South Nottinghamshire Cricket League

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 22 May 2010

By Phil Johnson

Balderton are the latest team to climb to the summit in Division A after ending Rolls Royce’s unbeaten run on Saturday.

After being inserted into bat, Rolls struggled early doors losing two cheap wickets, followed by Rizwan Mailk (29) when well set.  The in form Gordon Pearson (56) and Jason Gorman (24) repaired the damage and at 120 for 3, a score in excess of 200 was definitely on the cards. However, the reintroduction of West Indian Marlon Franklin (6 for 34) put paid to all that and the losers slumped to 147 all out. There were no similar alarms in the reply, Tim Clipsham, who had taken a couple of wickets with the new ball struck fifty, and together with twenties from Dominic Wiffin and Ian Sellars the visitors cruised home.

After a quiet start, Australian seamer Brad Evans had his day as his Plumtree team put paid to Belvoir’s hopes of going top. All rounder Evans fired 64 in 50 balls and assisted by Steve James (49), Michael Tew (44) and Charlie Kingsbury (43) the winners made 257 despite a five wicket haul for Tom Neville. After tea, stand in skipper Darren Bicknell was dismissed cheaply again, Ollie Clayfield (43) and Nick Silverwood (42) tried in vain but the losers were blown away by Evans (7 for 45) and finished on 184.

Notts Unity Casuals bolster a top five as good as any in the league. On Saturday they posted 262 and this was with Simon Neal and Samrat Sharma both failing. Sharma was dismissed for one against his former club and at 29 for 2 Gedling and Sherwood would have fancied their chances, however a 200 partnership between Gurpej Landa (116*) and Wasim Rana (106) put paid to that. After the interval, despite 64 from Kiwi Jason Giblett, the visitors were never at the races and more wickets for Usman Mussafer (3 for 27) and a brace apiece for Kafeel Shafique and Moshin Qayyum saw the losers crash to a 128 run defeat.

Hyson Green finally got their act together against a disappointing Long Eaton. The hosts made 240 with fifties for Zak Hussain and Shahid Khan, the only bright point for Long Eaton was three more wickets for 16 year old Kieran Cooke. It was a poor response from the visitors and it will be a long season for them if the big guns of Scothern, Naidoo and Taylor don’t begin to fire.  Long Eaton were left hanging on for dear life at 130 for 9 after left arm spinner Kaisar Altaf had picked up a five wicket haul.

Southwell would have been more than happy at tea with their total of 265 at Gedling Colliery. The talented Matt Wookey had top scored with 83 and there was a contribution of 64 from keeper Tim Green, for Colliery Jeff Burton (4 for 67) had toiled away with some success in the heat. Gedling were restricted to 50 for 2 at one stage but then a captain’s innings from Tom Coffey helped win the game. Coffey struck a splendid unbeaten 123, including five maximums, and together with veteran Shane Pidgeon (96*) the pair knocked the runs off with five ball remaining.

Radcliffe II are the surprise leaders of B following a thrilling win at Gotham who must be wondering how they contrived to lose the game. Gotham posted 201 in a team effort with Rob Goddard (42) top scoring. The dependable Brad Moore (5 for 36) then got stuck into the Radcliffe top order and at one stage the home side were 59 for 6. Enter Alistair Munroe who fired 62 and fifteen year old Jordan Harbottle who made a priceless 41, even so it still needed a 17 partnership for the last wicket to snatch the game.

Newstead skipper Andy Paulson won the toss at Plumtree II and elected to bat in the heat, and that was as good as it got for the bottom club. Paulson was dismissed first ball and then watched the rest of his side collapse to 65 all out at the hands of Alex Sherriston (4 for 17) and Alex Kelly (3 for 13). Plumtree had little trouble knocking the runs off with Alamgir Khan making a brisk 35.

Hucknall were in some discomfort at 125 for 7 at home to struggling Calverton and that was after Robin Maxwell had struck 77 out of the first 111. However, James Guthrie had worked on his batting through his youth and the number eight hit a vital 42 to take his side over the 200 mark. Calverton (167) again had Scott Andrew (49) top scoring, but with the exception of Michael Nester (34) there was no support as Lee Smith (4 for 25) and Adam Scott (3 for 44) did the damage.

Clifton Village II’s batting failed for once, falling to 145 all out at Ellerslie thanks to spinner Will Shields five wicket haul. It was evenly poised in the reply until Shahid Mohammed (75) took centre stage.

There was also a first defeat of the season for Kirkby Portland who made 208 at home to Eastwood but left seven of their overs unused in the process. In the first of the extra allocation, Eastwood knocked the runs off thanks to a fifty from Neil Gregory and 42 each from Mark Smith and Stuart Hill. Earlier, Smith, Luke Esson and Dean Blake had all taken three wickets.

In Division C, most peoples tip for the top, Collingham, fell to a second successive defeat, this time at home to Bottesford. The visitors posted a par 175 with Simon Claricaotes making 52, in reply Charlie Lucas, promoted from the second team made 65 but it was Ian Whatton (6 for 45) who bowled the game winning spell as Collingham fell eight runs shy.

