in G and if they are successful they will owe a huge debt of gratitude to seamer Adie Severn who added another five wickets to his impressive tally for the season in his sides 85 run win at home to Elks II (153). Beeston Sycamore had their relegation confirmed on Saturday following a heavy defeat at home to Loughborough Carillon II the remaining slot will be fought out between Rolls Royce II and Elks II who are separated by a single point.

Newstead Village II are just a win away from promotion from Division J. Thirteen year old James Bowker was the star with the ball in the leaders easy win at Ruddington. Wins for Lambley and Carrington Caribs II will keep the chase open up to the final week. Bestwood Village battled bravely for victory at Lambley (165), veteran Bob Limb top scoring with 55 but the run chase fell just 11 runs short and it condemned Bestwood to a third successive relegation.

Burton Joyce are home and dry at the top in K with a hundred percent record, the title winning victory came at Lenton Abbey who fell 66 runs short of the 229 set, Chris Seymour and Tony Downie recording fifities for the champions. The remaining promotion slot will be between West Bridgfordians II and Basford Hall OB who play each other in a winner takes all on Saturday. Both sides recorded comfortable victories, Bridgfordians being the more emphatic at poor Thurgarton II who once again are relegated.

Congratulations also go to Woodborough who are champions in L, however fellow promotion contenders Willoughby II’s bid was totally derailed at home to Clifton Village III who racked up 250 for 5 and bowled the home side out for just 72. Breaston took full opportunity to move into second with a 60 run win at home to Underwood II (151), Barry Rainsford (72) top scoring for Breaston.

Its extremely tight at the top in M with Thrumpton II currently in pole position defeating previously second Belton (84) by 29 runs, Thomas Harken the man of the match with 5 for 19. Defeat for Belton enabled Keyworth to take over in second following a 31 run win at home to Lambley II (124), Can Troung the star performer with 5 for 23.

Lowdham II are almost there in N with a win at Balderton II, Gedling Colliery III still remain the other favourites for promotion but  third placed Shepshed ensured a few last week jitters at Gedling lost by one run chasing 187 to win, this despite 50 from Dave Stanley.