Holders through despite Bin Nasir
by Paul Barker, 6th June 2004

Tomlin Trophy – Round 2

Needing a victory after their awful run of form in the league, cup holders Cutthorpe kept their grip on the trophy with an 85 run win over Pilsley on Sunday.

Batting first Cutthorpe piled up one of the biggest scores in Tomlin Trophy history when they plastered the Pilsley attack to every part of the ground to set an almost impossible target of 346 for 3. Andy Thompson deservedly took star billing with a brilliant 121 and Tim Barlow (68), Asadullah Butt (56) and Matt Cluer (52 n.o.) kept the score racing along at a frantic pace.

Although this target was never under threat, Pilsley’s Pakistani star Saeed Bin Nasir made sure Cutthorpe would not forget him as he raced to a magnificent 181 before being superbly run out from a direct hit from Cutthorpe skipper Andy Knowles. One suspects that it had to happen this way because nobody could have envisaged Cutthorpe getting him out any other way!

It was Bin Nasir’s third consecutive century and he certainly is an extraordinary player. Quite frankly it is amazing that he isn’t playing his cricket in Division 1, but that is Pilsley’s good fortune. There can be no doubt that he is one of the finest imports that has graced the league for many years.

Youngster Michael Murray captured 4 for 35 for Cutthorpe as Pilsley closed on a highly creditable 261 for 8 to give Cutthorpe their passage to Round 3.

At Recreation Ground: CUTTHORPE 346 for 3 (Andy Thompson 121, Tim Barlow 68, Asadullah Butt 56, Matt Cluer 52 n.o.) beat PILSLEY 261 for 8 (Saeed Bin Nasir 181, Michael Murray 4 for 35) by 85 runs