South Nottinghamshire Cricket League

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 30 May 2009

By Phil Johnson

SOUTHWELL GONE FOR A BURTON

The eagerly anticipated early season top of the table clash in Division A turned out to be a one sided affair with leaders Radcliffe on Trent hammering Balderton by nine wickets.

Balderton actually won the toss and elected to bat. Yet soon regretted the decision as Chris Holden (5 for 19) ripped through the top order. Eddie Torr also chipped in with a couple as only Alan Jackson (32) troubled the scorers for the losers. After bowling Balderton out for 99 the home side were in a hurry to finish the job with Rob Sutton (54) and Mark Noblet (41) knocking the runs in just 14 overs.

Southwell, after three straight wins, have stumbled somewhat in the last fortnight and on Saturday they came second best at Gedling Colliery (246). The home side line up certainly has more of a youthful look than of late but on Saturday it was the turn of the old guard to shine with Shane Pidgeon (113*) and Graham Burton (34) setting the tone of leather chasing on a hot afternoon. Graham’s brother Jeff continued the momentum (64) as Pidgeon  who survived a missed stumping and a confident LBW shout on 98 reached the landmark in the closing stages. It was a day where Southwell’s seamers failed to shine but credit to Steve Wright (2 for 68) and spinner Matt Wookey (3 for 60) for sticking to their task.

After tea it was the turn of left arm seamer Adam Burton to impress, then came the final Burton, spinner Steve to monitor the scoring with 2 for 40 off 16 overs. Chris Miller (55) gave the chase his best shot but when he was dismissed by a fine one handed catch from Steve Burton the visitors shut up shop and closed on 174 for 7.

It would be fair to say that Brett Scothern hasn’t done himself justice with the bat over the last couple of seasons. However on Saturday, the Long Eaton man was back to his brilliant best striking 146 at home to Calverton. Scothern actually contributed his knock out of 195 at the time. He obviously didn’t fancy running much as 120 of it came in boundaries. Peter Crawley (6 for 53) plugged away at one end but 236 on West Park is a decent effort. In reply there were fifties from Scott Andrew and Richard Lee but the visitors fell someway short on 173 for 7 as Long Eaton climbed to second.

Not even the return of Indian Samrat Sharma could inspire Gedling and Sherwood (196) to their first victory of the season at improving Belvoir. Sharma (56) and Gerry Cruise helped put on 74 for the first wicket in just 14 overs, however it went downhill from there despite 66 from Carl Blake as the visitors were kept in check by spinner James Fellows (4 for 28).

The losers were boosted by the early dismissal of Darren Bicknell but Belvoir don’t solely rely on him as two successive promotions have proved. The in form Tom Neville cracked 74 and captain James Clayfield 54 as victory was achieved with eight balls remaining.

Eastwood (236) bounced back from a heavy defeat last week as Ejaz Ahmed fired 94 and Imran Azam (74) made his first contribution since his move from Derby Rolls Royce. Ben Savage took a further four wickets for Unity Casuals but the visitors were severely hampered by an injury to the inform Andrew Jackman who did not appear with the bat. Simon Neal, another consistent high run scorer is struggling a little this season so it was no surprise when Unity closed short of their target on 187 for 6.

Division B leaders Hyson Green Caribs were inactive this week so it was left to Gotham (253) to cement their second place with a comfortable win at Newstead Village (156). The kiwis were again in form with the winners with Brad Moore (76) and Misty Jones – Middleton (89) in the runs whilst Brett James ( 4 for 14) took the bowling honours.

Ellerslie continue to impress and will be a strong contender for honours if Husnain Riaz and Tariq Mahmood are available all season. Riaz smacked a 45 ball 70 as his team made 216 at Kimberley. This total was slightly less than expected at one stage, however James Griffiths (5 for 50) did a good job at the death.

Kimberley’s youthful top order was ruthlessly exposed by Riaz (4 for 46) and Mahmood (5 for 27). At 36 for 6 the home side looked doomed to embarrassment, but Griffiths (77) and Steve Bennett (29) batted well to add some respectability with outright victory only being achieved in the penultimate over.

There were runs galore for Loughborough Carillon as fifties from Shane Litchfield, Richard Billam, Julian Richardson and John Harrison put ten men Keyworth to the sword. Carillon amassed 326 with the home side sorely missing messrs Graham, Tinsdley and Rendu. Keyworth replied with 140 with Andy Harland (4 for 26) the main perpetrator with the ball.    

There was another North Notts derby as Rolls Royce, missing the injured Khan and unavailable Gorman struggled to contain rivals Hucknall who racked up 217 thanks to Nagasir Sookram (53) and Tom Carlisle (41). After tea Gordon Pearson struck 54 against his former club but lacked support as the spin duo of Jamie Braybrooke (4 for 64) and Adam Scott (4 for 30) did the damage. Rolls finished 46 runs short but what will have been even more frustrating was there were more than ten overs remaining when the last man was dismissed.

