Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 20 August 2011-08-21

By Phil Johnson

There were celebrations in Plumtree on Saturday night after the club returned to the Premier League following a two year absence.

The only team that had a realistic chance of catching the champions of Belle and Jerome Division A prior to Saturday were Notts Unity Casuals and they travelled to struggling Attenborough who required the points for altogether different reasons.

Attenborough lost two early wickets but then youth took over in the shape of Craig Heiden and seventeen year old Callum Taylor (71*). Heiden recorded his maiden century and with Jason Tibbitts (21*) enjoying a brief cameo at the death, Unity were set 265 for victory.

The total looked well within Unity’s capabilities with a fourth century in five games for Ravinderpal Singh. However from a position of 180 for 2, there followed an inexplicable collapse with the last eight wickets falling for just 28 runs. The heroes of the hour were Carl Whelan (5 for 67) who has enjoyed an Indian Summer with the second team and now the firsts, whilst fellow veteran Martin Rayner (3 for 61) picked up the prize scalp of Singh. The only negative of the day was a calf injury to Whelan which may force him out of the relegation decider against Balderton on Saturday.

All Plumtree now had to do was win and the title was theirs. However, bottom club Hyson Green posted a competitive 235 thanks to Ikram Ul Haq (53) and late contributions from Suhail Ahmed (35*) and skipper Zak Hussain (26).

Hyson Green started well with the ball too with Steve James run out and Nigel Finney dismissed without scoring. However, yet again it was the contributions of Hassan Azad (87) and Matthew Wood (54) that would prove decisive.

Even so, at 160 for 5, the game still hung in the balance but an unbeaten 39 from Charlie Kingsbury saw the winners home with six overs remaining.

Hucknall took full advantage of Unity’s slip to climb into second which would be a terrific achievement in their debut season. Saturday saw Robin Maxwell’s side edge home in a thriller in the Hucknall derby.

Rolls took first knock and posted 212 with Rahim Karim contributing a third successive fifty. There were late runs for Waheed Khan (38) and Joel Wright (22*) whilst Josh Buckley (4 for 61) and Adam Scott (2 for 40) was the pick of the Hucknall bowlers.

There was no Scott Harris in the Hucknall line up and Jason Gorman (3 for 69) removed star man Maxwell caught and bowled second ball so the home side were up against it.

However, the difference between this and previous years is the ability of others to step up to the plate when Maxwell fails. Saturday was the turn of Richard Cross (58) and Richard Greatorex (71) to push Hucknall close to the double over their closest rivals. Three runs were required off the final over and although the winners lost Tom Walters, Buckley hit the boundary to conclude an excellent day’s cricket.

Southwell are almost home and dry after knocking off 223 at home to mid table Ellerslie who were without the Mierklans brothers.

Instead, the crowd were treated to an entertaining 56 from opener Ananthan Sivayoganathan whilst Heider Ali top scored with 68. For Southwell, James Johnstone (3 for 60) was the best bowler supported by Matt Wookey and Ted Behl who took a couple of wickets apiece.

Southwell’s reply was centred round a century opening stand between the in form Tim Green (98) and Matty Davis (62). Sam Johnson (31) at number 3 kept up the good work and although a clutch of wickets fell in the second spell of Tariq Mahmood (3 for 43), a couple of boundaries from Grant McCarthy saw the home side through by four wickets.

Balderton could not build on last weeks victory and came a distant second at Radcliffe on Trent (245) but some stubborn resistance and the two points for a losing draw could all prove crucial in a fortnight.

Radcliffe had Rob Sutton (72) returning to form as did Dan Mason (32) and for Balderton Paul Colcomb came off the field with a five wicket haul.

Any chance of the strugglers achieving victory quickly evaporated with the cheap dismissals of Jackson, Wiffin and Dobbie. Michael Duffy (28) and Ian Sellars (27) hung around for a while and it was the last pair of John Esam and Sam Bagworth who batted out at the end with Sutton (3 for 10) and Chris Holden (3 for 31) sharing the bowling honours.

West Bridgfordians require just two points from two games to join champions Clifton Village in A after overcoming the challenge of Gotham Village in Cucamara Division B.

Gotham took first hit and made 211 with Alex Haworth making 85 in what has been a difficult season for the star man. Kushal Shah took five wickets and George Orange two and the total proved no bother for an in form batting line up.

Henry Straw added 86 to his previous fortnight of 83 and 94 whilst there was a return to runs for Nick De Villiers (63). The pair put on 170 for the first wicket and this largely contributed to a seven wicket success.

The only team that can catch West Bridgfordians are Calverton and their impressive batting came to the fore again at home to Collingham.

