South Nottinghamshire Cricket League

In Division A, Ellerslie were rewarded for switching their game to their Wilford Lane ground by securing only their second twenty point haul of the season and in doing so hauled themselves off the foot of the table.

Batting first, Andy Birch (75*) delivered his highest score since his pre season move from Notts Unity Casuals  and together with useful contributions from Samrat Sharma (46) and Kaizer Shukat (43) enabled Ellerslie to post a daunting 270 – 4. In reply, visitors Radcliffe on Trent, despite 71 from Lee Houghton, fell some distance short on 155 as new signing from Gedling Colliery Zaheer Rahman took 4 for 40.

In the divisions only other game to beat the weather, Balderton remain third after a 16 point winning draw at home to Attenborough who in turn slump to the bottom.

Tim Clipsham (76) carried on where he had left off on June 9, by top scoring for the home side in the final total of 188 for 9, for the visitors, 14 year old Dominic Harvey continues to impress with 5 for 35. Attenborough battled hard with the bat, Sam Clulow striking 58 but eventually they had to cling on for the losing draw at 169 for 8.

Just the one game was possible in B, and form team Kirkby Portland continued their decent run by defeating Bottesford (112) by four wickets. The father and son combination of Jason (5 for 37) and Joe Caunt (51) were the chief perpetuators of the victory. Kirkby climb to mid table whilst Bottesford, relegated from A last season fall to second from bottom.   

In Division C, Belvoir’s hard work in recent weeks to get games on looks to have paid dividends as they climbed to joint second. Visitors Hucknall posted 159 thanks in the main to 55 from veteran Andy Wagstaff, for the home side, 18 year old Richard Gadd returned excellent figures of 6 for 38. The game was in the balance at 142 for 8 in  Belvoir’s reply, however an unbeaten 28 from Tony Wade and a six and four from big hitting Dan Greengrass saw the home team to victory.

Fiskerton cemented their position at the helm in D following a comfortable victory at mid table Stanton by Dale (142 for 9), Richard Robson (51) top scoring with 51 as the winners recorded their seventh win in eight games.

Division E saw the leagues only completed fixtures and leaders Risley were involved in an astonishing encounter at fellow promotion hopefuls Farndon. Led by Lee Jackson (5 for 22) and Dan Hubbard (3 for 9) Farndon dismissed the table toppers for a paltry 60. However, not for the first time this season, Risley displayed their prowess with the ball as four wickets for Matt Shaw and three for Dan Gough helped shoot out the home side for 34!

It was generally a good day for the leading sides in E as fifties from Sunil Sharma and Andy Rattray eased Wollaton II to a four wicket win at home to Southwell II (162 for 4)  whilst four wickets for Richard Marsh and three each for Rod Sanders and Mick Mason were the catalysts of Nuthall’s four wicket success in a low scoring encounter at home to Long Eaton II (75).

The game of the day between Eastwood II and Caythorpe III in F fell victim to the weather leaving Gedling Colliery II to win and share the leadership with the latter. Winless Ravenshead could only muster 100 as 14 year old Adam Burton took 3 for 21, whilst in reply, Gedling’s Ryan Easom struck 47 to see the winners home by five wickets.

In G, Hoveringham took advantage of closest rivals Chilwell’s game being cancelled to return to the summit. On a day where drying wickets produced mainly bowler friendly pitches, ex Caythorpe man Ben Lee struck an outstanding unbeaten 110 in Hoveringham’s 203 for 5. Bottom club Bramcote II (52) were never in the hunt as Sturart Walton and skipper Tim Etherington grabbed three wickets apiece.

In G’s remaining game, Lowdham set a target of 135 for victory at fellow promotion hopefuls Kinoulton, Andy Norris top scoring with 40. Kinoulton captain Shaun Campbell looked to have batted his side to victory with 42 in reply but when he was dismissed Lowdham grabbed the opportunity and six off the final delivery proved to be four too many for the home side.

Oxton made it the perfect ten out of ten in H with an eight run victory over visitors Gedling and Sherwood II (110). Credit must be given for this particular success as the opposition fielded several first teamers who usually ply their trade in B. Steve Thornhill and Mark Zajac were the heroes for the home side with four and three wickets respectively.

