South Nottinghamshire Cricket League

With three games remaining for all clubs in Division A, Plumtree can make the championship virtually theirs next Saturday if they win at nearest challengers Calverton.

Plumtree’s latest success came in an entertaining encounter at home to  Ellerslie, who, on their day are a match for anyone. The visitors elected to bat first on a drying pitch and were well set at 108 for 1 off 30 overs with Samrat Sharma (80) and Lachlan Grace looking to capitalise on their early good fortune. However, not for the first time this season, the home side’s spin duo of Taufseer Jaffari (3 for 38) and Dallas Coull (3 for 76) turned the game in the leaders favour and Ellerslie’s final total of 181 was 30 or 40 short of what had been anticipated at one stage.

Plumtree’s reply stuttered along at times but it maybe shows a strength in their depth that six batsmen got into their twenties. There were a few twists in the innings on a pitch that was keeping increasingly low and there was an exceptional spell from Zaheer Rehmann who took 3 for 45 off 16 overs. Eventually however, keeper Justin Stockdale and Steve James, who came back in after temporarily retiring hurt with an injured side saw the home team through with 2 overs remaining.

Long Eaton’s title challenge came completely off the rails at home to previously bottom Radcliffe on Trent whose overseas professional Waddington Mwayenga has endured a difficult season. However, the Zimbabwean hit form with three wickets as did Frankie Brown as Long Eaton were dismissed for just 76. Then with the bat, the same pair knocked the runs off in just 10 overs, Mwayenga finishing on 46.

Third met fourth and Calverton change places with Balderton (162) after a five wicket success in which ex Notts man David Fraser Darling hit 53 and stumper Richard Lee 47.

It is less clear cut at the bottom with six clubs nervously looking over their shoulders. Another win should see Newstead Village safe and it would be a commendable effort considering their poor start. If they do survive however, they will owe a huge debt of gratitude to Tariq Mahmood (45 and 4 for 36) who was the star performer in their win at home to Eastwood. Attenborough looked dead and buried last week yet hammered Southwell (86) by 122 runs on Saturday, Dominic Harvey and Sam Clulow each grabbing three wickets, the defeat sees Southwell slip to the bottom.

Its as you were at the top in B as table toppers Rolls Royce made it a family affair at Bottesford. Kevin and Andrew Pearson were the chief destroyers with the ball, taking five and four wickets respectively, then as Rolls struggled to reach the 100 set for victory, it fell down to skipper Gordon to see the side home with an unbeaten 54.

Undoubtedly, one of the players of the season in the league has been Paul McMillan of Gedling and Sherwood and on Saturday he again lived up to his billing with a fine all round performance at Kimberley. McMillan saw his side slump to 90 for 7 yet he remained unmoved and struck a glorious 118 off just 95 balls to leave his side on 198. In reply, Kimberley slumped to 14 for 5 and 96 for 9, skipper James Griffiths (65*) shared a tenth wicket stand of 57 with 15 year old Dominic Wheatley (20) before McMillan (4 for 35) returned to wrap the game up.

Keyworth remain in the promotion hunt after surpassing the 222 set by visitors Gotham with 11 balls to spare. Chris Ladd and Geoff Tindsley both recorded fifties but Stuart Meek was also a game winner striking three sixes  and a four in four balls late in the chase. Elsewhere in B, Loughborough collected 17 points in a winning draw over Collingham who fall to the bottom again as West Bridgfordians  picked up a much needed win at Kirkby Portland who fell 43 short of the 184 required for victory thanks to 6 for 28 from Oliver Straw.

Clifton Village II continue to lead the way in Division C after a 27 run success at Long Whatton (212), who after leading the table in May, will need another win to ensure survival. There is a change in second as Hucknall added Carrington Caribs (230) to their list of notable scalps. Despite fifties from Arslan Shah and Ansar Khan, Caribs came out second best as 70 from Ben Lake and 45 from Scott Harris  saw Hucknall home to all but secure survival and if results go their way they may still have a say in the promotion places.

Belvoir move up to second after a four wicket win at home to Plumtree II (232 for 6) thanks 80 from Tony Wade and 64 from Charles Hubbard, earlier in the day, ex first team skipper Mark Oldham had struck 114 for the losers. It may be too late to save their season but at least Attenborough II had something to smile about as they recorded their first win of the season at Nottingham. Hero of the day, was Carl Whelan, left out the first team, who took 8 for 34, including a hat trick!

Fiskerton may require just the one more victory to secure promotion from D. They didn’t have it all their own way as they were 45 for 5 at one stage chasing 155 for victory at home to Wilsons, but an unbroken sixth wicket stand between Kevin Rees and Jason Sharp saw the winners into the home straight. The game of the day was between second placed Radcliffe on Trent II and Thurgarton who are third. Colin Cliff continued his good form with 94 in Thurgarton’s total of 217 but Radcliffe eased home with three overs to spare thanks in the main to skipper Ian Noblet (57) and Alex Reed Brewer (44*).