Scott Andrew (29) was going well before a questionable LBW decision ended his afternoon but this only left Darren Wright (90), Billy Armstrong (51), Ryan Evans (34*) and Callum Jayes (28) loose on a tired looking attack.

Chasing an improbable 274 to win, Collingham lost early wickets but dug in well thanks to the middle order of Harry Shepherd (44) and Tom Barker (45). On a turning pitch, Calverton sorely missed Brinsley Kirkham and the visitors held on for a losing draw at 232 for 8.

Clifton Village were in some discomfort at home to Long Eaton but again it was their strength in depth that got them out of a hole.

Despite 46 from opening bat James Taylor, the champions were 97 for 7 at home to Long Eaton. However, the tail of Craig Fairhall (55) and Richard McDermott (39) batted brilliantly to end on 205 with John Pack (4 for 68) impressing on a rare first team outing.

Long Eaton had a century partnership at the top between Andy Edge (71) and Steve Higton (50) who rolled back the years. However, the rest could not sustain this and wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Survival was now the name of the game and they achieved that, just on 189 for 9. Long Eaton travel to Gotham next week with the losers almost certainly falling through the relegation trap door.

Eastwood’s form in the second half of the season has been astonishing and the form team have now moved up to fourth.

The addition of Gordon Pearson to the side has been a masterstroke and so has the decision by skipper Neil Gregory to leave Pearson to come in at five or six rather than opening up. The tactic worked a treat again on Saturday with Pearson flaying the Plumtree II attack for 78 in just 40 balls , including 8 sixes. This should not detract however, from the efforts of Mark Smith who carried his bat for 95.

Chasing 307 to win, Plumtree II were never at the races and had extras to thank for 55 of their 159. Plumtree lost their last wicket with two overs remaining with teenager Hitesh Godhania (6 for 35) the star of the show.

The top three in Rothera Dowson Division C returned to form and with issues at the bottom to resolve it promises to be an exciting fortnight.

Leaders Wollaton Ii were involved in an astonishing encounter after racking up 329 at Hoveringham. The mainstays behind the whopping total were Sunil Sharma (134) and John Christiansen (53). On a day for batting Chris Cupit’s figures of 5 for 32 were even more impressive.

What made the day remarkable was that Hoveringham almost chased the total down but found the 24 required off the final over too stiff a task. Shaun Polley (74) who has had a quiet second season, top scored for the home side.

Kirkby Portland made 231 at Nuncargate with Tom Chamberlain remaining unbeaten on 91. Visitors Thurgarton (149) then found Tom Newcombe unplayable as the spinner recorded a career best 8 for 30 off 16 overs.

After a woeful month, Kimberley II finally got back to winning ways, thrashing relegated Wilsons (158) by nine wickets.

That sort of total is well below par on the short Kimberley boundaries and an opening stand of 155 between Andy Platts (85) and 15 year old starlet Anuj Dal (56*) saw the winners cruise to victory.

Newstead are another side who have enjoyed a decent second half and the village made themselves safe on Saturday with skipper Nick Rose (54) and James Easom (51) leading the way in a three wicket win at home to Attenborough II (179).

Gedling Colliery II have given themselves a fighting chance of staying up by hammering mid table Radcliffe II (157) by 131 runs.

Danny O’ Brien (93) and James Crudgington (59) shared a stand of 121 early on whilst both Chris Berry (38) and James Barnes (34) fired late runs off 21 balls each. Fourteen year old Jake Fish made 50 after tea but the losers fell well short with Connor O’ Brien and Mike Berry each claiming three scalps. Gedling meet Attenborough II next weekend with the losers probably being condemned to the drop.

It is all to play for in Millward Printing division D with two from Keyworth, Risley and Thrumpton to go up.

Leaders Keyworth had the easiest afternoon, piling up 305 with Geoff Tindsley (111*), Dale Collison (65) and Ben Elliott (64) in the runs. After the interval, Rob Baker, playing in his first game after an eight week injury lay off took 5 for 37 as visitors Southwell II fell away to 170 all out. This was despite a second successive fifty for George Bowie.

Risley had Matt Shaw firing his maiden century in a total of 246 and Bottesford’s promotion challenge finished when they could only manage 164 in reply.

Risley play third place Thrumpton next week and the latter will be smarting from a 130 run thrashing at Long Whatton (260) for whom Jack Foster (88) and Greg Fletcher (48 & 3 for 37) starred.

Congratulations go to the second teams of Ellerslie and Hucknall who gain promotion from Star Foundation Division E and the scene is set nicely for the title decider this coming Saturday. Hucknall (241) enjoyed the more comfortable ride after finally putting paid to Farndon’s promotion aspirations.