West Bridgfordians are the new leaders in C after a suprising reversal for Collingham (184) at home to Bramcote. The home side who managed just 60 last week bounced back with 236 as Pete Gooden fell just three short of a century. Collingham gave it a go in reply but the prize wicket of David Pipes was snaffled  for 20 and despite 60 from ex Notts CCC veteran Paul Todd, Bramcote picked up 17 points for a winning draw.

Bottesford climb to second after successfully defending 103 at home to Hickling with Dave Warburton (5 for 23) and Jake Hutchinson (3 for 14) turning the game around.

It’s very tight at the top in D with three teams separated by just 6 points.  For Reece Hayes of Gedling Colliery II its been one heck of a year. The thirteen year old began his senior career in the fourth team last year and has progressed rapidly, adding an unbeaten 59 to his 34 last week as his side, assisted by Geoff Moore (87*) coasted to victory at Bottom club Newark (150).

Fiskerton and Willoughby also won and Thurgarton edged a close one at home to Risley with 15 year old James Taylor (46*) staying calm to score the winning runs in the final over, earlier the youngster had also taken four wickets.

Hoveringham continue to set the pace in E as fifties from Nick and Stuart Walton contributed to a 113 run thrashing of Underwood (82). Southwell II stay in second with 17 year old Alex Rainbow firing 92 in a eight run win over Thrumpton (214). Hucknall II have also started well and skipper Paul Harley grabbed five wickets to dismiss poor Chilwell for just 55.

Ellerslie II are mirroring their first team achievements at present as they lead the way in F. Visitors Kirkby Portland (156) were no match as 92 from Mark Footitt, 67 from Alan Lewis and five wickets from Tom Ekins paved the way for 65 run success.

Oxton are improving after a poor start and Mark Groome bludgeoned an unbeaten 67 at home to Bottesford II including 24 off the final over. This feat was the deciding fact as Bottesford (144) despite 60 from Neil Coddington fell 11 runs shy of the target.

There was an ex Notts CCC reunion at Calverton II with Kevin Evans and David Fraser Darling turning out for the home side, Evans contributed 61 out of a final total of 193. In reply Lee Cuthbert struck a maiden 50 for Long Eaton but the team fell to a 59 run defeat.

One of the few hundred percent records went in G with a thrilling win for Epperstone at leaders Whatton and Aslockton. Chasing 200 for victory Epperstone required 14 runs off the final over. A tall order made even trickier with the last pair at the crease. This did not prove to be an issue though for Will Burgess who had come in at number 9. The bowler who had earlier taken five wickets, struck a two and three fours to win the game off the penultimate delivery.

Sixty four year old Dave Fawcett is still going strong as the veteran recorded the leagues best figures (7 for 27) of the day as West Bridgford Legion were bowled out for 122. Unfortunately his team showed a lack of application with the bat and fell to a 48 run reversal.

  Snibston Grange sit at the summit in H, their latest success came at home to Newstead Village II with Tom Toal (58 and 4 for 37) claiming the man of the match award. Previous leaders Burton Joyce slip to third after losing to second place Edingley (160) with Shaun Stocks (61*) and Simon Ingram (4 for 10) playing leading roles in a 71 run win.

It’s played five won 5 for Sutton Bonington (251) who cruised to victory against Caunton (118). For the winners Adam King, James Wilks and Dave Appleby all recorded fifties. Elsewhere in J, Saqib Nazir will be knocking on the door of the first after striking 133 for Rolls Royce II in their thrashing of Woodborough.

The top two met in K and it was debut to remember for Daniel Huskinson of Kimberley III. Firstly he took four Wilsons II wickets then he made 69 as the winners squeezed home with one wicket remaining.

It’s not often you will score 125 and still be on the losing aside. But that’s what happened to Stuary Hubbard of Risley II. His team ended on 219 but that was a poor second to Caythorpe IV who amassed 300 with Shaun King (114) and Matthew Staszkiewck (88) the main contributors.

Thrumpton II (174) have taken over at the top in L after overcoming the challenge of struggling Belton (138) with Camoeron Rashid taking five victims.

Broad Street (268) have yet to lose in M after hammering Farndon II (149) with Dan Nicholls (77) and Mike Cupit (53 & 4 – 36) playing major roles. Fiskerton II aren’t too far behind as 12 year old Jake Fish (63) scored his maiden senior fifty in their thrashing of Lambley II.

It’s four wins out of four for Wollaton III in N with Will Rattray (68) and Sunil Shrestha (4 for 5) the catalysts behind their eight wicket win at home to Ashby Hastings III (124).

Finally in R, Thrumpton III recorded their first win of the season in dramatic circumstances. The winners had slumped to 62 for 9 chasing 112 at Kinoulton. Yet the never say die attitude of Paul Burns (22*) and Jason Hellen (30*) saw the team through to an unlikely victory.