Elsewhere in D, 134 from Thrumpton skipper Steve Weightman was not enough for victory at Stanton by Dale who had their own century maker Phil Baker (102*) whilst Willoughby’s survival campaign gathers pace with a crushing win at under strength Calverton.

No change in E with the top two of Wollaton II and Risley both recording victories. Stuart Cobbett, promoted from the third team top scored with 65 in Wollaton’s 46 run win at home to Long Eaton II (201) whilst struggling Southwell II (173 for 8)  pushed Risley all the way before the winners edged home with two wickets remaining. Underwood also won but Nuthall (176) came a cropper at Collingham II (186 for 8) who gained their first win of the season, veteran left hander Andy Cousins (63) top scoring for the winners.

There was no game for Gedling Colliery II in F so Caythorpe III extended their lead at the top, Matt woods (4 for 23) and Mark Jones ( 3 for 23) the chief perpetuators of their win at Notts Unity Casuals II (102). Elks cemented their third position with a comfortable 161 run win at home to bottom club Ravenshead (90) with Scott Law (79 and 3 for 15) the man of the match. It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Ravenshead though as there was another defeat for Bottesford II but Wymeswold gained a desperately sought after victory at Eastwood to ease their relegation fears.

The merry go round at the top in Division G continued on Saturday as Hoveringham returned to the top after a powerful display at fellow contenders Lowdham. Mark Melbourne (81) and skipper Tim Etherington (55) were in the runs for Hoveringham in their daunting 258 for 8 and in reply Rashid  Akhtar took 6 scalps as the third placed club slumped to 115 all out. Chilwell drop to second as Beeston Sycamore produced another shock and again it was Tom Fullwood and Dave Fawcett who were the chief players as Chilwell collapsed to 68 all out.

Promotion is still not out of reach for Kinoulton and they took full advantage of Gotham II fielding seven under fourteen players. Mark Bailey (102) and the consistent Steve Harling (87) thrashed the inexperienced attack to all parts then Steve Fox took control, snaffling six wickets as Gotham made a miserly 47 in reply. Relief at last for Bramcote II who gained 2 runs off the final delivery to notch their first win of the season at Epperstone.

Congratulations must go to Oxton in Division H who, with their twelfth successive  win of the season,  are the first club to gain promotion. Kirkby Portland II took a giant step forward in joining them as the Severns of Adie (4 for 38) and Dan Severn (3 for 17) bowled the team to victory at East Leake. Cotgrave still look threatening though and there were “five fers” for Tony Newby and Shaun Hall as they destroyed Elks II for whom the season cant end soon enough.

Mike Phillips of Gedling and Sherwood II wont forget this last fortnight in a hurry. Last week, he crowned the opening of the clubs new ground by striking the first hundred there. This week he became the first bowler to take five wickets as his haul helped his team to a vital win at home to Beeston Sycamore II, for good measure, Philiips chipped in with 72 with the bat.

It looks like two from four at the top on J. Newstead Village II stay top after winning at doomed Caunton but Lambley move upwards to second after squeezing past Ruddington (117) by three wickets, Jamie Marchant and Chris Morley each taking three wickets for the winners. There was a surprise defeat for Carrington Caribs II at Edingley whilst  6 for 39 for Gladstone’s Neil Baines was still not enough to bring his side victory at mid table Sutton Bonington.

West Bridgfordians II place in the top two in K was under threat after mustering just 106 at home to Belvoir II, however Mick Taylor rolled back the years with 6 for 26 as the visitors fell seven runs short. At the wrong end of the table, the misery continues for Thurgarton II who could well be falling to their third successive relegation following defeat at home to Bingham  who hold an outside chance of promotion.

  Woodborough made it nine wins  out of nine in L after virtually ending Kimberley III’s faint hopes of promotion. A familiar name kept Breaston in hot pursuit as an unbeaten 70 from Steve Battle saw his side to a six wicket win at home to Stanton by Dale II. Elsewhere, Nottingham Victoria could only scrounge eight players for the trip to Flintham and a miserable day was complete after collapsing to 37 all out.

Thrumpton II stay top in M but only just following a thrilling tie at home to Long Whatton II. A 95 from Mark Payne looked to have given his side victory as they went into the final over requiring six for victory. Four of these came off the first two deliveries, then two wickets and a dot ball ensured the tightest finish possible, just the one was scrambled off the final ball to end a brilliant game of cricket. Closest rivals Belton II slipped to defeat chasing 124 for victory at home to Keyworth II.