Andy Foster bludgeoned 81 for the winners and four wickets for Ian Lobb and three for Paul Harley ensured Farndon fell 81 runs short.

All the promotion issues have been settled in F, whilst Chilwell will now join Epperstone in G next season following a home defeat to leaders Kinoulton.

The game of the day in the division came at Stanton by Dale (321) where the home side’s Lee Bradley hit a stupendous 162. That landmark included 142 in boundaries (19 fours and 11 sixes). In a game played in excellent spirit, full credit goes to Whatton and Aslockton (262) who had their own centurion in Matt Stewart (122).

Belvoir II are now champions in GB Bookkeeping Division G after completing a rapid double over relegated Oxton (123). The race is very much back on for second though after Burton Joyce (131) crashed at nearest challengers Notts Unity II (206). The winners had teenager Neil Patel (57) impressing again and later Jit Jani (5 for 20) spun his side to victory.

There is no change in H where Flintham and Sutton Bonington remain in the promotion slots. There were a few nerves at Flintham where they lost seven wickets in their pursuit of West Bridgford Legion’s 115. Earlier in the day, Jim Sweeting (4 for 24) and Tom Tebbutt (3 for 9) had bowled the leaders into a strong position.

It is a similar story in J where Lambley and Thrumpton II consolidated their positions at the top, whilst a second defeat in seven days for Kimberley III (208), this time at fellow challengers Bingham (222) could prove costly. The individual performance of the day came from 13 year old Hardev Rathore but his 6 for 54 proved in vain as his Hyson Green II (166) side came a distant second at Lambley (259).

King Stone Products Division L leaders Young Lions lost their second game in a week, this time in a thriller at Willoughby II (157) where 15 year old Shakil Taj ran out last man Malaj Digwa off the final ball to secure a one run victory.

Hucknall III (150) failed to take advantage though losing at Gedling Colliery III (183) and neither did Risley II at Caythorpe IV. Risley totalled 196 but a Chinese cut from Dave Kent with two balls remaining secured a two wicket success for the strugglers.

Belvoir III followed the lead of their second team and gained promotion in M on Saturday whilst Radcliffe IV added the scalp of second place Chilwell II to Belvoir the previous week. Radcliffe were set 207 to win and this they achieved with some comfort thanks to 13 year old Eddie Sidebottom (79*) and fifteen year old Alex Buckley (62).

Another teenager in the news in M was 14 year old Ben Shaw who struck an outstanding 132 for West Bridgfordians IV (242) who claimed a rare win at Thurgarton II (211). This achievement somewhat overshadowed the losers fifteen year old Matt Brown who took a hat trick.

Division N champions Hoveringham II made a colossal 303 at Attenborough IV and then after tea Scott Shore (8 for 20) claimed career best figures. Another player achieving that accolade in the same division was Ross Miller of Lowdham II whose 7 for 25 went a long way to gain an 84 run success at Whatton and Aslockton II (59).

It is a three horse race for the tile in Oval Property Finance Division P where Poplars (207) have taken pole position after another century for Abishek Jha at Eastwood III (114).

Finally in R, there were two eight wicket hauls in other divisions but the distinction of the day’s best figures goes to Rob Herrick of Old Dalby who returned another career best 8 for 17 as his team successfully defended 98 at Sutton Bonington II (85).

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 13 August 2011

By Phil Johnson

Plumtree can now see the finishing post in Belle and Jerome Division A and require 30 points from their remaining three games for a return to The Premier League.

Batting was unquestionably the winner in their game home fixture against Southwell with the visitors making a good start through Tim Green (53) and Sam Johnson (88). Freddie Sail and Alistair Haynes carried on the good work at the death and Southwell finished on 229 with only Kulvern Kandola (2 for 48) enjoying relative success.

Plumtree suffered an early setback with opener Steve James being dismissed first ball but that didn’t deter the prolific Hassan Azad. The Academy’s loss was Plumtree’s gain as the teenager cracked a brilliant undefeated 122. Supported by Nigel Finney (40) and Matthew Wood (50*) the winners cruised to victory with eight wickets and overs remaining.

Notts Unity saw their title hopes delivered a crushing blow after they failed to knock off 126 at home to Radcliffe.

The visitors have been out of form recently and were without the influential Rob Sutton whilst the overseas Josh Brodie has unfortunately had to return home. Eddie Torr (27) once again chipped in and number 9 Jordan Harbottle (17) added runs late on but 126 is really well below par. For Unity there were wickets for Ravinderpal Singh (3 for 15), Usman Aziz (3 for 28) and James Marshall (2 for 15) on a spinner friendly track.