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 23 May 2009

By Phil Johnson

Radcliffe on Trent are now the sole leaders of Division A following a surprising reversal for Southwell at Calverton.

Southwell have probably even exceeded their expectations by winning all of their games so far but even they would have looked at the fixture list for Saturday with optimism, playing a young side who had yet to register a victory. However an inept batting display caused their downfall with only Chris Miller (47), playing against his former club showing any form as the visitors closed on a disappointing 123.

Credit must go though to a well disciplined attack for whom Mark Haseman (3 for 27) and Jack Kirk (3 for 48) shared the honours. After tea the chase presented few alarms thanks to Billie Armstrong (61).

Radcliffe were on top from the start at Unity, reducing the home side to 38 for 6 thanks to an opening burst from Chris Holden (4 for 50) with Simon Ward (2 for 21) providing valuable support . In fairness, Unity battled back well through the reliable Andrew Jackman (82) to ensure Radcliffe had something to chase (158).

There were runs in the pursuit  for the top order of Marc Ellison (36), Rob Sutton (28) and Mark Noblet (21) but another good spell form Ben Savage (3 for 28) saw the middle order crumble to 137 for 7. However Eddie Torr (17*) again stepped up to see the visitors through with an over to spare.

Balderton climb into second and it’s a different story this year with the top order firing on all cylinders. At home to Gedling Colliery, a brilliant century from Tim Clipsham (113) and 46 from Dominic Wiffin set the tone nicely for Chris Dobbie to bludgeon an unbeaten 58 from only 29 balls. Chasing 251 for victory, the visitors were never really in the hunt finishing on 170 for 8. Paul Colcomb, who has had to play second fiddle to messrs Ratnayake and Lynn for years again showed his worth with a five wicket haul.

Belvoir finally got their season off and running with a 198 run hammering of an Eastwood side (84) who never got out of first gear. A first wicket partnership of 144 between Darren Bicknell (91) and James Needle (54) ensured the best possible start whilst 57 from Tom Needle kept up the momentum. It could have been worse as the home side were 254 for 2, however a late flurry of wickets for Dave Summers (4 for 56) kept the score “restricted” to 282 for 9.

Belvoir’s attack had failed to fire so far but they were helped on their way by some atrocious batting. Eastwood never recovered after an impressive opening spell from Alex Sears (2 for 16) whilst the spin of James Fellows and Bicknell (4 for 8) wrapped up what little resistance there was left.  

Gedling and Sherwood (139) may be suffering from second season syndrome after falling to another defeat, this time at home to Long Eaton who rise to third.

Left hander Andy Edge top scored with 86 and Ben Middleton (46*) assisted with valuable support in the winners total of 187. No runs for Leon Botha but the South African’s deceptive fast medium bowling will add many more victims to his five wickets today.

There was a shock in store for Clifton Village II who were knocked off their perch in B by a Gotham Village side who totally outplayed them.  Gotham made 243 with Brad Moore (51), Alex Haworth (49), Rob Goddard (45) and Misty Jones -  Middleton (36) all contributing. For Clifton, veteran Pete Fairhall (7 for 84) kept plugging away with no support. The day got better for Gotham as Moore (3 for 33) and Jones – Middleton (3 for 16) stayed at the party, the losers slumping to 108. You would say that if Gotham could play this eleven on a regular basis then they would be a strong bet for promotion.

Defeat for Clifton paved the way for Hyson Green CC to climb to the summit with a thrilling win at Loughborough Carillon (245). Lack of match practice didn’t prove to be an issue for Pallav Patel who struck an outstanding unbeaten 145 on a weekend visit from Switzerland. However Hyson Green possess some formidable batsmen of their own and knocks from Mahmood Ali (86), Zak Hussain (65) and Monty Douglas (36) saw them get very close and despite a mini collapse, victory was achieved with five balls remaining.

Rolls Royce finally got their season going with a winning draw against local rivals Newstead Village. Some improvement was shown on the batting aside with Dave Dixon (67) rolling back the years, although it took a decent seventh wicket partnership between Saleem Karim (39*) and Ansar Khan (18*) to get the total up to 192.

Not many teams will successfully chase that score against Rolls given their bowling strength and Newstead were hanging on for the last five overs finally closing on 141 with Karim (4 for 34), Jason Gorman (2 for 39) and Leighton Upson (2 for 16) amongst the wickets.

Keyworth must have been confident of a first success as home team Ellerslie had stumbled to 138 for 9 in pursuit of a below par 153. However they reckoned without the last pair of Tariq Mahmood and Mohammed Raza who secured a nail biting success to keep the winners third.