It is West Bridgfordians who currently lead the way, they were far too strong for Wollaton II (82) who crashed to a 128 run defeat with George Orange snaffling five wickets and Aiden Bell three.

A ninth wicket stand of 74 between Iftikhar Ahmed (53) and Zane Naveed enabled Wilsons to get up to 210 at Keyworth. The partnership proved crucial too as despite 89 from Steve Rendu the losers fell 21 runs short.

Kimberley II were only chasing 150 for their first win at home to Gedling Colliery II. At 52 for 1 the home side were well in the game, but it was spin that proved their undoing as three wickets apiece for Chris Berry and Matt Brooks saw Kimberley slide to 106 all out. Earlier, James Bailey ((5 for 37) had again impressed with the ball.

Thrumpton just lead the way in D after 65 from Arovindon Alangoven helped them to a 49 run win at Fiskerton (190) who had 13 year old Jake Fish (37) in the runs. Thurgarton are hot on their heels though after inflicting a first defeat of the season on Hoveringham.  The in form pair of Ed Mordaunt (49) and Tony Fawcett (47) shared the honours in a total of 223 before Will Higson (7 for 54) slayed down the visitors (2070> Defeat though was rather harsh on Hoveringham’s Shaun Polley who fired 52 in addition to five wickets.

Its three out of three for Hucknall II and West Bridgfordians II in E after narrow victories, however they both have to catch Nuthall. For Graham McDonough it’s been an easy transition into the South Notts League and on Saturday, the former Shipley Hall all rounder struck exactly 100 and took three wickets for good measure in Nuthall’s 82 run success at Farndon (155).

There was a shock in store for Chilwell in F, the leaders collected “nil pois” at East Leake (105)who cruised to  a seven wicket win thanks in the main to Andrew Elkington (4 for 32). Right behind them are Calverton II who had David Fraser Darling (70) firing on all cylinders again. Aided by his ex Notts CCC colleague Kevin Evans (34* and 5 for 38), the pair successfully chased down the 177 set by Epperstone.

There was a glut of runs at Regatta Way in G. Firstly Gerry Goodwin (80*) and veteran Simon Smith (63*) piled on the runs for Gedling and Sherwood II (222). However leaders Beeston and Toton Sycamore took up the challenge and guided by Steve James (100*) and Rob Darby (86) the total was surpassed with some ease.

The batting performance of the day came in division H and the honour went  to Mark Wyatt of Basford Hall OB. In an astonishing display, Wyatt hit 190, including 28 fours and eight sixes. Unsurprisingly, Edingley were shell shocked and fell way short of the 341 required. Elsewhere in H its three wins out of three for Collingham who had Phil Goulding (5 for 8) starring in a narrow win at West Bridgford Legion (72).

Rolls Royce II showed their promotion credentials at Kimberley III. A team effort, headed by Anthony Rostance (43) and Andy Carden (35) saw them set 219 for victory. After tea, two damaging spells and five wicket hauls for Ian Wade and Andrew Pearson saw Kimberley shot out for 37. At Lambley, a much weakened Keyworth II were 42 without loss at one stage. However, the introduction of Ajmal Jabarkhil (5 for 8) wreaked havoc as the losers fell part to 70 all out. Elliott Burnett (41*) then ensured a ten wicket success for Lambley.

Bingham maintain their hundred percent record in K after a century from Mike Spencer led them to a three wicket win at Beeston and Toton Sycamore II (182) who had Ian Day (82 & 4 for 43) starring with both bat and ball. Thrumpton II are close behind and Sharaz Kayani (5 for 23) was the hero with a hat trick which assisted his team to a 37 run win at home to Clifton Village III (160).

The star of the day in L was 17 year old Lawrence Johnson of Willoughby II. Firstly he top scored with 41 in his teams 175. Then after taking three wickets he bowled Fiskerton’s last man who went for glory needing two runs off four deliveries. Broad Street (217) move up to just outside the promotion places as Dean Nicholls century was way too much for Belton (143).

Young Lions are top in M and looking for their fourth successive promotion. Mid table Chilwell II came out on top in a low scoring game at home to West Bridgfordians IV thanks to a hat trick from Simon Holmes (4 for 10).

Ellerslie’s future looks in good hands as fifteen year old Maneesh Mishra (72) and thirteen year old Peter Vlades (3 for 22) were the stars of their third teams 37 run win over Belvoir III (178) in N. Elsewhere in the division, Akram Masood of Lowdham II crashed a brilliant 138 as his team piled up an unassailable 308 at home to Stanton by Dale II (211).

Into P and in the local derby, Kimberley IV’s Andy Platts (99) went agonisingly close to recording his second century of the season. This time he had excellent support from Timmie Wheatley (63), Gavin Huskinson (51*) and Max Sugarman (48*) as Kimberley (298) made Eastwood III suffer in the heat. The best figures of the day came in P and went to Steve Hopkinson of West Bridgford Legion whose 8 for 25 paved the way for a five wicket win at Shepshed Town (89).