Elsewhere in H, Rolls Royce Leisure II looked dead and buried earlier in the season after losing their first six games. However three successive victories have given them real hope of avoiding a second successive relegation. Third placed Cotgrave set a testing 181 for victory and Rolls looked to be heading for defeat at 96 for 7. However, enter 15 year old Jake Wright who starred with his first senior fifty and together with Gordon Pearson (74*) the pair produced an unlikely victory.

The days only other game in H saw Elks II ease their relegation worries as they came out on top by 23 runs at home to East Leake (73). Scott Law took five wickets for the winners and it was a double celebration for ex Kimberley all rounder Neil Sanderson (3 for 21) who scored his first runs of the season after six successive ducks!

In J the top two of Lambley and Gladstone both fell to defeats. Lambley lost to a strong Newstead Village II (120) by 49 runs who climb to the top whilst Gladstone (175 for 8) slipped to a surprise four wicket defeat at Edingley for whom Shaun Stocks (91*) was the man of the match. Defeat for the pair meant Carrington Caribs II now hold the remaining promotion slot after crushing bottom club Caunton (83) by 141 runs.

Division K leaders Burton Joyce were without a game so Bingham, West Bridgfordians II and Basford Hall OB all took advantage to reduce the gap with victories. Bingham in particular though must have been doubtful of success at the tea interval after being dismissed for just 95, however Glenn Warwick and Graeme Warwick bowled superbly to bowl out visitors Belvoir II fro 42.

Just the one game survived in Division L where early pace setters Kimberley III finally returned to form with an 81 run win at Stanton by Dale II (135), Daniel Pheasant continuing his fine season falling just four short a century.

Thrumpton II stay top in M, Grant Woolley (65*) and Mark Payne (45*) the chief contributors in their 50 run success at home to Farndon II (105). Lambley II took advantage of Belton II’s inactivity by moving up to second, Fiskerton II (110) falling way short of the 200 set for victory thanks to 4 wickets from veteran spinner Dave Groves.

There was a one sided relegation battle in N as Hucknall III improved their chances of survival after bowling out Cotgrave II for just 28!

Its as you were in P as the top two were both successful. Chilwell II fielded a strong side due to the first teams lack of action and had too many aces for struggling Whatton and Aslockton II who slipped to 61 all out chasing 195 for victory. For the winners, Ali Mustafa (74*) and David Grant (69) earned the plaudits. Ellerslie II remain second as Will Shields (7 for 19) recorded the leagues best bowling performance in their victory over mid table Kimberley IV.

After weeks of inactivity, Division R finally got underway again, Wollaton maintaining top spot with a nine wicket win at West Bridgford Legion II (89 for 7), Stuart Cobbett striking an unbeaten 53 for the winners. Wymeswold II again caught the eye with the brother and sister due of Jack and Sophia Hayes each taking four wickets to demolish East Leake II (35).       

Expectations would have been high on Thursday night that the South Notts League would have had a full programme, however heavy rain on Friday meant that a further 22 games fell victim to the weather meaning that some sides have now not played since June 9!!

In Division A, Newstead Village are making a decent fist of attempting to make their stay in the top flight an extension of the year they managed on their previous visit in 2004. They had a must win game at fellow strugglers Ellerslie and found it hard going on a drying pitch and were thankful for the extras which top scored with 28 in their total of 132 as home skipper Eddie Pidduck and veteran left armer Phil Lafbery each grabbed three wickets.

However, the arrival of overseas spinner Tariq Mahmood  ( 3 for 30) has given an extra dimension to their bowling attack,  and together with Nick Hand (4 for 32) the pair made heavy inroads into the Ellerslie batting. Not even 51 from the consistent Samrat Sharma and a one hour delay due to a serious leg injury to a Newstead Village could prevent Ellerslie (94) sliding to the foot of the table.

In the only other game in A to beat the weather, Long Eaton closed the gap on leaders Plumtree with a three wicket win at Calverton (140), the teams  remain second and fourth respectively.

There are new leaders in B as Gedling and Sherwood replace Keyworth (92) following a four wicket win at the Chateau, Shaun Carmody (4 for 31) and Paul McMillan (3 for 22) the match winners.

The majority of the remaining action centred around the lower half of the table and Kirkby Portland, who endured a difficult start are now displaying a decent run of form and put home side Gotham to the sword. Invited to bat first, Kirkby openers Joe Caunt (58) and skipper Steve Betteridge (26) batted impressively in difficult early conditions, and although the change bowlers of Simon North (3 for 30), Gary Kerslake and Shane Litchfield (2 for 15) brought the home side back into the game, it was felt at tea that 169 was a useful score given the circumstances.