However, Torr’s day wasn’t finished yet as he knocked back Singh’s stumps third ball followed by McDonald and Marshall to leave the home side in tatters on 2 for 3. The rest of the innings was a sterile affair as Unity inched towards the target. Fifty three overs they batted for and they still couldn’t force victory with a last wicket mix up accounting for Younis Sohail run out with nine runs still required for victory. For Radcliffe, Torr finished with 4 for 19 whilst Cambridge University student Frankie Brown (3 for 34) and 13 year old Connor Marshall (2 for 30) spun their way to success.

The remainder of the action in A centred around the foot of the table and Balderton earned 20 priceless points against Hyson Green who probably need to win at least two games to survive.

Balderton recorded their highest score of the season (242) and it was skipper Alan Jackson (96) that led from the front. Aided by Chris Dobbie (54*) and 51 extras it left the visitors with a mountain to climb despite the efforts of Mark Lewis (3 for 52) who is the brother of ex England star Chris.

It was undoubtedly captain’s day with Zak Hussain (71) showing the way in the reply. The game was in the balance for long periods but the run out of Suhail Ahmed (26) proved crucial and Dobbie wrapped up a 9 run victory by bowling Waqas Shafaz with seven balls remaining.

No such joy for Attenborough though who slip back into the bottom two following a 20 run reversal at Hucknall (199).

The home side recovered from a sticky start thanks to the middle order of Richard Greatorex (50) and Lee Smith (41). What proved decisive though was a last wicket partnership of 26 between Adam Scott and keeper Tom Walters. For Attenborough Martin Rayner (3 for 54) and Arjun Singh (3 for 43) did well whilst Carl Whelan (2 for 47) also impressed on his return to the first team.

The losers started badly too but Sam Clulow (70) maintained his improved form. Unfortunately, with the exception of Martin Shoemaker (51) there was little support as Josh Buckley (5 for 74) and Robin Maxwell (3 for 39) won the game.

Ellerslie are almost safe after a thrilling victory over Rolls Royce Leisure.

Rolls took first knock and opener Wasim Karim (82) carried on from where he left off last week, as did brother Rahim (54) in the middle order. Rolls finished on 216 but gave the home side an over which would prove fatal. For the home side Jurgen Charlesworth and Tariq Mahmood each finished with three wickets.

Ellerslie’s top order performed well in the shape of Jonathan Wakeling (74) and Dan Mierklans (50) but Rahim (2 for 47) and Liquat Ali (2 for 56) kept chipping away and the final extra over arrived with Ellerslie requiring 6 to win.

Two wickets fell in five balls before Charlesworth hit the final ball for four to secure a two wicket victory.

Clifton Village II require just three points to claim the title in Cucamara Division B and yet again it was their strength in depth that proved the key.

Plumtree II, who needed the points for altogether different reasons, batted well scoring 237 with Justin Stockdale hitting 90. Lots of batsmen made starts for Clifton but all got out and at 162 for 6 the odds were in favour of the visitors, especially with Clifton fielding only ten players due to a very late withdrawal through illness.

However, Anthony Hart (63*) had been patiently accumulating runs at one end, and he was joined by Paul MacMillan who struck an unbeaten 45 in just 33 balls to rack up win number eleven.

West Bridgfordians now sit firmly in pole position for the runners up spot and in doing so probably ended Gedling Colliery’s promotion aspirations.

It was agony for Colliery’s 15 year old starlet Rhys Hayes who couldn’t get the strike in the final over and finished unbeaten on 99. Lee Gomersall (46*) hit some blows late on to see Colliery end on 230 for 3.

West Bridgford also batted well headed by Henry Straw who added 83 to his 94 the previous week. Andrew Sharpe added 67 and despite a couple of late wickets, skipper Oliver Straw saw his team home with 33 in 18 balls.

We say farewell in B to Gedling and Sherwood who suffered their second successive relegation.

It was another woeful display from the bottom club, being bowled out for 131 with veteran David Pipes (5 for 24) the pick of the Collingham attack.

Despite losing two early wickets, Collingham wasted no time in wrapping up an easy win thanks to Pipes (58*) and Oliver Dyson (37*).

After a couple of victories, it was a bad day at the office for Gotham Village who stay out of the relegation places by the skin of the teeth.

Batting first, there was a second century in four weeks for Scott Andrew (117). Willie Armstrong (42) and Darren Wright (39) also took advantage of a below par attack to finish on 276.