Finally in R, Nick Proverbs became the thirteenth century maker of the day as his 138 wnet a long way to ensure Thrumpton III’s 94 run success at home to Beeston and Toton Sycamore III (143).     

It is of course very early days, but Hucknall Rolls Royce appear not to just be making up the numbers in Division A, as illustrated by their comfortable six wicket win at title favourites Plumtree.

The home side batted first and Ansar Khan made some early inroads into the batting before  Plumtree fought back through Charlie Kingsbury (54) and Steve James (50) the latter being dismissed by teenager Jake Wright, Khan finished with a five wicket haul.  The total of 194 always looked insufficient after a quick fire opening stand between ex Langley Miller Mohammed Shafique and Raheem Karim (37). Overseas star Rizwan Mailk is not quite firing on all cylinders and was dismissed for 18, but Shafique (72) coupled with a typical belligerent 26 from Gordon Pearson saw Rolls home with fifteen overs remaining.

The other promoted club, Hyson Green, aren’t faring so well and suffered a heavy loss at Southwell. Batting first, only Rehan Iqbal (28) and skipper Zak Hussain (24) mildly troubled the scorers as they came unstuck against the wily Steve Wright (6 for 43). A score of 136 was easily surpassed thanks to Richard Beaumont (60*) and Tim Green (55).

Belvoir have started well although Long Eaton will be kicking themselves  for letting victory slip from their grasp. In a low scoring encounter at West Park, the home side could only manage 123 with Darren Bicknell (4 for 27) and the impressive Lee Fazackerley (3 for 39) doing the majority of the damage. Yet again though Belvoir made a meal of a low total, falling to 76 for 8 with 16 year old Kieran Cooke adding four more victims to his opening days tally of six. However, Belvoir skipper Jim Clayfield (48*) was still at the crease and he found an unlikely ally in bowler Phil Irvine (31*) and together the pair concocted an unlikely victory.

In the Gedling derby, Jeff Burton (83) continued his good form with the bat and together with brother Graham (46) and captain Tom Coffey (68*) Colliery posted an unassailable 269 against their local rivals. In reply, Gedling and Sherwood were never in the hunt and had John Gell (42) for getting to 149 for 8 with Baz Bailey (4 for 25) again impressing with the ball.

Notts Unity Casuals had a better day at Balderton with Husnain Riaz, back after a year at Ellerslie, Wasim Rana and Adeel Shafique all going past the fifty mark in a total of 245. After tea, David Makey (38) and Dominic Wiffin (37) both made starts but the home side were pegged back by the spin of Usman Mussafter (3 for 47), eventually closing on 185 for 6.

 Radcliffe II lead the way in Division B after a comfortable win at struggling Calverton. The home side’s skipper, Scott Andrew (55) fought a lone battle, opening the batting and being last man out in a final score of 116. For the winners Josh Mills captured a five wicket haul. After the break, an unbroken fourth wicket stand between Lee Houghton (37) and Simon Towers (31) saw the visitors home.

Radcliffe are being closely pursued by Clifton Village II who just edged an entertaining encounter at home to Hucknall. Batting first, Clifton posted 233 with brothers Sam (45) and Luke (38) top scoring.  Hucknall made a disastrous start with Scott Harris falling second ball and Robin Maxwell first. Opening bat Rob Stewart battled his way through to 58 but the middle order of Max Thompson (54) and Richard Greatorex (49) got Hucknall mightily close before being dismissed at vital times. It was then left to last pair Alex Whyley and Adam Scott to bat the final few overs out with the visitors falling eight runs shy.

Gotham’s long unbeaten home record came to a shuddering end at home to Ellerslie. On a poor pitch Gotham could only muster 48 as Tariq Mahmood (6 for 21) and Jurgen Charlesworth (4 for 23) created havoc. Ellerslie lost an early wicket in the short chase but number three Numan Ahmed then blasted 43 of the 49 required.

There were some early successes for Dave Summers of Eastwood in their home game with Plumtree II but the visitors made hay later on through Rob Smith (83), Alex Hall (36) and Mark Oldham (29) as the final total reached an unlikely 244. Summers ended with an impressive, albeit expensive seven wicket haul.  Eastwood lost a considerable amount of batting over the winter and it could be a long summer if Neil Gregory and Steven Leese don’t find form. Extras with 35 was the top scorer followed by Leese with 28 with the home side falling way short on 137 thanks to five wickets from Alex Sherriston and three from occasional bowler Darren Wright.

In the North Notts derby, Kirkby fired 281 against a weak Newstead attack. Take nothing away though from visiting skipper Steve Richardson who smashed 103, Kirkby were aided on the way by an incredible 42 wides. The chase was never on for a young Newstead side as James Easom (37) and Danny Greenhalgh (32) ensured that the home side held out comfortably for a losing draw on 175 for 5.

Collingham are most people’s favourites for promotion in C after narrowly missing out last year, however they slipped to a disappointing six wicket defeat at Attenborough II. The losers made 215 with ex Notts CCC opener Paul Todd firing 71, however 76 from Ian Baddeley and 63 Mick Aplin saw Attenborough home with six wickets and overs remaining.