Gotham’s reply got off to a bright and breezy start with Litchfield helping himself to 33 out of the first 46, yet when he was out to a ill chosen pull the rest of the batsmen fell in a sorry procession as Brett Jones (4 for 17) and Jason Caunt (3 for 32) reaped the rewards of accurate bowling.

Gotham fall to the bottom as there was a first win since the opening day for Collingham. Visitors Bottesford laboured to just 87 in 44 overs. Not surprisingly, with Paul Todd in form. The home sides reply was short and sweet, Todd finishing unbeaten on 67.  Elsewhere, West Bridgfordians must have regretted dropping Pallav Patel in single figures as the Loughborough man went on to make 98* out of his sides 149. Patel also weighed in with three wickets, as did the in-form Andy Harland as the home side eventually clung on to a losing draw as 135 for 9 in what was an entertaining game.

Just the two games were possible in Division C and neither involved the top two of Clifton Village II and Carrington Caribs. Belvoir closed the gap on the promotion spots with a six wicket success at Plumtree II (158 for 6) thanks to 56 from Charles Hubbard. A good day too  for improving Hucknall (202 – 9) as they gained a 17 point winning draw at Hickling who again missed the opportunity to put pressure on the top two. For Hucknall, teenager Scott Harris made 89 and there was another fine performance from all rounder Jamie Braybrook (58 and 3 for 33).

In D, the postponed fixtures affected the top sides so focus was switched to the other end and not even an enforced break could alter the fortunes of strugglers Calverton II and Willoughby. Chris Miller’s 61 ensured that the Calverton skipper has now top scored in each of his sides seven games, home side Thrumpton though knocked off the 164 required with four wickets intact thanks to 68 from Zaf Iqbal. Willoughby did a decent job in restricting Newark to 126 but then a devastating spell of 5 for 2 from Steve Kennewell, aided by Ian Black who weighed in with 4 for 19 saw the home side slump to 69 all out in reply.

Only one game survived in E and it saw Hucknall II cement their mid table position with a 100 run success at home to next to bottom West Bridgford Legion (126), for the winners, Ian Lobb top scored with 70 whilst Steve Fearn chipped in with 51.

Eastwood II’s stay at the summit in F lasted all of one week as they were destroyed by promotion rivals Gedling Colliery II and Gareth Hayes who took 5 for 21 as the home side recorded a nine wicket win. Caythorpe III (167 for 8)  took advantage and are the new leaders, Ashley Daffin taking 5 for 22, including a hat trick as visitors Unity Casuals II, who had been on a decent run themselves before the monsoons  were bowled out for 102. Wins too for mid table sides Elks and Ellerslie II.

No change at the top in G as Chilwell, Hoveringham and Lowdham all recorded victories. Ali Mohammed was again in the wickets for leaders Chilwell taking 4 for 24 to restrict Epperstone to 108. However wickets crumbled in the hunt for maximum batting points  and it was left to Asad Nadeem to see Chilwell home with an unbeaten 58.

Its now 9 wins out of 9 for Oxton in Division H and it seems that the outstanding issue will be who joins them in G next season. The leaders didn’t have it all their own way though at East Bridgford (135) and it was due to the consistent Mike Berry (33 and 4 for 30) that they finally got home with three wickets to spare.

Kirkby Portland II wasted little time in seeing off the challenge of strugglers Geding and Sherwood II (64) and in doing so move up to second. East Leake climb to fourth, Andrew Elkington picking up four wickets and Rob Grant and Steve Oakley three apiece as home side Loughborough Carillon II were blasted out for 48 chasing 184 for victory. Earlier, both Ashley Mace and Chris Neal had recorded fifties for the winners.

Lambley remain top in J but only just as they were the latest side to fall victim to Stapleford’s upturn in fortunes. Chasing just 97 for victory, the table toppers collapsed to 94 all out, Richard Cox the hero with 5 for 26. Defeat for Lambley was slightly harsh on Jamie Marchant who contributed 63 and took 3 for 20 with the ball. At the bottom, Edingley (196 for 6) gave themselves some breathing space, easily disposing of fellow strugglers Bestwood Village (118).

In K, Burton Joyce retain their 100% record with a six wicket win at winless Thurgarton II (163 for 8). West Bridgfordians remain second as they too recorded a comfortable win at mid table Bingham.