Gotham were never at the races with the bat and were 40 for 4 in reply but the middle and late order at least battled and led by Paul Blatherwick (56) the hosts clung on for a losing draw which just might prove crucial in three weeks time. Brinsley Kirkham (3 for 66) and Kyle Welch (3 for 44) impressed for Calverton but no one could dislodge the final pair of Johnny Boyes and Luke Prettyjohn who batted out the last seven overs.

In Rothera Dowson Division C, Wollaton Ii took a giant stride to the title by defeating nearest challengers Kirkby Portland (159) by 33 runs. It was a real team effort again by the winners with Andy Bayley (33), Suman Shrestha (32* & 2 for 42), Alec Cobbett (3 for 35) and Adam Davies (3 for 28) all playing their part. In a disappointing display, Kirkby only got close thanks to 55 extras.

Kirkby are certainly going through a rough patch, but so are promotion rivals Kimberley II who got the worst of the draw at improving Attenborough II.

The hosts racked up 215 with the evergreen Mick Aplin (43) and young Luis Holliday (42) the chief contributors. Kimberley tried to chase it down but ended 23 runs short with Tim Cauldwell (3 for 47) the pick of the home sides attack.

Radcliffe II missed an opportunity to put pressure on the leading clubs by falling to a four wicket defeat at home to inconsistent Hoveringham.

Radcliffe made 197 with Adrian Tomkins (59) batting well after his promotion from the third team. The home team then committed the cardinal sin of dropping Ben Lee twice in single figures and Hoveringham’s skipper went on to make a match winning 90 with keeper Richard Coleman (28*) seeing him team home with eight overs remaining. Earlier in the day, Murray De Bank (4 for 45) and Steven Campbell (3 for 26) had kept the home side in check.

The drama in the division all came at Thurgarton with a thrilling final ball climax.

Visitors Gedling Colliery II had put a much a much sterner challenge than the previous week by posting 191 but how Colliery must be sick of the sight of Colin Cliff who fired his second century in seven days in the reply.

There were five runs required off the final over with three wickets remaining. It looked all over when a four was struck off the third delivery but then came two catches in two balls, including Cliff. It was all down to last man Amman Singh and the teenager hit the ball to mid wicket, ran for his life and just made it home despite a huge appeal from Gedling for a run out. Colliery remain in the bottom two.

Wilsons said goodbye to C following a six wicket reversal at home to improving Newstead Village.The losers fared better than in recent weeks and made 174 but Newstead passed that with some to spare thanks to Danny Greenhalgh (47 and 2 for 40) , Andy Paulson (29) and Adam Kalka (27*).

It really is too close to call in Milward Print Division D with one point separating the top three sides.

It looked like a routine victory was on the cards for Keyworth at Willoughby (126) but four wickets each for Gino Taj and man of the match Ben Boot secured an unlikely 40 run win in the local derby.

Risley (155) though failed to capitalise and came off second best at Southwell II (191) with the Bowie brothers of Mark (62* & 2 for 22) and George (60 & 2 for 55) playing leading roles.

All this means is that you can’t write off Bottesford from the promotion picture just yet after they emerged triumphant off the last ball at home to Long Whatton (189).

There is no again no change in Star Foundation Division E with Hucknall II and Ellerslie II getting ever closer to promotion, even more so when Ellerslie’s five wicket win came at third placed Farndon (154). The great escape is still very much on for Wymeswold as they passed Underwood’s 165 with seven balls remaining thanks to another starring role from Richard Shelton (44 & 4 for 43).

In F, Kinoulton will be joined in E next season by Eastwood II who make a swift return after comfortably disposing of Chilwell (113). Bottom club Epperstone haven’t had much to cheer about in 2011 but they secured their second win of the season by edging a close game with Stanton by Dale (146) failing to acquire the boundary required off the final delivery.

Belvoir II march on at the top of GB Bookkeeping Division II, but they were given a hell of a fright at relegated Oxton, recovering from 32 for 6 to chase down the 107 required. John Copley (48*) and Paul Adams (15*) were the men responsible for the match winning partnership.

Burton Joyce are cementing their position in second after Gavin Baguley hit 81 against his former club to ensure his team ran out winners by five wickets at home to Gotham II (177).

Division H leaders Flintham H lost the league’s leading run scorer Matt Lyas in the first over, however Alex Hemstock, Bob Chapple and Tom Lyas all hit fifties and this paved the way for a 46 run win at Bramcote II (186).

Kimberley III held the upper hand at tea in the big clash in J. However they failed to chase a mediocre 140, and four wickets each for Adam Pick and Kamran Rasheed secured a 48 run win for Thrumpton II.

There was also some relief for doomed Basford Hall OB where figures of 6 for 8 for Wayne Simpson saw fellow strugglers Edingley bowled out for 60.

