Bowlers toil in sticky conditions
by Dennis Wright, 14th June 2003

Runs flowed across the county as bowlers toiled in hot sticky conditions. With little cloud cover swing bowlers had to adhere to a tighter line to reap rewards. Rob Rhodes (6/22) for West Bridgford Legion was the best in the 1st XI competition whilst Tony Newby (Cotgrave) and Shiraz Khalid (Rainworth) both hit 111, to top the batting stakes.

In all there were 5 centuries and seven hauls of 6 wickets. In 1H Lenton Abbey openers James Trafford (85) and John Greatorex (84) put on a club record 174 opening stand as they chased down Stanton (213/5). Tim Butler hit 106 for a first ever century in the league for Stanton.

In 1A Brett Scothern of Long Eaton was relieved and disappointed all in one go as he took his side to within 2 runs of Gedling Colliery’s 227/6, notching 100 on the way, but he was run out on the last ball giving victory instead of a winning draw to Gedling. Calverton (144/3) strode to victory over Balderton (143/80 to maintain top spot whilst Radcliffe on Trent (132/5) takes over 2nd place from Loughborough Carillon (131) who they beat.

Another loss for Attenborough (175/9), away at Plumtree (178/6), pushes them back into the relegation places whilst Gotham (168/7) are hovering close to the zone after another home defeat, this time by Eastwood Town (169/8).

Notts Amateurs made hard work chasing Bramcote (148). Majid Saeed hit 56 of the first 58 runs but when he was out the side struggled to an eventual victory by 3wkts. There was an emphatic 10wkt victory for Bottesford (126/0) over Nottingham (125), with Dave Warburton 6/33.

Newstead Abbey had a great day as all 3 sides won scoring over 200 in every game. Andy Paulson (83) and Steve Daykin (66) helped set a target of 226/9 for Newstead with Kevin Pearson (6/55) in control of one end for Hucknall (98). But another defeat sees Hucknall slipping off the pace in a relegation spot. Gedling & Sherwood (159) brothers Gerry (4/60) and Alex Goodwin (6/57) held Belvoir batting in check as they struggled to 164, however in a tense close finish they held their nerve to win by 5 runs.

Risley finally hit the winning trail in 1C with a nail biting win at Wilsons. Wilsons set 182/7 and despite Imran Khan’s 6/41 Risley got there with just a wicket to spare. League leaders Thrumpton (164), were equally pushed as Old Paviors (158) took the game to the last two balls.

Leaders of 1D, Hickling, were involved in the day’s biggest comeback. Awsworth had batted 1st scoring 253/9, with Alan Marsh 6/65 for Hickling. In response Hickling (250/9) reached the last over needing 24 runs for victory, a tall order, but Matthew Hardby 61* hit 20 to the dismay and then relief of Awsworth bowlers and fielders.

Another brotherly duo doing well were Simon 80* and Andy Filipowicz (3/15) as they beat Toton Sycamore 167/7 (Simon Bennett 52) by 7wkts. Nuthall (116/6) made short work of chasing Wymeswold (115), while Lady Bay Boots (154/7) lost again, this time at home to Farndon (183/8).

A first win of the season for East Leake (162/8) in 1E helps their relegation fears, but Lowdham (149) came close. Ruddington (224/6) played in another nail biting finish as Long Whatton (220) came within 5 runs with just 2 balls left. Kinoulton failed to reach Bestwood Village’s modest 140 by 4 runs, while Snibston Grange (202/6) suffered defeat for the 1st time away at Cotgrave (205/6).

Rainworth are flying high in 1F with an 82 run victory over Oxton (146). Stapleford move up the table having chased Welby (205/6), Gary Dawson (109) top scored for Stapleford (205/6). Martin Widdison (44*, 5/28) contributed with bat and ball in Gladstone’s 237/5 win at Sutton Bonnington (180), Gladstone Skipper Keith Marrow’s 51 and Pete Ford’s 84* setting them on their way. Carrington Cavaliers 159 win at home to Belton keeps them comfortably in top spot in 1G.