It was third against first in Division L but there is little stopping Woodborough at present who dismissed Willoughby II for 61, Matt Lane the chief destroyer with 4 for 7. Nearest rivals Breaston’s game at Newark II fell victim to the weather so Clifton Village III closed the gap with a close fought seven run win at Stanton by Dale II (145), Craig Fairhall top scoring with 63 for the winners and Richard Deeley taking 5 for 24 for the losers.

Thrumpton II return to the top in M without bowling a ball in anger as Belton slipped to a surprise 38 run defeat at Fiskerton II (162) who had Dave Harper bowling his team to success with 4 for 30.  Elsewhere, despite a hat trick from Tim Taylor, his Wilsons II side fell to a 46 run defeat at Lambley II (200 for 7) who move up to third.

In N there was no game for leaders Gedling Colliery III but Lowdham II put their ground woes behind them and cemented their runners up slot, taking just 12 overs to pass the 73 run target set by Radcliffe III. Something had to give at the bottom and a superb performance from Rob Sedgwick (6 for 10) of Cotgrave II saw visiting Newstead Village III shot out for 91. However Newstead fought back through John Battram (5 for 30) and Danny Salmon (4 for 19), but Cotgrave, thanks to Ian Lynn (33*) squeezed home and move out the relegation places.

Top score in the league went to Ben Lambourne of Whatton and Aslockton II in Division P who struck 114 out of his teams 199, in reply Broad Street could muster just 67 as Whatton recorded just their second win of the season. No game for leaders Chilwell II but closest rivals Ellerslie III recorded a five wicket success at home to bottom club Beeston Sycamore III (82 for 8), Tom Shields the man of the match with 4 for 16. Kimberley IV recorded a much needed win at Titchfield Park against visitors Long Eaton, 14 year old Becky Widdowson the star of the show taking 4 for 15.

Despite a fine weekend weather wise, the incessant June rain created yet more havoc on the South Notts Cricket League with 41 games being lost to the still saturated pitches. Concerns are growing whether Newark and Lowdham will be able to use their grounds again this season and they are hastily trying to seek alternative venues.

Only one game was possible in Division A and Newstead Village (166 for 7) picked up a useful sixteen point winning draw at home to Attenborough who continued their freefall down the table. The first couple of hours was a tepid affair on a drying pitch and outfield, indeed the first boundary was not scored until the 37^th over. However the tempo changed once Newstead’s overseas star Tariq Mahmood strode to the wicket. Mahmood, after a steady start cut loose with six overs remaining smashing 55 as 50 runs came off the final five overs, how the visitors must have been rueing dropping Mahmood twice in single figures.

Attenborough were in with a shout at the halfway stage, however the nagging accuracy of spin twins Mahmood and skipper Andy Paulson (both 4 for 48) ensured that  wickets fell at regular intervals and the visitors were forced to bat out the final couple of overs for a losing draw.

In Division C, Clifton Village II increased the lead at the summit with a four wicket success at struggling Bramcote (118), Pete Fairhall and Adam Shepherd taking four wickets apiece. Hucknall gained their first outright victory of the season, and in doing so moved out the relegation places. Hucknall (215 for 7) brushed aside the challenge of fading Long Whatton with Jamie Braybrook (31 and 4 for 27) enjoying success with both bat and ball, whilst teenager Adam Scott (4 for 23) seems to have taken the step up to the first team in his stride.

Elsewhere in C, Hickling (170) missed their chance to move into second as they slipped to a two wicket defeat in the penultimate over at Belvoir who climb to fourth. On generally bowler friendly wickets, Hickling’s Andy Clarke struck an impressive 78 but in reply home keeper Ryan Lewis saw his side home with an unbeaten 48.

Just the one game in D and Fiskerton (198 for 7) increased their lead at the top, after overcoming Thurgarton with just two balls remaining. The hero here was Fiskerton skipper Mike Rees who injured himself early in the game and batted with a runner to top score with 68.

Risley (183) still the lead the way in E, however they fell to their first defeat of the season at their nearest rivals Wollaton , Andy Rattray and Sunil Sharma each scoring 55 as the home side got home with five wickets remaining. Farndon move up to third, squeezing past Hucknall II (69), in form Mark Etherington grabbing another five wickets for the winners.

The enforced break has done nothing to alter the fortunes of Collingham II’s at the bottom as visitors Long Eaton II gained their third successive victory. Chasing 174 for victory, the home side made a fight of it with veterans Charlie Lucas (71) and Jeff Kirkham (41) in the runs, however they fell 17 runs short and slipped to their seventh straight defeat.