Plumtree III remain top in K, but only just after nudging past promotion rivals Clifton Village III (146). The heroes of the day were Jamie Hahn (69 & 3 for 35) and the final pair of Len Jackson and Ken Carter who cobbled together the ten runs required.

The proud unbeaten record of young Lions in King Stone Products Division L finally came to an end on Saturday, falling sixteen runs short of Stapleford’s 157. For the winners, Gary Dawson (74 and 4 for 33) was the star man.

The gap between second and third in M narrowed somewhat on Saturday following Thurgarton II’s 57 run success at Chilwell II (122). Thurgarton are on an excellent run at present and had Vic Foulkes and spinner Neil Smith taking three wickets each.

Staying in M and West Bridgfordians IV took just 17 overs to beat woeful Wymeswold II (27) with Tom Crossland grabbing five wickets and Tim Martin three.

The day’s best bowling figures went to Khalim Mohammed of Madni (251) in Division N as his 7 for 29 saw Lowdham II shot out for 86.

Finally, another team gathering momentum on a late run are Poplars in Oval Property Finance Division P. The third place team only made 121 at home to leaders Kinoulton II (71) but a hat trick from Vinay Bendigiri (5 for 26) capped a fine comeback.

Gunn and Moore South Notts Cricket League Report Saturday 6 August 2011

By Phil Johnson

Plumtree provided the perfect riposte to last week’s setback in Belle and Jerome Division A by Hammering poor Balderton (53).

The winners took first knock and lost Nigel Finney (18) who had to retire hurt. However, contributions from the top order of Paul White (47), Michael Tew (33), Matthew Wood (35) and Steve James (45) ensured a more than competitive 230 was set for victory. For Balderton, Paul Colcolmb (3 for 69) again took wickets late on.

Balderton are badly missing the influential but injured Tim Clipsham and lost the first three batsmen for a combined total of 5. Dominic Wiffin was making a fight of it but fell victim to a questionable caught behind with his score on 30. The losers lost the middle order, all leg before and Scott Bailey finished things off by taking the final four wickets in one over. In a woeful effort, the second top score was 4 as Bailey (5 for 23) and Matt Milnes (4 for 11) caused the carnage. Plumtree stretch the gap at the top to fifteen points with four games remaining.

Unity Casuals picked up seventeen points but will be kicking themselves for not going on to claim the maximum twenty at Hyson Green who fall to bottom.

It was an afternoon of chasing leather for the strugglers with a third successive century for Ravinderpal Singh. The Indian fired a majestic 157 to become the leagues leading run scorer, hitting 14 fours and 9 sixes in the process. It wasn’t a one man show with fifties for Adeel Shafique and Dominic Terkowski and 45 from James Marshall. Unity ended with an impossible 355 leaving Hyson Green to attempt to survive.

This at first proved futile as Caribs slipped to 109 for 7 but not for the first time this season, Suhail Ahmed became the saviour. The keeper batted superbly for 70 and shared in a 91 stand for the eighth wicket with ex Unity man Moshin Qayyum (31). When the latter was run out Osama Alam (8*) joined Ahmed and the pair defied the odds to bat out on 223 for 8.

Rolls Royce Leisure got back to winning ways and for the first time this season, their much maligned batting clicked without any mishaps.

Southwell batted well early doors with Tim Green (78) and Matty Davis (33) opening up, followed by Sam Johnson (43) at 3. The second half of the innings was a disappointment with the home side kept in check by Waheed Khan (2 for 24) and Liquat Ali (2 for 46) and the innings fell away somewhat on to conclude on 202.

The game was partially over after the Karim brothers of Wasim (50) and Rahim (57) put on 90 in just 11 overs. Mahmood Elani (41*) and Amar Shah (38*) completed the job with more than ten overs to spare.

From looking dead and buried a fortnight ago, two victories have taken Attenborough out of the relegation spots.

Visitors Ellerslie posted 241 with Caleb Mierklans top scoring with 52 and brother Daniel (30) and Heider Ali (31) also chipping in. For the winners, Arjun singh (4 for 53) continued his good season whilst Martin Rayner (3 for 72) provided support.

It would be fair to say the total represented a monumental task for a team that has batted poorly all season. However it was a positive display with skipper Andy Simkiss (72) leading the way. Sam Clulow (50) also stepped up to the plate at 3 whilst Craig Heiden (50) and Alec McKinlay (21) kept up the good work. The game entered the final over and Tom Murray hit the boundary required with four balls remaining.

Radcliffe’s slide down the table continued with a 28 run reversal at home to Hucknall (187). There were starts in the top order from Scott Harris (29), Richard Cross (25) and Aaron Lee (22) whilst impetus at the end was provided by professional Josh Buckley (36). Eddie Torr (5 for 53) was the star man for Radcliffe as he followed up some promising contributions with the bat.

