Two more records for that man Majid Saeed
by Dennis Wright, 2nd August 2003

In a season that has seen all the major records tumble, two more fell by the wayside as that man Majid Saeed became the 1st player to score two double centuries and a reach a record 7th century of the season as he also passed the 1200 run mark. He is averaging 151 in 1B.

Add to that Gedling Sherwood vs Nottingham who shared a record aggregate 592 runs in a thriller, which Gedling Sherwood won with 7 overs to spare. Carl Blake (105*) and Jason Gibblett (95) the batting heroes for Gedling after Manwar Sultan (114) had led the way for Nottingham. Ellerslie, who have slid down the rankings over the past few seasons, seem to have recovered as all 3 sides dominated their games. Having bowled their opposition out Ellerslie romped home for an aggregate 27wkt victory, the 1st and 3rd XI won by 10wkts and the 2nds lost just three to complete the hat-trick.

Nails were chewed in three very close games as the batsmen enjoyed the best of the day’s proceedings. In 1C Newark had grafted to 200/5 and Wilsons were in striking distance before being dismissed 4 runs short.

In 1D Whatton racked up 210/7, and with three overs to go Wymeswold needed 20. Rob Pitman turned hero as just 2 runs came off the next over and when the final over came 11 were still needed. The ball sped to all parts of the ground as Whatton defended with spirit. The tying run was taken off the last ball and then Pitman (92) floundered short of the winning run as the throw was perfect and the stumps shattered as was Wymeswold’s (210/7) hopes of victory.

Radcliffe-on-Trent II travelled to Hucknall and knocked off 175/7 in their allotted 48 overs. Hucknall II’s response was equal as they edged closer and closer to the total with only 4 balls left and 4 runs needed, the dreaded finger was raised as Hucknall’s challenge ended.

Calverton’s grip on the Premiership place tightened as they had the lion’s share of a draw against Gedling Colliery and then celebrated as that (other) man Umar Hassan demolished Plumtree. David Fraser-Darling (4/38) turned in an all round performance as he steered Calverton to 264/7 hitting 151, then with ball in hand restricted Gedling Colliery to 175/7.

Hassan is starting to impose his class on Long Eaton’s performances as they dealt a massive blow to Plumtree’s championship aspirations. Plumtree batting 1st were reduced to 56/6 before recovering to 157 with Hassan 6/68 leading from the front. He then knocked off 81 of the 160 Long Eaton totalled for just 5 wickets. The bottom of 1A is proving to be just as competitive and with Attenborough (154/7) beating Eastwood (41), they move up as Eastwood moved down in to the drop zone.

Newstead Abbey and Rolls Royce Leisure are battling it out to see who goes up with the bookies’ favourites Notts Amateurs. Both recorded wins but Newstead must have been nervous as they lost 8wkts chasing Belvoir’s 107. West Indian Caribs have lost the last unbeaten record of the season going down by 118 runs to West Bridgford Legion. Mick Brown of Caunton took 7/28, the days best bowling, as his side bowled out Woodborough for 109 to win by 3wkts.

Rainworth Welfare are guaranteed a top 2 finish as star bat Shiraz Khalid survived a confident caught behind appeal whilst in single figures before going on to hit 126, his 3rd century. He then bowled out Lambley for 83 taking 5/28. Gladstone are pushing for the other top 2 finish as Keith Marrow 86* helped his side reach an unassailable 219/4, Hucknall TA 93.

Jason Gorman 102 steered Kimberley Institute II to a 7wkt win over 2A leaders Clifton Village II. Thurgarton II completed a 10wkt win over Kirkby Portland II with 15 year olds Ben Cupit 4/14 and Sam Cliff 3/16 leading the way. Calverton are heading Thurgarton at the top of 2C as they beat Rolls Royce II (147/9) by 4wkts. In 2G Cotgrave (222/5) improved their own promotion hopes when Ian Lynn hit 106 as Edingley where beaten by 98 runs.