Rhys Hayes looks a star in the making, the fourteen year old opening bat struck 68 for Gedling Colliery II, however the real fireworks came at the death with five maximums from Chris Berry (73) to enable the home side to post 250 against Long Whatton. The visitors (192) battled gamely but lost regular wickets as Adam Burton, Matt Brooks and Berry snaffled a couple of victims apiece. Credit must go though to last wicket pair of Mark Lester and Harry Miles who held firm to ensure a losing draw with a partnership of 22.

Kimberley II (149) looked to be on the way to a rare win at Wilsons with the home side in trouble at 70 for 6. However, Imran Shahid (53*) played a real captains knock and victory was achieved with the loss of just one further wicket. Kimberley, who had the returning Andy Layton making 52, did not really help their cause by giving away 55 extras in the field!

Run machine Colin Cliff of Thurgarton has yet to get going in D, thankfully in Ed Mordaunt (87) they have a batsman in form and together with Chris Dutton (68) the visitors made a formidable 259 at Bramcote. In reply there were more runs for student James Crookes (63), Kevin Lovelock also chipped in with 57 but four run outs did not help the losers cause and Bramcote fell 16 runs short.

The rejuvenated Khan Forbes hit 91 for Thrumpton and Tom Rye 72 out of 267 at home to Southwell II. The visitors reply centred around Jon Richardson (100) and veteran Stuart Grimley (76). However, the turning point came when Richardson was run out coming back for a second leading to Southwell falling nine runs shy of their target.

In Division E there was an added edge to the game between Nuthall and Eastwood II with half the Nuthall side making the short journey down the A610 in the winter. However it was Nuthall skipper Richard Marsh who again took centre stage, bludgeoning 125 off 90 balls including seventeen fours and three sixes. Marsh was supported by ex Shipley Hall man Graeme McDonough who fired an unbeaten 44 late on to ensure his team finished on an insurmountable 286. After tea, an ex Eastwood duo of Matt Murfin and Adam Leigh each took three wickets as the losers just crept over three figures.

Farndon have began well and they had new batsman Martin Appleyard striking 103 out of 274 for 4 at Kirkby Portland II who are finding the step up a difficult one to date. James Brown and Daniel Hubbard weighed in with 50 and 39 respectively whilst Mark Everington finished with 5 for 39 as the hosts fell some distance short on 162.

Hucknall II will be there or thereabouts come honours time and they put Stanton by Dale to the sword on Saturday. Ian Lobb made exactly 100 and Jamie Braybrook 92 as the home side concluded their innings on 270, Stanton despite 44 from Rob Ellen and 43 from Chris Pack fell away on 167.

Wymeswold paid the price for David Fraser Darlings lack of runs for Calverton’s first team on Saturday. The losers posted a decent 219 with Richard Bowley (102*) again in the runs. However, Fraser Darling crashed an unbeaten 127 to lead Calverton II to seven wicket win. Elsewhere in F, something had to give in the tie between Chilwell and Epperstone who were both unbeaten after three games and in the end it was Chilwell who successfully defended 138 thanks to four wickets from Nick Bennett and two from Jamie Mayfield.

The surprise package so far in G is Ravenshead and they collected another win at home to Gedling and Sherwood II. Loyal servant Julian Tadd (6 for 26) and Dan Fellows (4 for 16) shared the wickets as they restricted the losers to 138 whilst Safraz Mahmood (42*) ensured a four wicket win after the restart.

Comeback of the day was in H where Belvoir II recovered from 40 for 5 to snatch a last gasp win at home to Lenton Abbey (203). Heroes of the hour were Jake Fisher (82), Rory Johnson (32) and skipper John Copley (29), earlier Owais Qadeer had struck 75 for Lenton.

Bramcote II made a par 148 at Edingley but after tea, an inspired spell of bowling from Mark Fowkes (4 for 5 off 12 overs) saw the home team collapse to 69 all out.  Another team smiling after a wretched few seasons are Collingham II who had David Dakin (84*) and Charlie Lucas (46*) making short of Basford Hall’s 138, the winning runs coming as early as the 25^th over.  

Keep an eye on Hucknall Rolls II in J, a strong first team has had a knock on effect and a second comprehensive victory followed on Saturday with Ian Wade (3 for 27) and Phil Rostance (3 for 8) in the wickets at home to Lambley (72).

Relegated Bingham have enjoyed an early reversal of fortunes in K. They followed up an easy win on the opening day with an equally convincing eight wicket success at Caythorpe IV (81). For the winners Ben Legg (47*) and Roger Newport (3 for 5) shared the honours. Elsewhere in K, Shepshed III’s total of 225 included 34 from last man Elliott Morley. After tea, three wickets each from Connor Wheeldon and Adam Facey saw visitors Wilsons II stumble to 129 all out.

Age is no barrier in cricket and 72 year old Derek Gilchrist once again rolled back the years, grabbing 4 for 37 as his Radcliffe III side ran out easy winners at home to Stapleford (89) in L. Fiskerton II, thanks to 82 from Neil Davey, won a thriller at home to Belton (217) with just four balls remaining.