Eastwood Town II climb to the top in F without striking a ball in anger as previous residents Gedling Colliery II (88) slipped to a surprise  68 run defeat at Ellerslie II who climb out of the relegation spots, Will Shields (5 for 28) earning the man of the match.

New leaders too in G with Chilwell replacing Hoveringham as the latter fell to their first defeat of the season at Epperstone. Hoveringham were severely depleted thanks to a stag do but credit must go to the winners for successfully defending a measly 79, Ken Carter gaining the plaudits with 5 for 21.

Oxton in H  continued where they had left off before the inclement weather, comfortably disposing of nearest challengers Kirkby Portland II (138 for 9) by five wickets thanks to a solid all round performance from Mike Berry (37* and 3 for 29).

East Leake move up to fifth after dismissing poor Beeston Sycamore II for just 29, Andrew Elkington taking 6 for 20.

Division J saw the only completed fixture programme, the game of the day on paper turned out to be a stroll for leaders Lambley who thrashed Gladstone (142 for 8) by ten wickets, Jamie Marchant (82*) and ex Ellerslie man Kevin Cowlishaw (5 for 19) sharing the honours. Newstead Village II are hot on Gladstone’s heels in third, Matt Thrower (71*) top scoring in their 82 run success at Edingley (90). Stapleford and Carrington Caribs II could not be separated on 84 runs apiece, Wasim Karim, usually renowned for his first team exploits taking 5 for 4 for the Caribs. Congratulations must go to Caunton who recorded their first success of the season at home to Sutton Bonington (195), Jamie McIntyre (64) and Stuart Simpson (69*) seeing the strugglers home by seven wickets.

Burton Joyce increased the gap at the top in K with a forty one run win at home to Attenborough III (141 for 6), Chris Seymour and Tony Downie both recording half centuries.  Just the one game played in L and Willoughby II dropped out of the promotion places after losing to promotion rivals Breaston (108 for 7), this was despite a five wicket haul from the consistent Brian Johnson.

Belton go top in M, but only just as they lost nine wickets chasing 68 for victory at home to Farndon II, Martin Radford took 5 for 33 for the leaders. Fellow challengers Wilsons II (129) and Keyworth II met at The Chateau and it was the home side that came out on top in a tense game by nine runs.

In N, Newstead Village III (26) were destroyed on their Abbey ground by Plumtree III’s Keith Sherriston who helped himself to four wickets, whilst Shepshed Town III climb to the fringes of the promotion picture with a four wicket win at Cotgrave II (88) with Jack Moore (5 for 46) the match winner.

With conditions favouring the bowlers, there were three superb batting performances in Division P. Firstly Jamie Binley struck a fabulous 123 for Beeston Sycamore III, Binley also weighed in with three wickets but still ended on the losing side as leaders Chilwell II overcame the 199 target set with three wickets intact. Whilst at West Bridgfordians III there was a century apiece for the home sides Stuart Smedley and Mike Butler of Broad Street as the home side ran out 54 run winners. West Bridgfordians II stay third.

There are new leaders in Division A as Calverton were the latest team to fall victim to Balderton, the surprise package of the season so far. Three wickets apiece for Chris Dobbie and Ishan Ratnayake ensured that Calverton collapsed from 95 for 4 to 117 all out. Thirty more runs and it would have been interesting though  as Balderton made it home with just three wickets remaining, Tim Clipsham’s 42 ensuring that he continues his record of top scoring in each game to date.

Plumtree (231 for 8) climb to the summit after a 47 run win over Ellerslie who now occupy one of the relegation places, Mahmood Ali (7 for 43) returning the divisions best figures. At Eastwood there was a long awaited first appearance for Newstead Village’s first overseas player Tariq Mahmood, however it was fellow Asian Seyd Hammed who stole the show for Eastwood with six wickets as the visitors fell 64 runs short of the 159 target set. The win moves Eastwood out the bottom two and hopes are high their overseas player will arrive in time for next Saturday.

A more successful debut was that of Faisalabad star Asad Ali of Southwell whose four wickets contributed to Attenborough’s downfall. There was the usual obligatory fine spells too from Stephen Wright (3 for 18) and David Rimmer (3 for 21) and  the winners passed  the 93 target set for the loss of five wickets. Attenborough seem to be sliding down the table at an alarming rate. Its now three wins on the bounce for Long Eaton who move into second, Tim Taylor (68) and Umar Hassan (6 for 34) being the chief contributors in their six wicket win at Radcliffe on Trent (190 for 9).