Lowdham remain at the summit in N after a win at struggling Newstead Village III and Gedling Colliery stay just behind following a 26 run win at home to Plumtree III (145), Nick Ferguson taking 5 for 27 for the losers. Hugh Owen Jones of Radcliffe III produced the divisions finest individual performance scoring 99 and taking 4 for 32 in his teams comfortable win at home to Balderton II.

Chilwell II and Ellerslie III both picked up maximum 20 point hauls at the top in Division P whilst Whatton and Aslockton II gave themselves hope of avoiding the drop to the basement after shocking third place West Bridgfordians III.

Plumtree took a huge step towards the Premier League following an astonishing last gasp victory at struggling Attenborough. The Strand at Attenborough was seeing its first cricket since mid June so perhaps it was no surprise that the visitors progress, after being into inserted into bat was cautious against the economical bowling of Martin Rayner and Sam Clulow. However, Nigel Finney (38) and 15 year old Ben Milnes dug deep and together with a late onslaught from Michael Tew (32) got the score up to 170, Rayner ending with 5 for 35.

Not for the first time this season, Attenborough’s batting proved to be their undoing. Scott Bailey picked up the prize wicket of McKinlay for single figures and despite some brave resistance from Pete Turner (26) and Mike Aplin (24), wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, mainly to Dallas Coull ((4 for 33). Nevertheless, prior to the penultimate delivery, Attenborough looked set to hang on for the losing draw. However, the home side seemed to be distracted by the prospect of earning a batting point at 120, culminating in a calamitous run out and a simple catch to mid wicket to give the visitors an unlikely victory.

The day just got better for Plumtree when news filtered through of defeats for Balderton and Long Eaton, their closest rivals. Ellerslie successfully chased the 181 target set  for victory by visitors Balderton thanks to fifties from skipper Eddie Pidduck and Lachlan Grace whilst four wickets for in form Seyd Ammed assisted Eastwood (215 for 8) to a 26 run victory at home to Long Eaton, this despite a fine performance from all rounder Umar Hassan (81 and 3 for 56).

It wasn’t all doom and gloom for Attenborough though as freefalling Radcliffe fell to the bottom after managing just 74 at home to Calverton who had David Fraser Darling (5 for 33) in exquisite form. In the division’s remaining fixture, Tariq Mahmood seems to be adjusting to life in North Notts rather well as the Newstead Village spinner destroyed Southwell with 8 for 43 as the home side romped to a ten wicket victory.

In Division B, an eighth wicket stand of 60 between Zafeer Wallet (41) and keeper Dave Dixon (33) was the catalyst of Rolls Royce Leisure’s twenty run success over local rivals Kirkby Portland (139). Rolls’ win together with defeat for Gedling and Sherwood at Bottesford means that the Hucknall side take over at the top.

Keyworth (211 for 7) climb to third with Ian Graham (63 and 5 for 21) the man of the match in their winning draw at Collingham. Loughborough Carillon (195 for 8) felt the full force of Kimberley’s Vaughan Hamilton’s demotion to the second team, Hamilton striking an unbeaten 109 in the six wicket win. Elsewhere, the battle at the bottom was won convincingly by Gotham who had Alex Haowrth starring with 87 in their success at West Bridgfordians.

Undoubtedly the team performance of the day was produced by Hucknall in Division C. Severely depleted by a wedding, the home side  set leaders Clifton Village II a daunting 240 for victory, then the teenagers took over as Adam Scott, Ben Lake and Tom Carlisle each grabbed three wickets apiece as the visitors crashed to 110 all out.

There was no game for Belvoir so Carrington Caribs (215) took the opportunity moved up into second following a 17 point winning draw at home to struggling Bramcote (142 for 8) with Arslan Shah (77*) and Wasim Karim (40 and 4 for 18) earning the plaudits. Hickling still harbour hopes of promotion after earning the lions share of the points at home to Nottingham, however Attenborough II looked doomed following another defeat at Plumtree II.

A couple more wins should see Fiskerton up in Division D, their latest success came at Thrumpton (183 for 7) and was courtesy of a superb 127 from in form Richard Robson. How things could have been different though if Thrumpton would have held on to the chance offered by Robson on nought!

Radcliffe II (157 for 4) remain favourites to join Fiskerton in C after success at winless Calverton II (154 for 6), James Godrich top scoring with 94*. At the wrong end of the table, a second success for Willoughby has given them hope of avoiding a swift return to division E. Willoughby successfully chased 144 for victory at Stanton by Dale thanks to a captains performance from Gino Taj (34 and 3 for 33), John Newton and Shahid Mamood also chipped in with three wickets each.