The day’s best bowling figures belonged to Harry Atkinson of Newark II in M. His 7 for 24 shot out local rivals Farndon II (85) and went a long way to ensuring a six wicket success.

In N, a partnership of 194 between Steve Cartledge (103*) and Mark Ebb (98*) was the catalyst behind Belvoir III’s 99 run win at home to Whatton and Aslockton II(144) whilst in P there more runs for Andy Platts (49) as Kimberley IV (164) ran out easy winners at home to Kirkby Portland III (57). Also in P, Rob Sin of Gedling and Sherwood III fired 91 out of 191 but still ended on the losing side as an unbeaten 88 from Mehtab Ahmed saw Madni to a five wicket win.

Finally in R, newcomers Sutton Bonington II had too many aces up their sleeve for Long Eaton III. Knocks of 78 from Daniel Lewin and 64 from Ian Farmer saw the winners make 241 and in reply Long Eaton slumped to 59 all out against the bowling of Jason Nicholson (4 for 36) and Rob Carpenter (3 for 4).

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 1^st May 2010

By Phil Johnson

 The expected downpours on Saturday never really materialised meaning that the majority of games were played to a conclusion on this the first full week of the season. However, heavy overnight rain on the Friday meant that the bowlers held the upper hand throughout.

None more so than at Hyson Green in A where the newcomers, minus the injured Lyndon Joseph, slumped to 29 for 5 against Hucknall Rolls and the new ball pairing of Jason Gorman (3 for 41) and Ansar Khan 2 for 22). Saleem  Karim weighed in with three wickets late on, the home side finishing on a sub-standard  96. However Rolls’ past batting frailties came to the fore again as two wickets apiece for Monty Douglas and Liaquat Ali had the visitors in disarray at 16 for 4 before Gordon Pearson (39*), who has been in fine form pre season, saw the winners home.

The surprise of the day came at Lenton Lane where Unity Casuals came a cropper at home to Long Eaton. After being put into bat, the home side crashed to 72 all out in bowler friendly conditions. It was an unfamiliar name that did the damage too with 16 year old Kieran Cooke snaffling five wickets. Tim Taylor (25) was the top scorer in the reply as the visitors coasted home with eight wickets remaining.

There was another low scoring encounter at Southwell where the home side stuttered to 118 for 8 in 42 overs against the Belvoir bowling of Darren Bicknell (3 for 31) and Lee Fazackerley (3 for 32). In the reply, Bicknell was dismissed cheaply by Ted Behl (3 for 28), but thanks to Tom Neville (29) and debutant Ruan Pitigala (24*) the visitors got home with four wickets intact.

Plumtree didn’t find the conditions a problem at Gedling Colliery as they racked up an unassailable 242 thanks to fifties from Michael Tew and Steve James. Jeff Burton took three wickets for Colliery as did Baz Bailey. Burton enjoyed a good day all round with 58. However, the home side were never really in the hunt for victory after three wicket hauls for Nigel Finney and Scott Bailey left the side clinging on somewhat at 169 for 8.

Balderton were struggling at one stage at 122 for 8 in their home game against Gedling and Sherwood with only Dominic Wiffin (44) making an impression in the top order. South African debutant Derek Bamber (3 for 59) and Shaun Carmody (3 for 46) had bowled well for the visitors, however they let the advantage slip with runs late on for James Hirst (24*) as Balderton finished on a par 169.

The visitors reply looked well set on 61 for 1 until occasional bowler Tim Clipsham entered the fray. Clipsham (6 for 32) ran through the top and middle order and only Chris Blake (27*) saved G&S from outright defeat, finishing on 143 for 9.

Into B and Gotham’s two and a half year unbeaten home record never looked in danger as they ran out 71 run winners over Hucknall (121). The winners got off to a good start through Mark Kennedy (39) and Gary Kerslake (28) and were helped on their way to 192 by 44 extras. For Hucknall both Paul Haryley (6 for 47) and 16 year old Alex Whyley (3 for 40) impressed with the ball. Missing three of their top order, the game was practically over as a contest once Robin Maxwell fell to new signing Jonny Boyes (3 for 50). Rob Stewart (31) battled gamely but lacked any real support as Brad Moore (3 for 20) and Alex Haworth (3 for 13) wrapped things up.

In a game played in an excellent spirit, Eastwood paid a fitting tribute to the late Tony Gregory, opening up their campaign with a three wicket win at home to Calverton. It was a struggle again with the bat for the losers, collapsing from 132 for 4 to 142 all out with Dean Blake (3 for 18) and promising teenager Luke Elderkin (3 for 33) doing most of the damage. Eastwood’s reply stuttered rather than cruised but they got there in the end thanks to an unbeaten 33 from Steven Leese who was fresh from his phenomenal cancer fund raising exploits at the London Marathon.

Clifton Village II racked up another decent total (216) at home to Plumtree II with Kristen Murden top scoring with 42. The visitors looked down and out at 47 for 4, however a quick fire 58 from keeper Charlie Kingsbury, together with 42 and 41 from Rob Smith and Dave Sumner respectively meant a tense finish, Plumtree falling just four runs shy of victory. For Clifton, Luke Jones (4 for 63) was the pick of the bowlers.

