Firsts come out top in 2nd XI clashes
by Dennis Wright, 3rd May 2004

Dejected cricketers were in abundance this weekend as the cricket season got underway with 22 games unable to take place due to wet or unfit pitches. There were mainly low scores with 17 teams chasing or defending totals of less than a 100.

But it was not all one sided to the bowlers as Chris Briggs (151*), Chris King (129) & Andrew Rattray (114*) notched match winning centuries. With the advent of one-stream cricket there is added interest in 1st XI vs 2nd XI clashes, the firsts came out top this week winning 10 matches.

New boys to Division A, Rolls Royce Leisure found the going tough against Eastwood Town . Leisure could only manage 138 a total Eastwood managed in style winning by 8wkts. Plumtree (200/6) had the better share of points in the draw away at Gedling Colliery (185/8). The only other game completed in the division saw Balderton struggle to 130/8 and then dismiss Radcliffe-on-Trent for 125.

In Division B, Ellerslie thumped Thurgarton with a 10wkt victory as Thurgarton could only manage 55. Gedling Sherwood did little better as they were dismissed for 86 a total Belvoir managed for the loss of 4wkts. Hucknall (125) looked capable of victory chasing Bottesford’s 128/8 but fell away in the last few overs. Gotham Village dominated their encounter with Nottingham . Batting first they ran up 203/9 and Nottingham struggled to 141/9 grinding out a losing draw.

It was the second week of action for the extended divisions and C/D saw Wollaton maintain their winning start in an exciting clash at Lady Bay Boots. Boots batting first scored 183/7 with Wayne Daniel 71* but Wollaton have the run machine Andrew Rattray who hit 114* as Wollaton won by 7wkts.

Plumtree II (141/9) had a comfortable win over 2A champions Clifton Village II as the latter team managed only 89/9. Old Paviors’ Richard Robson was the unluckiest man on the day, he hit 99, however his side won comfortably as Radcliffe-on-Trent II were skittled out for 89. Wymeswold were unable to post a competitive score as Kirkby Portland (131/2) won by 8wkts. Risley, who narrowly lost to Wollaton last week were taken apart away at Keyworth. Risley (96) were beaten by 7wkts.

In E/F, Ian Buckley had one of the top bowling performances of the day taking 6/21 helping dismiss Farndon for 144, unfortunately for West Bridgford Legion the score was 26 more than they could manage. Toton Sycamore (199/6) were indebted to Pat O’Neill who hit 66 (including 6 sixes), then bowled 10 overs for just 21 runs and 2 wickets, putting Ravenshead behind the run rate. Ravenshead were finally all out off the last ball for 149.

Dave Bruilly (73) took Beeston to a respectable 176/8, a score Whatton Aslockton never threatened, falling 67 runs short. Low scoring games saw Long Eaton II (96/3) beat Ruddington (93) and Gedling Sherwood II (92) defend the total by dismissing Chilwell 6 short of victory. Old Dalby struggled to 74 then Collingham II didn’t struggle as they knocked off the runs for no loss.

In G/H, Tony Newby (74*) guided Cotgrave to 212-8 as they went on to beat Caythorpe III despite Luke Burns 46 and 2-40. Calverton II (123/8) beat Thurgarton (87/9) who had 15yr old James Mitchell taking 3-18. Bottesford II chased Stanton by Dale II’s meagre 69 for the loss of 2wkts and Bestwood had a 6wkt win over Kinoulton (73). East Leake (147/8) held off a spirited Ellerslie II to win by 34 runs. Gotham Village II’s Keith Hogg hit 87 as they racked up 179/7 then Matthew Hogg (3-21) and Richard Moran (5-21) dismissed East Bridgford for 130. Kris Birtwhistle’s sterling effort of 6-26 was not enough to save Lowdham (118/9) slipping to defeat against Bramcote II (124/9)

Division J had the most exciting finish of the day. Risley II batting first scored 143/9 in difficult conditions, Doug Lindsley (52) the main stay. Caunton set about the chase with Nigel Howitt (43) leading the way but tight bowling from Risley, especially 14yr old Matt Shaw (2/32) pushed Caunton to the very last ball before they secured their victory.

Woodborough who had the worst record in the whole league last season got off to a terrific start beating Rainworth Welfare. Simon Mellows returning to the side after illness hit 24 of Woodborough’s 128/9. Anthony Mellows (4-39) then ripped the heart out of Welfare’s batting as they were dismissed for 107. Stapleford (185) moved grounds in the winter but still found their match winning form beating Loughborough Carillon II (72), Gary Dawson 47 & 3/10 continuing his excellent form. Newark II (129/9) hung on for a nail bitter against Kirkby Portland II (113) despite Adam Jevons 63 & 5/27.

In Division K,Oxton were crushed by 106 runs away at Hoveringham (147/9). A similar fate befell Shepshed Town III who were beaten by 8wkts at Newstead II. Lenton Abbey (86) scored 7 runs more than Sutton Bonnington (79). Lambley chased down South Muskham ’s 167 to win by 6wkts.

Division L-R round up

Last season’s champions, Sawley &Long Eaton Park III, suffered a severe blow to similar aspirations this season as they were humbled to 34 all out, with Oliver Straw 5/8, West Bridgfordians lost 3wkts in the chase. Chris King of Belvoir (129) saw his side reach 201/6, a total Stoke Bardolph (144/6) could not match. Top score of the day from Chris Briggs (151*) saw Underwood II (216/8) claim a comfortable win as Belton could only manage 3 more than Briggs’ individual score.

Stanton (96) shared a low scoring game against Lambley II (92) who must have impressed a touring rugby club as one of their players decided to streak around the ground. Mark Wallbank (86*) produced a match winning knock as Wilsons II (181/7) beat Awsworth (180/5). Lowest total of the day was at Ellerslie III (24); the only surprise was that Gedling III dropped 3 batting points in the chase.

Collingham III (95) were out of the game as Toton Sycamore reached 65/3 but some nervy batting and tight bowling saw Collingham dismiss 5wkts for only 20runs before Toton limped over the winning line. Carl Widdowson (80*) steered Kimberley Inst. IV to victory in their first league game after Nottingham had reached 157/6.