Kimberley II’s young attack did a really good job in restricting fellow strugglers Hucknall to 71 for 4 with half of the overs used.  The wickets had included the prize scalp of Robin Maxwell (24) playing against his former club. Nagasir Sookram (38) injected some impetus into the innings but a final score of 158 was still a disappointment as the spin duo of Craig Pitts (2 for 20) and Alex Heslop (2 for 52) kept things in check.

Pitts (34) also added some much needed experience to the top order but it was the high school product Paldip Sidhu (51*) who stroked his side to victory despite the best efforts of Adam Scott (3 for 41).

Collingham (205 for 5) are still top of the pile in C but could only manage a losing draw at home to Wollaton II (240 for 6) leaving West Bridgfordians to close the gap in second.

It must have felt like Groundhog Day for poor Bramcote who actually fought back well to restrict the winners to 151. However they had been dismissed for 53 and 58 by West Bridgfordians last season. On Saturday they fared better, but only just as Oliver Straw’s four wickets helping to bowl out the home side for 60.

Hickling’s fortunes have changed for the better and ex Unity man Harvey Fenwick (101 and 3 for 8) was the catalyst behind their 25 run success at Radcliffe on Trent II (173). More woe for Attenborough II who came second best at home to improving Bottesford (191. For the winners, the old guard of Anthony Ablewhite (53), Mike Fowler (36* and 4 for 23) and Dave Warburton (3 for 28) did all the damage.

There are new leaders in D as Gedling Colliery II toppled previous holders Fiskerton. For Gedling, teenagers James Barnes (36) and Reece Hayes (34) did their bit whilst a typical knock from Baz Bailey (38*) got the total up to a winning 212. For the losers Kevin Rees (5 for 34) bowled well but so too did Bailey (5 for 22) as Fiskerton fell 37 runs short.

After staying up on the final day of the last two seasons Willoughby are making a better fist of things this time round. On Saturday they removed Colin Cliff (24) of Thurgarton reasonably cheaply and after tea in pursuit of 167 thei r own star batsman Ajay Sharma won the game striking an unbeaten 84. Overall it’s tight at the top with five teams having won three out of four games.

Its four out of four for Hoveringham in E who saw off Kinoulton (159) by three wickets. Stuart Walton was desperately unlucky, getting out when the score was tied in an attempt to reach his century. However Scott shore came in a struck the first ball for 6 leaving the team well clear in first.

Farndon only have themselves to blame after falling to defeat at home to Stanton by Dale. Defending 178 they conceded no fewer than 53 extras. This, together with the classy Phil Baker (46*) the runs were knocked off with five wickets intact.

Ellerslie II also have a 100% percent record in F but they were made to fight all the way by Long Eaton II. Chasing 181 the game went down to the final over but two wickets in two balls finally proved to be their downfall despite a brave 44 from Ken Reid. A first defeat for Kirkby Portland II though as Rick Matthams of Wymeswold (206) crashed 54 in 33 balls to help his side to a 66 run success.

Whatton and Aslockton recorded their fifth successive win and look a good bet for back to back promotions. John Moncaster and Ben Lambourne both recorded fifties in a total of 243. Then the in form Alex White (5 for 25) got to work leaving Loughborough II (77) woefully short.

There were smiles at last at East Leake who notched up their first win at home to inconsistent Ravenshead. The losers contributed 141, the sort of total that has presented problems in the past, however Jamie Coupland added a brilliant 87 to his 75 the previous week and the team were comfortably home.

Another team looking for successive promotions are Burton Joyce (220) who racked up a fourth success at Cotgrave (108) who were second best throughout. For the winners Kris Seymour fell agonisingly short of a century, whilst with the ball, Tony Downie and Dean Cowdell each picked up three wickets.

Sutton Bonington again defended a low total to remain top in J. A total of 143 was set for Woodborough and they fell 4 four runs shy after Ian Stone (4 for 38) had stopped them in their tracks. Belvoir II must have been confident of returning to winning ways after restricting Lambley to 115. However the previous winless hosts roared back after tea with Elliott Burnett (4 for 18) and Sam Freeman (3 for 27) the heroes.

Wilsons II kept up the pace in K after an unbroken 4^th wicket stand between Jamie Bounds (63*) and Philip Robinson (55*) saw the team to victory at Attenborough III. Elsewhere it was real Roy of the Rovers stuff for James Wilson of Kimberley III, a late developer who only began playing two seasons ago. Saturday was his day though as his career best haul of seven for 15 (including five bowled) saw Risley II capitulate to 31 all out in pursuit of 168.

Balderton II (178) lead the way in L as 54 form bowler Paul Moon won the man of the match at Gedling Colliery III (140). Not too far behind are Thrumpton II who had Trevor Vennett Smith taking a hat trick before the interval. The run chase of 157 at Underwood II was a nail biting affair with the winning runs coming off the final delivery.