There are new leaders in Division E as Risley (85) fell to a shock defeat at struggling West Bridgford Legion (119), Darren Shaw taking the honours for the winners with 5 for 15. Wollaton replace Risley at the summit after winning at Underwood whilst Nuthall remain in the promotion race after bowling out Farndon for 97. Elsewhere, Collingham II will need to win all their remaining games to survive after a heavy defeat at Long Eaton II (229 for 5).

Caythorpe III take over at the top in Division F by the narrowest of margins. Caythorpe thrashed Bottesford II (43) by 192 runs whilst Gedling Colliery II (244 for 3) remain hot on their heels after a comfortable success at home to Wymeswold (118), Tom Coffey (105) and Matt McBride (7 for 50) the star performers.

Elks have moved almost unnoticed into third, replacing Eastwood II whilst a first win of the season for Ravenshead has given them a glimmer of hope of avoiding relegation, particularly so as that only one team will drop down form F this season. Ravenshead had brothers Andrew and Julian Tadd and Numan Shafiq taking three wickets each at inconsistent Ellerslie II (121).

Chilwell once again take over at the helm in Division G. Previous inhabitants Hoveringham (110) slumped to an eighty five run defeat at Beeston Sycamore. True, Hoveringham were down in numbers due to a stag weekend but nothing should be taken away from Beeston who were worthy winners as Tony Beck (3 for 20) ex Notts Amateur Dave Fawcett (3 for 10)  and Tom Fullwood (3 for 30) all played their part in the success.

Chilwell made light work of Bramcote II (52), Paul Fletcher taking 5 for 20 but wins for Kinoulton, Lowdham and Epperstone will mean this promotion chase will go down to the wire.

The first promotion issue could well be decided in H next week as Oxton made it eleven wins out of eleven at Beeston Sycamore II. Kirkby Portland II (196 for 2) remain second winning the local derby at home to Rolls Royce Leisure II, Dave Gilwhite and Mick Barratt both recording fifties for the winners.

Elsewhere East Leake came out on top in a high scoring encounter at Cotgrave and change places with the losers in third, Chris Neal continuing his seasons good form with an unbeaten 103*. This wasn’t the divisions highest individual score however as Mike Phillips of struggling Gedling and Sherwood II crowned the opening of the new ground at Regatta Way, Holme Pierrepoint by blasting 124 in just 24 overs in the win over Elks II.

The leagues highest team score came in J where Carrington Caribs posted a huge 311 at Ruddington,  with Sultan Khan (115), Asif Haq (51) and Fraz Ahmed (52) all weighing in with the bat. The win wasn’t enough to secure top spot as Newstead Village II remain in pole position after a five wicket win at Sutton Bonington (148). Wins too for Gladstone and Lambley keep them firmly in promotion contention.

There is no stopping Burton Joyce in Division K, its eight wins out of eight now as Scott Pratt (50 and 2 for 38) was the chief contributor in their win at mid table Bingham. The other promotion place looks to be a two horse race between West Bridgfordians II and Basford Hall OB. The latter destroyed Attenborough (68) by 163 runs as Jamie Lees (78*) and Mark Whyatt (70) put the visitors to the sword.

Woodborough have a healthy lead at the top in Division L and probably just require two wins out of four to gain promotion. The leaders had a comfortable seven wicket win at home to Clifton Village III (133) thanks in the main to Paul Wilson (52* and 3 for 16). The runners up spot is less clear cut as Breaston (96) lost ground losing to Kimberley III by 62 runs. The hero for Kimberley was number nine bat Sam Freeman who made a priceless 49 and then chipped in with three wickets.

Belton are the new front runners in M following success at Snibston Grange II. Thrumpton II drop to second, losing at Fiskerton II, however  Lambley II missed the chance to capitalise being edged out by one wicket at home to Long Whatton II. Extremely tight at the bottom too with at least five teams involved in the picture due to all the cancellations.

Its as you were in division N with wins for the top two of Lowdham II and Gedling Colliery III. Youth was very much the winner for the latter as 16 year old Matthew Brooks and 14 year old Ryan Campbell took the honours with four and three wickets respectively in their win at home to Radcliffe III.

Wins for Chilwell II and Ellerslie III in P keep them in the promotion places but successes for Broad Street, Kirkby Portland III and West Bridgfordians III keep their outside hopes of elevation alive.

Wollaton III  and Wymeswold II had comfortable wins in R and continue to lead the way. Alec Cobbett returned superb figures of 6 for 9 in Wollaton’s win at Edingley II whilst 17 year old Emily Marriott (6 for 31 and 28*) was the star of Wymeswold’s success a home to Bingham II.

Elsewhere in R, Pete Dawn of West Bridgford Legion II recorded the days highest score, but his brilliant 130 was still not enough to secure victory in an excellent game at home to Young Lions. Finally congratulations to 17 year old Sam Jennings of Kinoulton  who recorded his maiden century in his teams win over Shepshed Town IV.  

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.