The story behind Radcliffe’s innings was two exquisite bowling performances from Robin Maxwell (6 for 36) and Buckley (4 for 57). Radcliffe, with the exception of Dan Mason (42) had no answer to their pace and fell to a third straight defeat.

Leaders Clifton Village II are guaranteed a place in the top two in Cucamara Division B without hitting a ball after Gedling Colliery (129) fell to a heavy loss at Gotham.

Only Graham Burton (57) mastered the home bowling attack of Paul Blatherwick (4 for 15), Rob Goddard (3 for 33) and Brett James (2 for 44). In reply there was a contribution from 14 year old Bradley North (33) and fellow youngster James Burton (32*) and when quick runs were needed Goddard (36) entered the fray to see his side home by five wickets. Gotham’s win sees them climb out of the relegation places.

Gedling’s defeat was a tonic for West Bridgfordians who extended the gap in second following a 17 point winning draw at home to Collingham who still need a win or two to guarantee survival.

The home side made 210 with Henry Straw falling six runs shy of a deserved century. Andy Sharpe, after a quiet few weeks fired 53 in a final total of 210 off a reduced 46 overs.

Seventeen year old James Cousins (59) again top scored in the reply but the innings needed veterans Joe Edge (33) and David Pipes (28) to go on and make fifty. Instead both got out at vital times and the innings fell away on 177 for 7 with Chris Navin (2 for 22) the pick of the bowlers.

Long Eaton have fallen into the relegation zone following a three wicket reversal at home to Eastwood whose remarkable turnaround continues.

Tim Taylor (51) batted his way back to form, sharing in an opening stand of 72 with stand in opener Kieran Cooke (26). Brett Scothern weighed in with 34 but the home side will be disappointed with their final 152 after being 114 for 2 at one stage, For Eastwood, their youthful attack of Jake Humphreys (3 for 28), James Longden (2 for 41) and Hitesh Godhania (2 for 41) continues to earn the plaudits.

It was nip and tuck in Eastwood’s reply to begin with skipper Neil Gregory run out without facing a ball and Adam Smith (30) and Steven Leese (31) both getting out when well set. However the trump card was played in the shape of Gordon Pearson who can win a game in a short space of time. Pearson hit 36 in 21 balls and Eastwood were home for a fourth successive win.

There was another inept display from bottom club Gedling & Sherwood who look set for a second consecutive relegation.

The losers managed only ten men and 119 at Calverton with only Keith Hammond (31) hanging around. For the winners Brinsley Kirkham (4 for 21) and Will Marris (2 for 17) did most of the damage. There was no way back for Gedling following an opening stand of 80 between Darren Wright (52*) and Callum Jayes (33) with Eddie Lee (25*) polishing off the win in just 22 overs.

It was a strange day in Rothera Dowson Division C with the top three all suffering setbacks in their quest for promotion.

Leaders Wollaton II found Newstead Village an altogether different proposition from the previous week with skipper Nick Rose making an excellent century. Chasing 199 to win, Wollaton faltered to Dan Greenhalgh (4 for 41) and Nick Hand (2 for 34) and the last pair batted out the final three overs to close on 168 for 9 giving Newstead 18 welcome points.

Hoveringham, dismissed for 62 seven days ago made an excellent 252 at home to Kirkby Portland thanks largely to Ben Lee (72) and Nick Walton (49). Kirkby though gave it their best shot in pursuit with Richard Underhill making 51 and Jason Caunt 46. Twelve runs were required off two overs when Brett Lear bowled last man Dan Severn to finish with figures of 4 for 80.

Kimberley failed to capitalise though and have hit the wall at the wrong time. Radcliffe had Tom Johnson (37) and old campaigner Paul Richardson (45) making runs in the top order but the telling contribution came when Mark Fish came to the crease. Fish hit 68 in just 32 balls including two colossal sixes to see the visitors end on 260 for 7.

Kimberley batted well through James Griffiths (70*), Paul Blatherwick (44) and Ben Johnson (34) but the challenge was too stiff and they fell 24 runs short gaining a losing draw in the process.

Wilsons were again on the wrong end of a 5pm finish and they now look odds on for a return to D. Visitors Attenborough II had Carl Whelan claiming his second successive six wicket haul with the home side shot out for 63. Martin Shoemaker (32*) ensured there was no slip ups.

