South Notts seconds review
by Dennis Wright, 5th July 2003

Seven of the weekend's best bowling performance came in the South Notts League came in the second XI competition with three in Division 2A.

Adam Walker 8/19 the pick of these as Notts. Unity II (69/1) pushed nearer survival with beating Southwell II who was skittled out for 68. James Griffiths 8/35 looked to have set up a comfortable target for Kimberley II to chase after Wollaton II crashed to 110 all out, however Ashley Stephenson 6/33 reduced Kimberley to just 93 and leaves them in 7th position, their lowest ever in the league.

No such problems at Clifton Village II (114) despite setting their lowest score of the season Hucknall (78) never threatened. Clifton's lead at the top over Wollaton is a massive 4.8pts. Collingham (136/9) chased Attenborough II (150/5) before clinging on to a losing draw and Plumtree II 106/3 easily beat Radcliffe II 102/8.

Upset in 2B came when leaders Gedling Colliery II lost to lowly Gotham Village II and with 2nd placed Lady Bay Boots (170) drawing with Ellerslie (122/8) the positions could be reversed as the top two clash at Lady Bay. Bottom club, Eastwood Town II (122/6) bowled out 2nd placed Long Eaton for just 41 with Matt Murfin 6/13 the pick of 2B performances.

Notts. Amateur (152) veteran Harvey Burton 83* set up a defendable total at home to Nottingham (135). Bottesford II strengthened their position in the league with a 42 run win away at Gedling Sherwood II (80).

In 2C Thurgarton II and Calverton II swapped positions as leaders Thurgarton II 168 total was passed by Stanton by Dale II, with 3wkts to spare on the back of another Rob Ellen (87*) knock, however hero of the day was probably Jonathan Morris whose 7/49 included a hat-trick. Calverton had less problems away at Risley II (101/9) winning by 10wkts.

2D is dominated by the youngsters of Attenborough III as they marched on to their 10th straight victory and are staggeringly undefeated in their last 28 league matches. Gary Bacon 86* set up Attenborough III total of 158/6 then Irfan Ahmed 4/17 reduced Belvoir II to 118/8. Newstead Abbey Village II (152/7) are also on a roll with another victory this time away at Gedling Sherwood III (76), Martin Ingham 6/15 unplayable. Underwood II (107/8) emulated their 1st XI with a rare victory at home to Balderton II (98) but are still deep in relegation waters.

Out of the Blue performance goes to Lambley II in 2E. Just two wins all season and a few heavy defeats their season took a turn on the back of Mick Shaw 121* ably supported by Jim Brough 57 as they piled up a massive 253/2. Keyworth II Richard Dury 96* just missed out a personal triumph but his team fell 84 runs short but lost just 4wkts.

Thrumpton II (174/4) march on at the top having dropped only 5 points all season, one of which came in their win over Awsworth (83). Second placed Sawley III (185/7) beat Kimberley III (107) and trail Thrumpton by 2pts but are a clear 6pts in front of Chilwell (59/3) who are 3rd after beating Whatton Aslockton (55).

Clash of the top two in 2F saw Wilsons II (118/6) gain ground on leaders Beeston II (117/8)./ Radcliffe III (61) rounded off a winless day for the club going down to Long Whatton II (62/2). Andrew Hunt was the 2nd XI comps top scorer hitting an unbeaten 130 for Caythorpe IV (209/3) at home to West Bridgford Legion II (137/8).

Snibston Grange are leading the way in 2G to give the club the chance of double promotion in only their 2nd season with the league. At home to Collingham III they set 181/9 a total Collingham (95) could not reach. Plumtree III (169/8) beat local rivals Ellerslie (140) to keep a firm grip on 3rd place after a couple of poor defeats. Belvoir III recorded their 1st win of the season at home to Shepshed Town IV (163/9) whose spirited attempt fell short by 21 runs.