Ellerslie surprisingly slipped to a four wicket defeat at home to unfancied Kirkby Portland. The losers had Mike Day striking a half century but again had to rely on runs in the lower order from hard hitting all rounder Jurgen Charlesworth (30). Steve Betteridge, used only sparingly with the ball grabbed four wickets and there was five catches for keeper Gary Glenn. Chasing 172 for victory, knocks of 47 from Rob Shead and 42 from Craig Reeves saw the visitors home to a four wicket success.

Radcliffe II just about held the upper hand before rain became the ultimate winner in their quick return match at Newstead Village. Radcliffe had posted 186 thanks to 58 from Ieuan Marks - Venables and an unbeaten 37 from skipper Simon Hopson with Andy Paulson (4 for 48) again Newstead’s best bowler. It would have been an uphill task for the home side with Paulson and Danny Greenhalgh back in the pavilion at 32 for 2 before the umpires finally called a halt to proceedings.

In C, Wollaton followed up a disappointing first week display with a welcome win at Bottesford (203 for 7). Both Anthony Ablewhite and skipper Rupert Inglesant struck fifties for the losers but the star of the show was Sunil Sharma who batted brilliantly for an unbeaten 127 for Wollaton. Sharma was however, dropped on three occasions.

Collingham, most peoples favourites for promotion, enjoyed a comfortable 5o run success at a new look Kimberley II (144). David Pipes struck 103 for the visitors whilst Kimberley had James Bailey taking four wickets on his debut. Kimberley’s batting was again exposed and only the reliable James Griffiths (68) made any sort of a telling contribution as Tom Barker and Phil Goulding grabbed three wickets apiece.

Keyworth overcame a couple of early setbacks to post a decent 205 at Attenborough II thanks to 60 from Jamie Vickers and 46 from Ben Elliott. The home sides reply started well through Mick Aplin (59) and Tom Buckel  (37). However the introduction of Ian Graham (4 for 37) soon had them in a spin as they eventually fell short on 170 for 8.

Newcomers in D were Bramcote and student James Crookes made 97 out of 161 on his debut against Hoveringham. Hopes were raised of victory when run machine Stuart Walton was dismissed for a duck and at 135 for 9 the odds were stacked against the visitors. However, Chris Cupit (45*) found a willing partner in last man Rashid Akhtar (13*) and the together the pair gained an unlikely victory for their team with ten balls remaining.

It was equally tense at Thrumpton where visitors Risley recovered from 92 for 7 to post 169. Jay Harper was the mainstay of the fight back, blasting four sixes in his 49*, however he received vital support from teenager George Just (33). The game ebbed and flowed after this and the last over arrived with Thrumpton requiring four runs to win with one wicket remaining. Step forward Andy Shaw whose first ball of the match resulted in the dismissal of John Richardson!

Hucknall II (202) will hope to go one better this season in E after just missing out on promotion last season. They sent out a message of intent to their rivals on Saturday after thrashing Caythorpe III (55). It was a good all round performance by the winners with Graeme Lake (4 for 22) and Mitch Colebrook (3 for 23) in the wickets whilst Matt Woods (6 for 48) ploughed a lone furrow for the losers.

Elsewhere in E, an excellent game at Stamford Road saw West Bridgfordians II successfully chase down the 140 set for victory by Ellerslie II with just two deliveries remaining. Nasser Hussain (37) and Kulvern Kandola (4 for 25) shared the plaudits for the winners.

In F, East Bridgford will be grateful they won’t come across Chilwell again in a hurry after falling to a quick fire double. The losers could only muster 82 with James Mayfield (4 for 23) the pick of the bowlers. One can only hazard a guess of what the total might have been, had Chilwell not spilled eight catches.

Epperstone lead the way in F with a thrilling last ball victory at Kinoulton. The home side, chasing 162 for victory required two runs to win off the final ball only for Pete Foster to hold on to a vital catch at mid on.

Gedling and Sherwood II will fancy their chances in G under the astute leadership of veteran Gerry Goodwin. Saturday saw the team open their account with a 37 run success at home to Gotham II (131) thanks to 48 from Kirsten Cowlishaw and four wickets for all rounder Michael Phillips.

Newly promoted Snibston Grange had the father and son combination of Guy (3 for 23) and Adam Wainwright (54*) starring in a nine wicket success at home to Notts Unity II (85).

Collingham II haven’t had much to cheer about in recent seasons following three successive relegations. However, they began life in H with comfortable six wicket win at home to Bramcote II (157) thanks to a captain’s performance from David Sears (6 for 21) and runs for Hugh Pilkington (47), David Daykin (39) and Adrian Kitchen (37).

Rolls Royce II are certainly promotion contenders in J and they underlined their credentials with a nine wicket hammering of Caunton (81). For the Hucknall side, Andy Carden (41) and Leighton Upson (5 for 12) starred with bat and ball respectively.