Keyworth (210 for 9) remain top in B after winning at Gotham (154) although the home side were in the game until the final quarter. Keyworth got off to a bright start thanks to Australian Grant Parker (53) and Chris Ladd (25), however the change bowlers of Brett James (2 for 32) and Simon North (2 for 17) turned the innings in Gotham’s favour at 110 for 5. The number 4 Geoff Tindsley (36) dropped anchor and some late hitting from Stuart Meek (30), who was dropped four times in ten balls, Rob Baker and Steve Rendu enabled the home side to post a challenging 210.

 In reply, Gotham were well in with a shout at the half way stage thanks to a captains innings from Kevin Perrell (57) and 39 from 17 year old Matthew Hogg. However the introduction of slow left armer Rob Baker into the attack changed the course of the game. Both Perrell and Hogg fell to Baker who ended with 5 for 26, and the rest of the side offered little resistance as Meek (2 for 56) assisted in wiping up the tail.

Rolls Royce Leisure return to the promotion places, replacing Bottesford (131) following a comfortable six wicket victory, the Pearson’s, Gordon (66*) and Kevin (4 for 41) playing a pivotal role in the success. Gedling and Sherwood bounced back to form with an eight wicket thrashing of an inconsistent  Kimberley II side, occasional bowler Jerry Cruise the chief perpetrator with four wickets. The visitors managed only 102 and will now be nervously looking over their shoulder at the wrong end of the table.  

The game of the day between the top two Division C tuned out to be a disappointing affair as Clifton Village II (276 for 9) had too much in the tank for Long Whatton (176 for 7). Hickling take Long Whatton’s place in runners up following a thrilling one wicket success at home to Belvoir (184 for 9), the last pair of Peter Playle and Charles Hogg putting on the ten runs required for victory, earlier in the innings skipper Ian Fisher had struck a superb 108.

The game between Plumtree II (186 for 8) and Bramcote went to the final delivery where a run out meant that Bramcote failed to grab the single run required for victory. Elsewhere Attenborough II’s woeful start to the season continued as four wickets from Nottingham’s Irfan Mahmood and three for skipper Darren Shaw enabled the winners to bowl out the bottom club for just 100.

Fiskerton have now gone clear at the top in Division D following a four wicket success at Wilsons (162) who are struggling to live up to last season’s form where they missed out on a promotion place on the final day. Radcliffe on Trent II stay second but lose ground on the leaders following a 56 run defeat at third placed Thurgarton (230 for 7), Colin Cliff (95) top scoring.

The league’s outstanding individual performance came from Imran Shahid of Lady Bay boots whose 8 for 31 helped his side to a three wicket win at home to Newark (153). Another close game ended in Stanton by Dale (207 for 8) edging out Thrumpton by two runs, Stanton climb to fourth. Something had to give as the two winless sides met at Willoughby, and it was the home side that came out on top, thrashing Calverton (118) by 134 runs thanks to an unbeaten 102 from Mark Lindley.

Risley increase their lead at the helm in E, and it was the turn of their batters to shine as 82 from Matt Shaw and 75 from Mark Addison helped them post an insurmountable 277 for 5 at home to Southwell II. The shock in the division came at Long Eaton II where the struggling home side hammered second place Wollaton II (106) by six wickets, Mark Simnett, making a rare appearance taking 5 for 24 for the winning side. Collingham II’s miserable run continues, managing just 55 in reply to Nuthall’s 167 with Richard Marsh, more renowned for his batting, helping himself to a five wicket haul.   

Graham Burton of Gedling Colliery II has experienced some bad luck in the past fortnight. On Saturday he followed the previous weeks 99 with 49, the consolation being that his contribution enabled his side to stay top in Division F. The chasing pack all were victorious though as a gap begins to appear between the top four and the remaining sides. Eastwood II remain in second after Tom Buckley’s five wickets dismissed Wymeswold for 74 whilst Unity Casuals II won their fourth successive game, skipper Mark Taylor (62) leading the way in their 57 run win at bottom club Ravenshead (172).

