2A goes to the wire
by Dennis Wright, 30th August 2003

It will go to the wire in 2A as both Clifton Village and Wollaton recorded victories with just 0.4pt separating these two from the 2A title. No such problem in 2B as Gedling Colliery have led the way from week 1.

Lady Bay Boots II, after a shaky start and a mini wobble near the end, came through in style to claim the 2nd position. 15 yr old 5th change bowler Alamgir Khan’s 5/15 reducing Bottesford II to 110/9, Boots batting hero Jawaid Maqbool then saw his side home for an 8wkt win, with a stylish 41.

In 2C Bramcote (207/6) have quietly been creeping up the table and when they completed a drubbing over Newark (138) they secured their runners-up slot. Calverton II (239/7) were champions before this round of matches but still went out in blazing glory as they beat Loughborough (181) who had 15yr old Simon Bond (42 & 2/47) in good form. Attenborough III completed their 4th straight promotion going through the season with just 1 defeat. In a cracking game Attenborough (164/3) beat 2nd place Newstead Abbey Village II by 7wkts.

Wilsons II won division 2F and celebrated in style as the champagne corks popped. Last season’s low after relegation was soon forgotten with their 64 run win over East Leake (73). Beeston, who were also relegated last season, knew they had to win and Wilsons lose if they were to gain the title; and win they did, beating West Bridgford Legion (127/8) by 58 runs but they have to settle for 2nd spot.

When Shepshed Town called off due to lack of players, the final 2G promotion place was settled in favour of Cotgrave. In a division where 13 games have been conceded without a ball bowled it was ironic that Plumtree were to be denied a shot at 2nd place in this fashion. They along with Clifton Village III have suffered badly in call-offs that have seen their promotion challenge disappear because of it.