Last wicket stands were the order of the day and none more so than at Long Whatton II (170) where Bernard Kirk and Harry Johnson cobbled together the runs required for Clifton Village III after Luke Gunn (119) had almost won the game single handed.

Into L and Radcliffe III made short work of Belton (59) thanks to six wickets for Jon Coleman. Newly promoted Hucknall III (201) also impressed with a 78 run win over Willoughby II with Martyn Wagstaff (87 & 2 for 23) the man of the match.

There was an astonishing game in M at Breaston where the home side collapsed to 80 all out with Newark II’s Brain Kennewell (5 for 32) the star performer. In the reply Newark were totally in control at 35 for 0. That was until the introduction of Sandeep Verma and Andy Dale into the attack. Incredibly the ten wickets fell for just 11 more runs with each bowler grabbing a five wicket haul.

Poor Snibston Grange II in M could only manage nine men and 32 runs at Whatton and Aslockton II for whom Benjamin Maule took four cheap wickets.

In P, Kimberley IV’s Andy Platts showed that class is permanent, striking 152 out of his teams 229 at Collingham III. The losers had no answer to this, replying with 112 as 14 year old Charlie Walters (3 for 12) gained a senior best. Elsewhere in P, Eastwood III struck a four off the last ball to win a thriller at West Bridgford Legion III (145) for whom Pete Ottewell made 65.

Finally in R, Matthew Newcombe of Bingham II (226) hit a brilliant 104 and Inny Hashim followed up with five wickets as their team put Long Eaton III (67) to the sword.

 Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Pre Season Report 2010

By Phil Johnson

After a handful of fixtures in April the season really gets underway this coming Saturday and in Division A, it may be hard to see past Plumtree making a swift return to the Premier League.

Darren Wright has relinquished the captaincy and Scott Bailey takes charge with Ben Thompson as his vice. Joining from South Australia U19’s is opening bowler Brad Evans. Notts Academy commitments permitting, Hassan Azad who scored a glut of runs for Underwood last year will turn out for the South Notts side. It is also expected that Steve James will move up from the second team again to open the batting. On the outgoing side, the popular Dallas Coull has returned back home to Adelaide, opening bat Alex Robinson is one of many new signings for Kimberley and both Jurgen Charlesworth and Eddie Pidduck have returned to Ellerslie.

One team that may have a say in that are Belvoir who, in 2009, finished a commendable second in their debut season in A. Jim Clayfield’s men have made a notable addition in opening bat Nick Silverwood who joins from Clifton Village. Jack Copley (16) is also expected to break through this year after a century in pre season. Their Achilles heel may again be their lack of depth in the bowling department with Matt Irvine expected to miss another season. Ruwan Pitgiali, a leg spinner, has been snapped up, however work commitments may severely limit his appearances.

Southwell, under the astute captaincy of David Rimmer, exceeded all expectations last term by finishing third. However, one fears they may have it all on to repeat that feat in 2010. They have lost George Bacon to Kimberley whilst Kiwi Patrick Whelan, such a crucial performer in 2009 has had an urgent eye operation and will miss at least half the season. On a positive note, middle order batsman Richard Beaumont joins from Caythorpe whilst Grant McCarthy is expected to be available all season after finishing High School.

One team aiming higher are Notts Unity Casuals who finished fourth last time around. All the youngsters are a year older and wiser and the team will once again be led by Usman Mussafer. The performances with the ball of Adeel Shaffique have made him a Notts Academy player, but he will be allowed to play for the Lenton Lane side when not selected. Once again, the experience of Simon Neal will be crucial in the top order.

Balderton were amongst the front runners early doors then a disastrous middle period saw them nervously looking over their shoulders before picking form up to finish fifth. Alan Jackson will again captain the side shorn of Ishan Ratnayake who is playing in the Durham League and Harry Shepherd who has returned to Collingham. The blow of losing the new ball pair may be softened with the news that David Lynn is fit again after an injury ravaged couple of seasons. Ian Sellars joins from local rivals RHP Newark to bolster the top order whilst left arm seamer Tim Hodgson joins from the Yorkshire League. As far as an overseas player is concerned, a deal to bring Samrat Sharma to the club broke down in the winter but Jackson is hopeful of a replacement for Ratanayake.

An impressive second half of the season saw Gedling and Sherwood safe, however they may have it all on to survive this year. Much will depend on South African all rounder Derek Bamber. This will hopefully soften the blow of the departures of Paul MacMillan and Carl Blake to Clifton Village and Kimberley respectively. Gerry Goodwin has dropped down to captain the seconds whilst Steve Carmody will be promoted to open the batting. Fellow opener Jerry Cruse will captain the side.

Gedling Colliery survived on the final day of the season and once again the Burton brothers will be the mainstay of the team. The side though has been strengthened by the signing of ex Shipley Hall batsman Anders Carrington who has moved into the area. Youngsters Dan Mather and Adam Burton will hopefully continue their improvement with the ball.