Its played five won five for Hoveringham in G as they disposed of third place Lowdham (155) by five wickets thanks to six wickets from veteran David Campbell. Chilwell stay hot on their heels though as there were more wickets for the in form Ali Mohammed (3 for 25) and Matt Murfin (3 for 40) in their 44 run victory at home to Beeston Sycamore (144). Elsewhere, an unbroken last wicket stand of 61 was the highlight of Kinoulton’s total of 226, 16 year old Chris Meek earning the plaudits with an unbeaten 75. The partnership was to prove unnecessary though as visitors Gotham II were shot out for 55, Steve Fox, Andrew Wilcox and Shaun Campbell all taking three wickets apiece.

Oxton show no signs of faltering at the top in H following a comfortable 85 run success at Loughborough Carillon II (140), Simon Widdison and Chris Berry, both recording fifties for the winners. The headlines though went to Adie Severn of Kirkby Portland II whose five wicket haul meant that his tally to date rises to 23 wickets in five games. Kirkby beat East Leake who themselves had been in good form to stay second. Tom Russell of Cotgrave enjoyed a memorable day, carrying his bat for 73 and then grabbing three wickets as his team thrashed Elks II (93) by 125 runs.

In J there was a return to form for Newstead Village II (157) who beat winless Caunton (115). Stapleford won their second game in succession against fellow strugglers Bestwood Village (121), Gary Dawson’s four wicket haul assisting in a 23 run success.

Burton Joyce take over the leadership in Division K shooting out struggling Risley II for 53, West Bridgfordians II slipped to a surprising defeat at Belvoir II , Olly Clayfield keeping the family name going at the club with 59 as his side successfully chased down the previous leaders 157 target. Wins too for Attenborough III and Bingham who move to fourth and fifth respectively.

Woodborough stay at the summit in L after bowling out Kimberley III for 72. Kimberley who were top at one stage have now lost their last three and their total included 22 from last man Richard Straw as ex Newstead man Matt Lane (6 for 33) caused havoc. Willoughby II remain in touch though as the Johnson’s of Gareth (43*) and Brian (4 for 43) played a major part in their five wicket success at Newark II. Clifton Village III collapsed from 158 for 0 to 202 all out as all the early work done by Craig Fairhall (86) and Andy Doulton (51) threatened to be undone. However, Jeff Kemp returned the figures of 5 for 2 as home side Underwood II, who came up with Clifton last season were bowled for 117 in reply.

Keyworth II are on a great run in M, their latest win came at home to previous leaders Belton, Richard Drury’s unbeaten 85 being the highlight in Keyworth’s reply to the 143 target set. It wasn’t a good day Belton’s closest rivals Thrumpton II either  as they fell to a seven run defeat at mid table Long Whatton II. A tense finale at Lambley II who edged out visitors Caythorpe IV (180) by eight runs, veteran Dave Groves rolling back the years with 5 for 48 for the winners.

The top two clashed in N and Dave Stanley’s unbeaten 75 and five wickets for 14 year old Adam Burton assisted Gedling Colliery III to a three wicket win at Balderton II (145). Lowdham II take Balderton’s place in the promotion places after defeating Hucknall III (153) by 42 runs. Mid table Shepshed were the impressive destroyers of Newstead Village III who crashed to 24 all out thanks to four wickets each for Richard Camp and Michael Price. The misery continues for Elks III who followed up last weeks dismal showing with just 45 at Plumtree III, James Brydon (5 for 19) and 12 year old Matthew Milnes (3 for 4) the chief destroyers.

A thrilling tie in Division P at Kimberley IV who couldn’t be separated from Ruddington II (148). There were still 12 overs remaining when Kimberley lost their final wicket, for the home side though there were notable performances from the father and daughter combination of Carl (62*) and Becky Widdowson (4 for 32). There were wins for Ellerslie III and West Bridgfordians III to stay part of the promotion picture, for the latter there was a brave innings from Siddhart Patwardhan who struck an unbeaten 75, this was after temporarily retiring hurt after being hit in the eye.

The main news in R were first defeats for Wollaton III and Wymeswold II against Notts Unity III and Thrumpton III respectively, Unity’s win elevates them to second place. An exciting climax at West Bridgford Legion II where visitors Kinoulton II won off the final delivery thanks to 62 for Sam Jennings. Shepshed IV demolished East Leake II for 42, James Riches grabbing six wickets, but there a few nervy moments in their reply, losing five wickets themselves.  Finally congratulations to Poplars who are off and running, thrashing winless Edingley II (49) by 159 runs.