Ben Wilsher was the star performer in M as his 6 for 25 helped leaders Broad Street to a five wicket win at home to bottom club Newark II (100). Keep an eye on Hucknall III too with John Todhunter and Tom Hornbuckle each grabbing four wickets in a comfortable 74 run victory at Fiskerton II (108).

Both Wollaton III and Young Lions in N are looking for a hat trick of promotions since their formation. Wollaton are top after Richard Elliott struck 60 out of the 120 necessary to overhaul Newstead III. Whilst Young Lions had Ravi Digwa (6 for 8) in devastating form in their crushing 109 run success at home to Wymeswold II (87).

Youth certainly came out on top in P with 13 year old Sam Bates of Shepshed IV the star as his four wickets bowled his team to success at home to Whatton and Aslockton II (91). It was a similar theme in R as 12 year old Jacob Conners took 3 for 1 for Attenborough IV. His day wasn’t finished though as his batting played a small but important role in a seven wicket success at home to East Leake II (73).

In a complete turnaround from last week no centuries were scored as bowlers exploited the damp conditions. Even so there were no excuses for some of the inept batting displays on show.

In Division A, joint leaders Radcliffe’s game at Eastwood fell victim to the weather which left Southwell to maintain the pressure with a crushing seven wicket success at Gedling and Sherwood (74)who have endured a disastrous start to the campaign.

Southwell, who are currently showing their best form in the division for years made light work of the home sides batting with Matthew Davis (5 for 22) who impressed the previous week at Belvoir finally getting his just reward with wickets. Steve Wright (3 for 18) chipped in as usual and Alex Mitchell (32*) ensured there were few alarms in knocking the runs off.

It was a vital toss to win on an uncovered wicket at West Park. Long Eaton won it and Belvoir were up against it the moment Alan Villiers had Darren Bicknell caught in the slips for 10. No batsman showed any stomach for a fight as Villiers (3 for 40), Craig Mellors (2 for 28) and fifteen year old Kieran Cooke (2 for 5) ensured a steady procession back to the pavilion. Chasing 90 for victory, Leon Botha (34*) made sure of an early finish with two colossal sixes.

There was a first victory of the season for Gedling Colliery in one of many tense finishes throughout the league.  Visitors Unity Casuals made the division’s top score (192) with skipper Andrew Jackman, who came in earlier than usual at 6 top scoring with 74. For the home side, the spin duo of Steve Burton and Tom Coffey claimed there wickets apiece.

That pair were at the forefront of the reply with Burton making 65 and Coffey 56, however it was Steve’s brother Geoff (30*) who finally won it for the team with five deliveries remaining.

Into B and leaders Clifton Village II had their game called off. Second place Hyson Green were probably grateful for their game eventually going the same way as three wickets for Rolls Royce’s Jason Gorman and two for Ansar Khan, playing against his former club had the home side in some discomfort at 89 for 6.

These cancellations gave an opportunity to the chasing group and it was Gotham Village, the surprise package so far who closed the gap in third place.

Lee Smith of Hucknall took two early wickets but from a strong position, some poor bowling and fielding let the home side down as Gotham’s Tom Chamberlain (52) and Misty Jones – Middleton (49) made Hucknall pay for dropped catches. Adam Scott (4 for 51) halted the run spree late on but it was generally felt that a final total of 197 should have been more like 150 if all chances were taken.

After tea there was an excellent burst from Kiwi Brad Moore whose three wickets included the dangerous Nagasir Sookram. Hucknall’s hopes were now solely on the shoulders of Robin Maxwell. The in form batsman made an unbeaten 51 to go with knocks of 46, 122, 118, however he was woefully short of support and the innings closed on 88 in just 23 overs. True Hucknall were players short and a man down due to injury in the game but the batting was a shambolic effort.

The two relegated teams met at Keyworth and the home side gave themselves a chance by posting 181 with skipper Ian Graham weighing in with 71. In reply, nobody came closer to a century in the league than Matt Thrower who agonisingly fell one run short just as his side closed in on a decent five wicket success.

Another team who have began the season better than most peoples expectations are Ellerslie who disposed of inconsistent Loughborough Carillon (109). The winners made 172 and then new signings Husnain Riaz (4 for 22) and Mohammed Raza (3 for 38) got to work after the interval.

Collingham proved they are more than a one man team with a third straight win in C. Kirkby Portland could only manage 107 with James Faulkener snaffling four victims. Kirkby fought back well and with David Pipes failing for once, it was left to Oliver Dyson (38*) to steer the side home.

There was a dramatic finish at West Bridgford where visitors Wollaton totalled 149 with ex Boots man Jawaid Maqbool contributing 51. Jason Potter (6 for 29) bowled tremendously after the restart and it looked curtains for the home side who stumbled to 122 for 9. However, Oliver Straw (55*) had other ideas, he found a willing partner in Kulvern Kandola who blocked one end and the winning runs came in some style, a six over long on!

