Cutthorpe getting ever closer
by Paul Barker, 16th May 2004

Unusually with each team having to get through 24 matches this season in the top section a full programme was held on Sunday and whilst the occasional surprise is always possible it certainly showed no sign of happening at Forest Corner as Edwinstowe capitulated in double quick time to the talented Cutthorpe side.

Batting first Edwinstowe were all back inside for just 62 with Asadullah Butt (4 for 15) and John McCollum (4 for 22) helping themselves to some easy wickets as the home side just couldn’t cope. Despite losing two wickets Cutthorpe with Andy Thompson in imperious form with a majestic unbeaten 33 raced to an eight wicket win very quickly.

As previously stated Edwinstowe are in dire need of a win but they aren’t going to get one against the likes of Cutthorpe. This side have now moved to the head of the table and will take some shifting. It is certainly no disgrace to lose to them, a lot more will before the end of the season.

Kiveton Park clocked up 40 points from two matches over the weekend and move into second place after a comfortable eight wicket win over Bridon who have been enjoying a good season. Batting first Bridon were all out for just 104 with Jim Radford taking 4 for 35 in an impressive spell of medium paced bowling.

This target proved easy for Kiveton with Australian Ryan Snape (44) and Lee Brooks (32 n.o.) not wasting much time in getting the job done. Kiveton do look a strong side and won’t be too far away when the honours are dished out at the end of the season.

As for Bridon, this was disappointing but not unexpected. Because of unavailability they had a rather depleted side and will recover from this mauling.

Another side who won’t be far away when the honours are handed out is the newly formed Notts. & Arnold Amateurs and they took good care of Thoresby Colliery at Goosedale Lane by seven wickets in another low scoring encounter.

Thoresby who haven’t had too many problems regarding their batting this season simply had no answer to Australian Justin Foss (3 for 20) and the impressive Andy Rann who proved virtually unplayable in taking 6 for 32 as Thoresby collapsed to just 86 all out.

The Notts and Arnold Amateurs reply was just as emphatic and despite losing three wickets Justin Foss crowned a fine all round performance with an unbeaten 33 and was helped by the swashbuckling Ian Flood who made a quick-fire 38.

This side has a potent look about them and will be very difficult to beat throughout this season. They now hover just behind Cutthorpe, Kiveton Park and Hosiery Mills with a match in hand and it is all brewing up for an exciting season.

As good a spell of off spin bowling as you are likely to see all season came from Paul Gurnell who decimated the Blidworth batting at Langwith Road. So much so they were all out for just 86 runs. Gurnell proved totally unplayable as he took 7 for 17 in a magic stint that was much too much for a Blidworth side who have shown improved form of late.

Cuckney easily negotiated this task scoring 90 for 3 with Australian Dave Newman who is proving a very valuable acquisition making an unbeaten 36 to guide his side to victory.

Worksop came unstuck at Central Avenue against the infuriatingly inconsistent Farnsfield by eight wickets. Batting first Worksop were dismissed for a very disappointing 143 with only a fine knock of 42 from Steve Bentley saving them from total humiliation. Kiwi Mark Silcock (5 for 27) and Keith Miller (3 for 35) both bowled superbly for a buoyant Farnsfield side who were unrecognisable from the team who lost so tamely at Cutthorpe the previous day.

The match quickly turned into a virtual no contest affair as Farnsfield never looked in the slightest trouble by knocking off the required runs with Worksop bagging only a couple of consolation wickets. James Bennett (64) and Paul Delaney (55 n.o.) saw their side to victory and their form continues to mystify most good judges. It all depends which Farnsfield side turns up as to what sort of a result they are likely to achieve!

Battling Glapwell easily saw off the challenge of Bolsover by 81 runs at Park Avenue . Batting first Glapwell made the highest score in the section on the day 190 for 7 with skipper Andy Smith (56 n.o.) and Phil Matthews (42 n.o.) leading from the front. Tariq Rashid (3 for 35) and Steve Wooley (3 for 44) were the best of the Bolsover attack but this total represented a good effort from Glapwell.

This proved to be the case as Bolsover could only manage 109 before they were bowled out with Matt Hall taking 4 for 31 in a fierce and hostile spell to give Glapwell maximum points.

A surprise in the First Round of the Tomlin Trophy with Division 4 side, Waleswood beating Division 2 side Blyth in the first round. Batting first Waleswood were limited to a modest 136 for 8 with Pakistani import Faisel Khan making a good 49 and Andy Barthorpe bowling brilliantly to take 5 for 30 in his eight overs.

Surprisingly Blyth collapsed very quickly and were dismissed for just 92. Gary Lomas (3 for 21) and Martyn Long (5 for 22) both bowled superbly as Waleswood landed a plum tie with first division Blidworth in Round 2.