Cutthorpe make it to the final
by Paul Barker, 31st August 2003

Cutthorpe brushed aside the challenge of Farnsfield to reach their fourth consecutive Tomlin Trophy final with 63 runs to spare. From the moment Cutthorpe amassed the daunting total of 229 for 3, Farnsfield’s task looked rather difficult to say the least but they did put up a good display before finally being bowled out for 166.

Batting first something finally happened that has been threatened for the last few seasons and that was a century for Andy Thompson. Not that Thompson has ever let his side down, but he has got out numerous times in the 70s and 80s and the three figure score was beginning to look as though it would never happen.

Farnsfield were indeed unfortunate to be on the end of it as Thompson made a brilliant unbeaten 120 and with help from Asadullah Butt (43) an imposing target of 229 for 3 was set.

Despite two excellent knocks from James Bennett (45) and Dave Tilbury (30) this target always looked to be on the steep side and so it proved with Andy Knowles helping himself to 4 for 39 and occasional bowler Chris Marples once again helping himself to good figures in the cup competition with 3 for 58.

The final will be held at Central Avenue, Worksop on Sunday 14th September with Cutthorpe facing Thoresby Colliery. This means a new name will appear on the Trophy as neither side has yet won it. The game will commence at 1.00 p.m.

Tomlin Trophy – Semi-Final
At Recreation Ground: CUTTHORPE 229 for 3 (Andy Thompson 120 n.o., Asadullah Butt 42) beat FARNSFIELD 166 all out (James Bennett 45, Dave Tilbury 30, Andy Knowles 4 for 39, Chris Marples 3 for 58) by 63 runs