Farnsfield and Hosiery Mills cruise into semis
by Paul Barker, 28th July 2003

Two of the four quarter final ties of the Tomlin Trophy were completed on Sunday and after keenly contested duels Farnsfield and Mansfield Hosiery Mills who have held the trophy for the last two seasons, came through strongly to stake their places in the semi-finals.

Farnsfield must have feared the worst after a shocking exhibition in the league against the same opposition as the previous day Killamarsh when only the rain saved them from another embarrassing defeat. However in the words of the song 'What a Difference a Day Makes', Farnsfield put it all together and produced an exceptional performance to win by ten wickets!

Batting first Killamarsh made a useful start with Sam Malpass making 35 and Mark Bull 31, but the rest of the batting collapsed spectacularly as they were bowled out for just 146. This was in no small way due to the efforts of Craig Collins who bowled superbly to take 4 for 26 with three of these victims being stumpings by the ever alert Gary Wilson.

The final one was the most spectacular as he dropped the ball, failed then to gather it cleanly and still managed to be quick enough to whip the bails off at the third time of asking.

After the previous day's poor effort, the thing Farnsfield needed was a good start and they got it in wonderful style as Dave Tilbury (73 n.o.) and Paul Delaney (68 n.o.) took the fight to Killamarsh and never relaxed their grip. Both batsmen did the business in brilliant fashion and Killamarsh were a badly beaten side long before the winning hit was made.

Farnsfield now have the dubious pleasure of meeting either Cutthorpe or Retford in the semi-final and this match will be decided next Sunday 3rd August.

In the other match holders Mansfield Hosiery Mills comfortably repelled the challenge of a spirited Worksop side by 41 runs. Batting first Hosiery Mills made a daunting 210 for 5 in their 40 overs with Jonathan Best batting splendidly to reach 69 and he received excellent support from Nolan McKenzie (37) and the ever dependable Dave Loveridge (35).

This score always looked likely to prove a few too many for Worksop who by the same token put on a battling display before finally capitulating. Skipper Richard Hare made a fine 51 and Tim Ward (25) but the Hosiery Mills attack would not be subdued and Sri-Lankan import Asela Jayasinghe (3 for 20) and man of the match Jonathan Best (3 for 37) proved to have too much for them as Worksop finally reached 169 for 9 when the overs ran out.

Hosiery Mills now meet the winners of next Sunday's match between Kiveton Park and Thoresby Colliery for a place in the final for the third consecutive year.