Bramcote are perennial strugglers in the division but may be okay if they battle as they did to a winning draw at Bottesford (161). Pete Hollingsworth, more renowned for his bowling scored a fine half century out of 161 and some tight bowling in reply meant Bottesford’s last pair of Ben Baker and Alistair Culpin were hanging on for a losing draw for the last five overs.

Hickling are off the mark and off the bottom at the expense of Attenborough II. The catalyst behind the success was golf professional Henry Walton who nicely teed up the victory with four wickets as the losers slumped to 96 all out. There were numerous nervy moments in the run chase but Alan Marsh (37*) remained calm and Hickling were home with four wickets to spare.

Radcliffe II’s are up to second and captain Simon Hopson (4 for 51) and 37* led by example in a three wicket win at Plumtree II (144). This was despite the efforts of Plumtree’s own skipper Paul Kelly who took 4 for 29 in a losing cause.

After a years stint in C, Fiskerton are hoping for a swift return and made it 3 wins out of 3 on Saturday, defeating Newark (181) by five wickets. Steve Kennewell hit 68 in a testing total, but after tea, Mark Fish, who had been promoted from the second team made 51 and James Brown felt good with 47 as the score was passed with nine balls remaining.

Another team with a hundred percent record are Hoveringham in E who comfortably beat Farndon. After a quiet start to the season, Stuart Walton blazed into life firing 97 out of 183. After tea Walton wasn’t done and his four wicket haul together with an impressive spell from Brett Lear (4 for 28) ensured Farndon (123) fell some way short.

  Another bowler in form is Frank Foreman of Thrumpton. The veteran left arm spinner made it twelve wickets in three games as Kinoulton were restricted to 114. Tim Gilbertson (3 for 20) gave the home side hope, but Khan Forbes carried his bat for 55 as Thrumpton move into fourth.

It just had to be Ryan Stahlberger that top scored with 55 as East Bridgford closed on 196 at home to old rivals Oxton in F. In reply, Chris Sapey (5 for 29) bowled a really good spell as the visitors (128) were kept well in check and find themselves in the unfamiliar surroundings of the relegation places.

Ellerslie II continue to impress as they ended Eastwood II’s unbeaten start. The losers could only muster 105 thanks to four wickets from Sarmad Masud whilst Danny Hammond (36) top scored in the successful run chase.

Something had to give at the top of Division G  and two wickets each for Scott Bottomore, Alex White and Simon Wallis saw Gedling and Sherwood II restricted to 134. In reply Whatton’s Ben Lamoburne (51) and John Moncaster (35) stroked their side to a five wicket win with over nine overs remaining.

Congratulations go to Gotham II who recorded their first victory of the season, surprising many by dismissing Loughborough Carillon II for 83. Gotham’s infamous suspect batting came to the fore again but Shakir Akhtar, whilst not contributing with the ball, struck a vital 31 and together with James Burton the runs were knocked off with three wickets intact.

Burton Joyce are looking for successive promotions in H and have certainly got off to the perfect start with their third successive victory. On Saturday though it went down to the wire at home to West Bridgfordians III (128) with the winning runs coming with one ball and one wicket remaining. Earlier, man of the match Pete Dawn had struck 57 for the losers.

Never give up should be Lowdham’s motto. They could only manage 85 at previously unbeaten Edingley. Yet an inspired performance in the field, particularly from John Noall (4 for 20) saw the home side capitulate to 48 all out.

There was a similar story in J where Sutton Bonington successfully defended 107 at Rolls Royce. Undoubtedly the star of the show was Adey Tongue who added  5 wickets to his 35 as Rolls’ reply was a depressing 43.

 Bingham are still looking for their first win as Flintham’s Matt Lyas (60*) made his first score since his move from Nottingham. Flintham passed the 130 target for the loss of just one wicket with Alex Hemstock (33) the other undefeated batsman.

Belvoir II (107) suffered a surprising reversal at home to Lenton Abbey (169). It was a mere 40 for Charles Hubbard as Chris Tighe, Owais Qadeer and Dale Reeve all grabbed three wickets for the winners.

In K, Keyworth II were involved in another close finish as 49 from Andy Cowlard, 45 from Ted Elliott and 34 from Ricahrd Drury ensured the highest successful run chase, knoacking off the 206 set by Caythorpe IV with three balls to spare.

Its three innings and three not outs for Colin Cliff of Thurgarton. With no game for the first team, Cliff dropped down to assist the seconds in L and his 85 went a long way to a seven wicket win at home to Underwood II (160).

 Don Coleman of Radcliife III became the second person this season to achieve a hat trick. However his day was partially spoiled by the collapse of his teams batting in M as Radcliffe fell to 35 all out in pursuit of 148 set by Lambley II.

Adam Wainwright  of Snibston Grange came closer than many to achieving the coveted century milestone. However he fell just seven runs shy as his team squeezed through with one wicket intact at Belvoir III in P.

