Pilsley meet Killamarsh in Mallen final
by Paul Barker, 24th August 2004

An audacious display of classic stroke play by Pilsley’s amazing Pakistani star Saeed Bin Nasir took Pilsley through to the Mallen Trophy final as they beat the favourites Papplewick & Linby 2 nd by eight wickets at Papplewick Hall.

Batting first Papplewick didn’t do themselves any favours by being bowled out for just 134. Only Nazrim Sookram with 27 showed anything like true form and the Pilsley attack all bowled well as a unit with Dave Wright producing the best figures with 4 for 37.

From this moment it became the Saeed Bin Nasir show as the Papplewick attack had no answer to the brilliant Pakistani who played every shot in the book as he rather unfortunately finished on 99 n.o. as his side reached the target set. Dave Wright (10 n.o.) gave admirable support but Saeed was undoubtedly the star of the show and fully deserved the chance to showcase his talents in the final.

The second semi-final produced another shock as 2 nd Division Killamarsh put paid to any hopes 1 st Division Bridon might have had with a comprehensive seven wicket win at Ordsall. Batting first Bridon were limited to 153 all out with Darren Spooner (42) and Gareth Ellis (39) both batting well.

The entire Killamarsh attack bowled superbly as a unit with Peter Allen, Steve Ludlam, David Allen and Adrian Rivington all claiming two wickets each in a tremendous team effort.

This target was reached easily as Paul Burdett the precociously talented youngster made a magnificent unbeaten 103 to see his side into the final. Australian Justin Miller took 2 for 25 but it was never going to be enough and Killamarsh are now looking to emulate their success in this competition which they have already won in 1999 and 2002. Add this to the fact that they have a fine chance of promotion to Division 1 and all in all they have had quite a season.

A good game is a certainty and no side must underestimate Pilsley with a player like Saeed Bin Nasir in their ranks. The game takes place at Stone Close, Kiveton Park ’s ground on Sunday 5 th September with a 1.30 p.m. start.

At Ordsall: BRIDON 153 all out (Darren Spooner 42, Gareth Ellis 39) lost to KILLAMARSH 154 for 3 (Paul Burdett 103 n.o., Justin Miller 2 for 25) by seven wickets.

At Papplewick Hall: PAPPLEWICK & LINBY 2 nd 134 all out (Nazrim Sookram 27, Dave Wright 4 for 37) lost to PILSLEY 137 for 2 (Saeed Bin Nasir 99 n.o.) by eight wickets.