Killamarsh make it three times in six years
by Paul Barker, 6th September 2004

Killamarsh capped off a magnificent season for the club when they easily saw off the challenge of Pilsley in the Mallen Trophy on Sunday at Kiveton Park .

On a sun drenched Stone Close wicket, Killamarsh batted superbly to reach a huge 194 for 7 in their 40 overs. Two of the most talented young players in the league were chiefly responsible for this carnage with Sam Malpass making a glorious 78 and Paul Burdett a splendid 50.

Even allowing for the precocious talent of these two Killamarsh held a decided advantage over their opponents having lifted the Mallen Trophy in both 1999 and 2002 and knew what was expected of them. Pilsley on their first occasion to a major final will learn from their experience as they rather froze on this occasion and showed nothing like the form that they are capable of.

Mark Limb with 3 for 52 and Dave Wright 2 for 36 were the best of the Pilsley attack but the target Killamarsh set must have looked a million miles away when they commenced their reply.

As usual the magnificent Saeed Bin Nasir was not in the slightest bit perturbed and he stroked the ball to all parts of the ground in his usual inimitable style. Sadly there was nobody at the other end to keep Saeed company for long and a procession took place between the wicket and the pavilion at regular intervals.

Pilsley were finally dismissed for just 80 runs but Saeed had scored all but 24 of these with a magnificent 56. It was fitting that this wonderful player should have the chance to showcase his tremendous ability and he certainly exercised this to the full.

Parminder Mudhar (3 for 15), Pete Allen (3 for 8) and David Allen (2 for 11) all bowled brilliantly in this terrific team effort by Killamarsh and they have now added this trophy to their achievement of gaining promotion back to Division 1 just one year after suffering relegation.

Pilsley will learn from this and if they can retain the services of Saeed and add another batsman and a strike bowler to their ranks they could well be a threat to anyone in Division 2 next term.

Sam Malpass rightly was awarded the Man of the Match trophy and their were trophies also for the two umpires David Smith and Ian Fowler.

Result for Sunday 5 th September – Mallen Trophy Final

At Stone Close: KILLAMARSH 194 for 7 (Sam Malpass 78, Paul Burdett 50, Mark Limb 3 for 52) beat PILSLEY 80 all out (Saeed Bin Nasir 56, Parmindar Mudhar 3 for 15, Pete Allen 3 for 8) by 114 runs.