Finally Nottingham Badshahs seemed to be in a rush after tea. After clocking up 221, the bowlers showed no mercy on a weak East Leake II side. Mazahar Iqbal (5 for *) and Raza Ul Haq (3 for 6) were the destroyers as the poor losers managed a paltry 14.

The runs are flowing in the South Notts with no fewer  than fourteen centuries being scored on a day where the bowlers in general failed to exploit the swinging conditions.

The margin between success and failure can be minimal and Belvoir are learning this harsh lesson as they try to adapt to life in the top flight.  For three quarters of the game it looked odds on as if the home side would grab at least a winning draw, yet Southwell, with their never say die attitude grabbed an unlikely victory off the final delivery to send them joint top of Division A.

Belvoir and Darren Bicknell (87) in particular looked well set with the scoreboard showing 122 for the loss of just two wickets. However one of the first acts that James Needle carried out was to inexplicably call Bicknell through for a suicidal single leaving the former Notts star well short of his ground. Needle, to his credit buckled down and made a very good 49 and coupled with a late contribution from Andy Mitchell (22*) the innings closed at 230. However you felt that this was 20 runs or so short of what should have been achieved at the halfway stage.

Southwell’s reply was solid enough with fifties from Tim Green and Alex Mitchell, the latter having been dropped first ball, but the run rate began to creep up to nine an over and the fall of three quick wickets surely meant the chase was over.

However,  Matt Davis, Chris Miller and Patrick Whelan had other ideas, misfields and over throws became the order of the day as the visitors required nine runs off the final over and a single off the last ball for a shock success. The final delivery had everything, a simple dropped catch and a missed run out and Southwell were unbelievably home.

Southwell share top spot with Radcliffe on Trent whose game also went into the final over. Visitors Gedling Colliery battled back well from 44 for 4 to post a challenging 213 thanks to an unbeaten 87 from spinner Steve Burton. After tea, Rob Sutton who had earlier taken another four wickets top scored with 75 and a fifty from Marc Ellison put the home side in the driving seat at 147 for 1.

However the Burton brothers got to work and the tension mounted as Radcliffe slumped to 189 for 7. The final word though went to another pair of siblings, as Eddie and Will Torr saw the victors home with five balls remaining.

 It was a special day for Gurpej Landa of Unity Casuals as the left hander struck his maiden century at home to Calverton who you begin to fear for. Landa contributed 145 and together with Simon Neal (41) and ex Papplewick man Wasim Rana (45) the home side posted 253. Calverton (152) were never in the hunt and just managed to hold on nine down.

Balderton seem to be addressing their batting issues from last season as a fine century from Alan Jackson and 77 from Tim Clipsham ensured they posted too many for Gedling and Sherwood who finished with a losing draw on 183 for 4.

Leon Botha of Long Eaton endured a nightmare debut last weekend succumbing to a  golden duck at Southwell. However on Saturday it was business as usual with the South African firing 101 out of 223 at home to Eastwood. Botha chipped in with three wickets after the interval but the star of the show with the ball was fifteen year old Kieran Cook who took 3 for 11, Eastwood finished a poor second on 152.

Its three out of three for Clifton Village II at the summit in B, their latest success coming in an entertaining game at Keyworth. The losers performed considerably better this week totalling 248 in a good all round display. Credit to Clifton though who chased from the off and fifties from Barry Shepherd and David McDermott saw the victory achieved with 2 wickets and three overs remaining.

Hot on Clifton’s heels though are Hyson Green Carrington Caribs who ensured another wretched day at the office for Kimberley II. Caribs made a huge 296 thanks to Zaheer Ahmed (102), Mahmood Ali (78) and Monty Douglas (63*). A mammoth task was made insurmountable shortly after the restart as Kimberley slumped to 7 for 4 against the bowling of Liaquat Ali and Waheed Kayani. Ian Wright (38) just managed to get the total into three figures but Kimberley need their experienced players to start performing sooner rather than later.

There was the first of the North Notts derbies this year in the division as Hucknall (236) travelled to Newstead Village. The visitors were in some discomfort  at 132 for 7 but Robin Maxwell (118*) again batted superbly and together with James Guthrie (42*) the pair put on 105 for the eighth wicket.  Newstead showed a lot more application this week and the match winning partnership came from Richard Greatorex (68) and the hard hitting Steve Daykin (58*)who chased down the target with some style.

It appears that the old lessons still haven’t been learned at Rolls Royce . They performed well before tea, restricting Loughborough Carillon to 163 with Ansar Khan and Jason Gorman grabbing three wickets apiece. However, against a side who are not renowned for their strength with the ball, Rolls slumped miserably to 123 all out and the total would have been calamitous if it wasn’t for half fit Gordon Pearson contributing 57.

