Dry wickets reward stroke makers
by Dennis Wright, 31st May 2003

Nine centurians enjoyed the sun as dry wickets returned to reward the stroke makers. In 1A Ikram Ul Haq’s 114 helped Eastwood Town (226/6) to hit the winning trail beating Attenborough (151) by 75 runs thus easing early relegation jitters. Calverton (152), who were top lost that position to Gedling Colliery (190/9) as they slipped to their 1st defeat.

Loughborough’s Liam Dave had an all round excellent performance as Loughborough scored 176/9 in which he contributed 51 then Gotham were dismissed for 155 with Dave taking 6/41; this despite Danny Anderson of Gotham’s 42 and 4/20. Plumtree (262/2) had to settle for a winning draw over Long Eaton (149/7) in a match in which Ranjit Bhabia hit 120* for Plumtree.

On the day that Majid Saeed lost his league record to Darren Wright, he hit 100 of Notts Amateurs’ 173/2 victory over Hucknall (170/9) to move top of 1B. An exciting finish at Stanton-by Dale (217), saw Bramcote (210/9) come within a whisker of victory before settling for a losing draw in the last over. Newstead (137/3) made light work of chasing Belvoir’s total of 134. Matthew Irvine’s 3 wickets in 4 balls helped Bottesford (242/7) to a winning draw over Rolls Royce Leisure (131/9) a result shared by Gedling & Sherwood (196) over Nottingham (142/7).

Keyworth (220/4) had a rare victory over Risley (110) who are struggling after promotion to 1C. However, Thurgarton (142/8), who were promoted with Risley notched up a third win at home to Kirkby Portland (141/9). A match of over 550 runs and two centuries saw Ellerslie (273/3) chase down Old Paviors (272/4). Richard Robson’s 134 for Paviors was matched by Eddie Pidduck’s match winning 121*. Thrumpton are top of 1C after beating West Bridgfordians (149) by 7 wickets.

Lady Bay Boots set the highest total of the day in 1D racking up 316/2 including an opening stand of 201 against Awsworth. Darren Wright’s record 200* was the first double century of the Gunn & Moore league, Awsworth were beaten by 135 runs. Farndon hit 223/4 away at Toton (126), as more poor batting sees Toton struggle at the base of 1D. Wymeswold (123/2) beat Whatton (122) and Nuthall (171/5) beat Beeston (170/5).

A Paul Glover hat-trick was the highlight of 1E but his side East Leake (92) slipped to defeat at home to Old Dalby (118). West Indian Caribs 100% record continued away to West Bridgford Legion (161/5) winning by 9 wickets. James Booth took 6/14 and a catch probably earning him the M.o.M. award for Bestwood Village, however without No.11 bat Neil South (48) to help Bestwood set a defendable target of 142 West Bridgford may have done better than their 61.

Woodborough (62), who without star player Simon Mellows are struggling, lost to Caunton (64/2), partly as a result of Paul Watson’s 6/17. Woodborough and the League wish for Simon’s speedy recovery. Snibston Grange are striking out for an early return to 1E keeping up their 100% record this time beating East Bridgford (114) by 7 wickets. Kinoulton 144/3 in 2nd place had Kelly Davies (5/32) return after an ankle injury to find him back in the groove helping to dismiss Cotgrave for 144.

A Steve Cross hat-trick was the highlight of Flintham’s performance but they were unable to capitalise on Lenton Abbey’s low score of 90 as Damian Smith (6/11) helped dismiss Flintham for 65. Carrington Cavaliers (201/7) top 1H beating Nottingham. Victoria (168) whilst Hoveringham (238/8), after last weeks set back, returned to winning ways with a comfortable win over Stanton (92). Clifton Village (149/6) beat Attenborough (148) and move 3 points clear of 2A. Kimberley put recent set- backs behind them winning away at Plumtree (195/5) by 8 wickets. Notts Unity Casuals (245/4) finally found some form after 6 games beating Wollaton (199) by 46 runs.

59 year old Karrar Khan (8/37) dominated the game at Lady Bay Boots (101/2) as Gotham were skittled out for 99. Bramcote’s game at home to Stanton-by-Dale had everything except a close finish. Mel Wood (95) and Nigel Jones (100) took Bramcote to a massive 267/9 then Guy Benson (7/36) compounded the victory as Stanton (158/9) were unable to challenge.

In 2D Attenborough III scored 252/7 including 16yr old Tom Murray’s (59) maiden 50 as they also maintained an impressive 100% record, this time against Old Paviors (50). Steve Weightman impressed again for Thrumpton (223/3) hitting a fine 125 as Whatton lost by 139 runs in 2E. Kimberley III chasing Lambley’s total of 88 lost 2wkts for 1 run before recovering to win by 8 wickets.

Sawley & Long Eaton Park also maintained a 100% record beating Ruddington (138) by 64 runs. Long Whatton, newly promoted, chased down Hucknall III (150) to win by 3 wickets maintaining their position at the top of 2F. Snibston Grange (98) made it a team double as they beat former toppers Clifton Village III (44). Martin James (7/36) turned in the divison’s best performance despite Belvoir III losing by 78 runs to Lowdham II.