Long Eaton endured a disappointing 2009 and only stayed up with a win for Plumtree in the Premier League which relegated Farnsfield rather than Attenborough. Leon Botha is not returning but the club have snapped up South African batsman Warren Naidoo. Other than that it’s the same old faces although they are hopeful of sixteen year old Kieran Cook will make an impact. Jack Harrison will also get the opportunity to keep wicket on a regular basis, whilst Lee Cuthbert will probably be elevated from the second team to bolster the batting.

So what of the two promoted clubs? Well the official line from Hyson Green is that the Caribs are looking for a season of consolidation. However the signing of Lyndon Joseph will raise more than a few eyebrows and will get batsmen’s hearts beating that bit faster. Joseph will also more than contribute with the bat, as will Rehan Iqbal who rejoins after being a resounding success for the club in Division C a few years ago. Liaquat Ali who led the side to successive promotions has handed the captaincy reins over to Zak Hussain and Ali himself hopes to be fit for the start of the season. One thing that may count against the side is the ageing side which could prove costly on occasions in the field.

Hucknall Rolls Royce received a setback pre season with the news that Leon Botha would not be joining as expected. Botha’s replacement looks more than useful though in the shape of 29 year old Pakistani Rizwan Malik who has 43 first class matches under his belt. The batting has been an issue for a couple of seasons and players such as Gordon Pearson and Rahim Karim will need to score heavily after a quiet year in 2009. Bowling doesn’t seem to be a problem with an attack that consists of Jason Gorman, Saleem Karim and Ansar Khan although they may lack the option of a quality spinner.

Division B looks wide open with the relegated sides Calverton and Eastwood going for youth, meaning consolidation is more than likely on the cards.

Scott Andrew has taken command of Calverton again and will look to lead from the front with the bat, along with Richard and Eddie Lee. David Fraser Darling will provide the much needed experience. Tom Wright has won a magnificent personal battle after a life threatening car crash in the winter and will hopefully take his place in the side. On the outgoing side, Harry Bharker has rejoined Notts and Arnold Amateur whilst Peter Crawley has decided not to play this season.

Eastwood endured a close season upheaval with half a dozen players leaving the club. Dean Blake will captain the side which rely on Neil Gregory, Stuart Hill and Steven Leese to score the runs in the absence of Ejaz Ahmed and Irfan Ul Haq. Youngsters to look out for are Jack Humphries, Ryan Elliott and Luke Esson whilst left arm Luke Elderkin will be looking to build on his performances in A last season.

A strong first team will ensure Clifton Village Second Team, led by Richard Mc Dermott will be amongst the front runners as should be Gotham who agonisingly missed out on promotion of the final day of last season. Gotham will be aiming to go one better under Kiwi Brad Moore who will feature prominently with both bat and ball as will the Howarth brothers of Alex and Steve.  Gary Kerslake and Kevin Perrell will provide the experience although there is some doubt over the availability of hard hitting Kiwi all rounder Misty Middleton Jones.

Ellerslie performed well last season and survived comfortably although in 2010 they will have to make do without star player Husnain Riaz who has moved on. Alan Harrison will skipper the side who welcome back Eddie Pidduck and Jurgen Charlesworth, Pidduck however will only be available outside the football season due to refereeing commitments. Batsman Shahid Mahmood also joins after a couple of years out the game.

Hucknall may just be a side that fancy their chances of a shot at promotion. They had a tendency to rely too much on Robin Maxwell with the bat last season, however this time round his load will be lightened with the acquisitions of Tim Buckthorpe and Richard Greatorex (Newstead Village). Ben Maddison will also play when commitments allow. The bowling still looks a little on the light side, especially with the news that Max Thompson will not bowl due to a stress fracture. However, Maxwell will be fit to bowl around the end of June whilst look out for the pace of sixteen year old Alex Whyley.

Whilst West Bridgfordians and Collingham were battling it out for promotion in C, the second teams of Plumtree and Radcliffe almost came up unnoticed to grab two of the promotion places.

Plumtree will again be led by Rob Tapp who has new signings Ben Marvin (Kimberley), Adam Peel and Chris Mortimer to call on. Radcliffe will count on veteran Paul Richardson for runs, together with Lee Houghton whilst skipper Simon Hopson will get through some overs with his spin. Jordan Harbottle enjoyed a fabulous season in 2009 and he is expected to make the step up to B in 2010.

Kirkby Portland were the Division C champtions last night and will again rely on the same squad with the addition of Neil Watkins from Ockbrook and Borrowash.

One has to fear for Newstead Abbey and Village after a difficult winter which has seen an exodus of players. Richard Greatorex has left for rivals Hucknall whilst Paul Nott and James Hemstock have joined Plumtree and Mansfield Hosiery Mills respectively. Star bowler Nick Hand is trying his luck at Papplewick whilst Andy Graham is unlikely to play many games due to work commitments. The youngsters are probably a couple of years away from being ready for first team action so skipper Andy Paulson will carry a heavy burden with both bat and ball. James Easom, Matt Thrower and James Radford should also contribute as should Gary Devonshire who returns from neighbours Kirkby Portland.  However, the team need a new keeper as Steve Daykin will not be playing due to a shoulder injury.