Struggling and depleted Gedling Colliery II watched in awe as Thurgarton’s Colin Cliff struck a superb undefeated 144. Supported by James Mitchell (74) and Danny Orwin (33) the visitors ended on a whopping 291 which was way too many for a dejected Colliery (79) who succumbed in just 23 overs to Ben Powell (5 for 19), Niels Hart (2 for 20) and Christian Dutton (2 for 18).

The top of the table clash in Milward Printing Division D was tantalisingly poised with Risley requiring 100 to win in 13.2 overs at Keyworth (213) before heavy rain proved the ultimate winner.

Third placed Thrumpton made 196 at Bramcote but then dropped previous week’s centurion Pete Gooden on nought. The spillage proved costly as Gooden fired 69 and Dave Green 37 to guide Bramocte past the 197 required with two wickets intact.

Hope springs eternal for Willoughby who move off the bottom with an unlikely victory at home to mid table West Bridgfordians II (189). The home side looked down and out at 67 for 5 before the match winning partnership between Simon Pickerell (74*) and Joe Wood (41). Could Willoughby survive on the last day again for the fourth time in five seasons?

There is no change at the top in Star Foundation Division E with wins for Ellerslie II (262) and Hucknall II. Ellerslie’s win was more straightforward over Underwood (91) with Todd Mills firing 72 in 39 balls including 6 maximums.

Farnodon stay in touch in third but only just following a tie with neighbours East Bridgford. The game looked up for Farndon when they could only muster 128 but an inspired spell of 6 for 23 from Stuart Hay and a last gasp slip catch by Mark Everington saw the honours shared.

The great escape looks well and truly on for Wymeswold who hammered mid table Hickling (88) by eight wickets. The star of the show was undoubtedly Richard Shelton (6 for 25) who took four wickets in an over.

Kinoulton won the game of the day In F and with it promotion after Tom Richards struck 114 of the 167 required at Eastwood II (167). Barring a disaster, Eastwood should join Kinoulton in E in 2012.

There was a comfortable win for leaders Belvoir Ii in GB Bookkeeping Division G but now there was a change in second where Notts Unity II (126) lost again, this time to West Bridgfordians III. The defeat was all of their own making too with Chris Proctor of the winners dropped six times on his way to 42.

The trap door opened for Oxton (124) who suffer relegation following a five wicket reversal at home to East Leake. This fate has seemed inevitable from April after the loss of key players such as Mike Berry and James Crudgington.

Sutton Bonington were the big winners in H by beating leaders Flintham (138) by 12 runs. Man of the match was Adam King who took for 5 for 37. Elsewhere, Gedling and Sherwood II (136) are embroiled in a dog fight at the bottom after losing to Bramcote II by five wickets. However, a pang of sympathy may be felt for the losers after falling victim to seven LBW decisions whilst batting.

It is still neck and neck at the top in J with both Thrumpton II and Kimberley III gaining maximum points. These two play each other next week. Bingham (271) remain hot on their heels following a dominant display at home to Keyworth II (160). For Bingham, Tom Spencer (62) and Jack Teague (45 & 3 for 12) played leading roles.

Plumtree III have shot to the top in K with their latest win coming at Underwood II (183) thanks to 57 from Chris Kerrison. Earlier in the day, 14 year old spinner Stanley Carter (4 for 53) added to his growing reputation.

It was a bad day at the office for Risley II (109) in King Stone Products Division L as they slipped out of the promotion places. Their conquerors were Long Whatton II and it was no surprise that it was Mark Taylor (5 for 18) who played a prominent part. Hucknall III take their place in the second and a mix of young and old did the trick with Max Thompson (38*) and Andy Wagstaff (32) chasing down the 141 set by Stapleford.

In Division M, leaders Belvoir III fell to a shock defeat at bottom club Radcliffe. The heroes in the successful run chase of 175 were Christy Sullivan (85*) and Nick Cookson (43*). Before tea there were three wickets for Derek Gilchrist at the ripe old age of 73!

The performance of the day in N was by Naz Saleem who blasted 140 out of 307 for Wollaton III at Attenborough IV (156). Wollaton remain right in the promotion frame. It was a red letter day too for 13 year old Jack Blatherwick who struck his first senior fifty for Kimberley IV at home to Hoveringham II.

A teenager shone too in Oval Property finance Division P where fifteen year old Dan Noble fired a maiden senior ton for Eastwood III in their 120 run thrashing of Great Dalby (108).

Finally Notts Unity III and East Leake II continue to jostle for pole position in R. Unity chased down 203 at Great Dalby with Chas Jandhu (63*) hitting the winning runs off the penultimate delivery whilst East Leake successfully defended 103 at home to Notts Royals (53) thanks to Mark Bashford (4 for 6) and Tim Wilks (5 for 10).