1,2,3 for England ... 1,2,3 for South Notts
by Dennis Wright, 15th June 2002

1-2-3 for England and also the cricket league as three players took hat-tricks in the weekends encounters.

First up was Woodborough's Paul Wilson, 4-8, whose triple gave Woodborough (90), victory in an exciting finish against Hoveringham (83). James Fletcher (4-21) threesome, helped Wilsons (116) stave off a late challenge from promotion hopeful Nuthall (103/9). Finally in another close game Whatton & Aslockton (94-9), John Moncaster (6-16) completed the 1-2-3 as he terminated Ruddington's challenge (75).

Stapleford's Darren Gelder personal best 8-12, ruined Gladstones day as they became the 2nd lowest scoring team ever in the league as they could only manage 19.

Youngsters shone in the fixtures this weekend, but none more so than Calverton II's 14 year old Matthew Wright, his match figures of 6-34 came on the back of his dad's (Peter) top batting performance, 48, as Calverton set a tough ask of 144. West Bridgfordian's (102) then found Matthew in impressive form recording a personal league best sixer. In 1C 17 year old Gareth Hayes 4-38 helped skittle out Keyworth (157), then watched on as Adrian Tompkins (76) steered Lady Bay Boots to victory for the loss of 3 wickets. In 2G there was a maiden 50 for Paul Rope (77) in Nuthall II (153-4) win at home to Belvoir III (112-9).

Eastwood Town (139/9) reign at the top of 1A was short lived as they were humbled away at Gotham (188). Collingham took full advantage to move clear with a 7-wicket victory at Attenborough who could only muster 115 all out.

Notts. Amateurs (139-8) helped their safety issues beating bottom club Radcliffe on Trent (95). Hucknall (172-9), also in the relegation zone, held on for a losing draw as Gedling Colliery (228-6) move into 2nd spot.

1B leaders Long Eaton (146-5) swapped places with Calverton (149-3) as their win at Long Eaton moves them two points clear. Nottingham (163-3) recorded their first win of the season at home to Bramcote (159-8), who look to have slipped out of the promotion race.

No such problems for Rolls Royce captain Graeme Wright who steered his team to their fifth victory having dropped just five points all season. Wright's 74 top scored in Rolls Royce's 199 then saw his side demolish Old Paviors for 26.

Stanton by Dale (140-6) lost their unbeaten record at home to Bottesford (179-8) whose performances are improving week by week. Flowserve (182) and in particular Colin Cliff (59), who went into this match averaging over 200, kept on course for promotion with a win against Whatton & Aslockton (179-8), who are firmly rooted in the bottom two. Richard Shelton (98) just missed out on a century but his side, Wymeswold (203-7), were too much for Underwood (146).

1E saw the only centurions as first Martin Yard (101*), of Awsworth (235-6), along with Matthew Winfield 82 annihilated leaders Toton Sycamore's bowling attack and knocked the stuffing out of their promotion challenge dismissing them for 109. Long Whatton (217-9) resurrected their challenge thanks to Mark Vellacott's 121. Beeston Siemens only managed a miserly 113-5 in reply. Snibston Grange (118) first win of the season came at home to East Leake who were dismissed for only 57. Hickling move top with a 50 run win at home to Chilwell.

Kimberley Institute II ominously moved top of 2A with a six wicket victory over Notts. Amateur (159/7), as Amateurs find themselves in relegation places. Previous leaders Attenborough II (110) came unstuck away at Collingham II (113-6). 2B champions Clifton Village II (172-6) move second with their fifth win of the season, this time at home to Hucknall II (157).

In 2B, Bottesford II hit the highest total of the day (254-4), with Chris King (84) and Keith Wright (73) in fine touch. Loughborough though had no response as they were trounced by 207 runs.

A number of nail biting games took place, but perhaps none more so than at West Bridgford in 1G. Previously unbeaten Bridgford's usual sound batting posted 176-9. Lambley who battled all the way through scrapped home with 2 balls to spare to win by 4 wickets.

Wollaton II batted first, and thanks mainly to Andrew Rattray (69) set 135 for Gotham II to chase. Andy Meason (63*) did his best but ran out of partners six runs shy. Even closer was Newstead Abbey II win at home to Sawley & Long Eaton Park III. Newstead's 155 was 3 was too many for Sawley.