Wollaton II (174 for 8) relinquished top spot in C following a poor performance at Bottesford (201 for 9), in their place go Collingham whose early season form is living up to their billing of title favourites. West Bridgfordians were restricted to 132 after Michael Horton (4 for 13) and Oliver Dyson (4 for 29) had shared the honours. In reply an opening stand of 80 between David Pipes (40) and Johnathan Todd (38) meant there was only going to be one winner.

Plumtree II had started the season poorly, yet they achieved their first victory in some style after bowling out Attenborough II for just 89 with Alex Sherriston (6 for 42) claiming the plaudits.

There were more runs from Colin Cliff of Thurgarton in D, who again carried his bat adding 94 to his 84 on the opening day. This time though his team was victorious as visitors West Bridgfordians II (112) fell someway short of the 185 target. For the winners, Niels Hart enjoyed another productive day with the ball swiping 4 for 27.

Fiskerton are hoping for a swift return to C and an unbroken stand of 144 between Richard Robson (87) and Mike Rees (52) overcame Nuthall (141) without losing a wicket. 

Stanton By Dale’s early gloom continued in E as only Phil Baker (32) troubled the scorers in the visitors 157. After the break, Caythorpe III’s Paul Etherington smashed 112 of the target by himself in just 31 overs.

Hoveringham look like they will take some stopping in E although Hucknall II ran them pretty close. The losers managed 224 with keeper Adam Wagstaff (79) impressing. In reply the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals until skipper Ben Lee (124*) found an able partner in father Dave. Together the pair put on 71 to win the game with an over to spare.

Some new arrivals at Eastwood mean that the second team should seriously challenge for promotion in F. Saturday saw Mark Smith (70) and returnee Matt Murfin (4 for 21) sharing the honours as the team held far too many aces for Wymeswold (125) who were defeated by 82 runs.

Todd Mills smashed a superb 148 to ensure Ellerslie II also remain unbeaten, Calverton II battled in reply but finished adrift on 184.

Shakir Akhtar of Gotham II in G was in the wickets again, adding a further 6 to his seven wicket haul of last week. The ned result was depressingly familiar though for his side as the Burrows family of Ian (52) and Jordan (5 for 26) ensured victory for Epperstone (160) by 38 runs.

West Bridgford legion fared little better with the bat than the previous week, managing a meagre 97 at close of innings against Ravenshead. However an inspired performance with the ball saw the visitors collapse to 57 all out with Rob Rhodes (4 for 28), Chris Ludden (3 for 2) and Andy Walters (3 for 15) the heroes.

Congratulations also go to Collingham II who ended a wretched run of form by hammering Beeston and Toton Sycamore (113) by 89 runs as veteran Charlie Lucas (107*) stole the show.

They say that catches win matches, a proverb which is completely lost on Hyson Green CC II in H. Saturday saw six catches spilled to add to the nine last week. This time it was Edingley (219) who benefitted and despite a brave 89 from Sajid Akram the home side fell 24 runs shy of the target.

Surely the first team call will finally come this for week Charles Hubbard of Belvoir II in J. The opening fortnight saw him post scores of 49* and 65. However Saturday saw him surpass all this with a tremendous innings of 152 at Flintham.

The first hat trick of the season was recorded by Shajad Naheem in K as his five wickets helped bowl out Stapleford for 87. Ruddington didn’t have things all their own way as Neil Gelder (3 for 27) and Richard Cox (3 for 33) meant the winners lost seven wickets in the chase.

Balderton II kept up their good start in L with a close fought four wicket win at home to Willoughby II (194). Victory came with just two balls remaining and it was thanks in the main to an unbeaten 92 from Paul Lambert. Elsewhere in L there is no substitute sometimes for experience as Trevor Vennett Smith. The old campaigner almost single handedly plotted the downfall of Long Whatton II (83), taking six wickets for just three runs.

The man, or more accurately the boy of the day in M was thirteen year old Declan Marks who took 5 for 9 in his Plumtree III’s easy win at home to Newark II (60).

Into N and the leagues top individual performance went to Dave Murphy of Wymeswold II. Batting first, Murphy crashed a colossal unbeaten 180. What makes this even more remarkable is that he scored 180 out of 238! Needless to say, shell shocked Lowdham II (116) never recovered from the onslaught.

Ashby Hastings are now coming to terms to life in N, demolishing  Ellerslie III (37) by nine wickets. You can also expect Wollaton III to be there or thereabouts as more runs for veteran Andy Crossley (108) saw them dispose of Kirkby Portland III.

Finally in R, the story of the day must surely be the one of Ryan Buckley of Eastwood III. Before Saturday, the 14 year old’s top score was a mediocre 38, however he bludgeoned a marvellous 138, a remarkable achievement in senior cricket. Sharing the spotlight with him were 15 year old Ryan Elliott (51*) and 16 year old Ashley Noble (4 for 7) as home side Gedling and Sherwood III had no answer to the young charges.