Title contenders Long Eaton crashed to 30 all out away at Balderton. Overseas professional Indigah Gallage took a staggering 8 wickets for 1 run as Balderton (31/0) won by 10 wickets. In Division EF, Mark Vellacott took a hat-trick in his 6/22 for Long Whatton. Bowlers in general, held the upper-hand this weekend with 12 year old Martin Weightman setting heady standards as he returned match figures of 8 overs 7 maidens 1 run for 5 wickets as Thrumpton III maintain top spot in Division R.  

In Division A, Plumtree (209/9) secured a winning draw as Loughborough Carillon (126/8) were unable to challenge the championship favourites. Gedling Colliery (251/7) moved into 2^nd spot after drawing with Eastwood Town (210/9) despite Usman Khan’s 114, which was only the 6^th century in the top division. Radcliffe on Trent (124/5), who were soundly beaten by Attenborough (125/8), need a miracle to avoid the drop. Newstead Abbey & Village (139) look like joining them in division B as they were beaten at home by Rolls Royce Leisure (143/3) by 7 wickets.

In Division B, top club Ellerslie (156) beat 3^rd placed Gotham (91), whilst 2^nd place Gedling & Sherwood (193/9) tied with Thurgarton (193/9) to open a 2.5 point gap over Gotham. Hucknall (131/6) threw themselves a relegation life-line as they beat Nottingham (127). Plumtree II made it a hat-trick of top spots for the club as they soundly beat Thrumpton (121) by 10 wickets. Clifton Village II (183/9) beat Lady Bay Boots (179) by 4 runs despite Mark Holder’s 96 to keep in with the promotion hunt. Matt Stewart’s 120* helped Radcliffe II (253/4) beat Kirkby Portland (205), whilst Vaughan Hamilton (106*) and Martin Clarke (113) pushed Kimberley institute II to 260/1 and 83 more than West Bridgfordians could manage. 

Lady Bay Boots II (167/6) march on at the top of EF, beating Long Eaton II (166/9) but with their 1^st XI in the bottom half of CD they may not get the automatic promotion they deserve. 2^nd placed Long Whatton (102/3) resumed normal service after a couple of defeats, as they beat Chilwell (99) to keep their noses in front of Gedling Colliery II (194/4) who easily beat Beeston (86).

It is tight at the top of GH as 4 teams are locked in the battle for two promotion places. Leaders Calverton II (160/9) lost to 2^nd placed Eastwood Town II (164/6) whilst Snibston Grange (121/3) cruised to victory over East Leake (120/9).  Epperstone’s victory came courtesy of a walk-over as Edingley could not field a side despite the 2^nd XI not having a game.  This was one of three games decided in this way.

Hoveringham father and son Nick and Stuart Walton combined to beat Newstead as they hit the day’s highest score of 277/6. Son, Stuart, hit 85 with Mark Welbourne 92 then father Nick took 7/17.  Stu Dickinson was on his way to 6 sixes in the 43rd over but had to settle for 5 as division M leaders, Bingham (270/6) beat Belton (74).

The day’s most sporting play award goes to Kimberley III’s (210) captain Stephen Tilley, who loaned Gedling Sherwood (157/7) 3 players after their keeper and fielder collided chasing a skied delivery from the No.9 batsman. Whilst these players were rushed to hospital by a 3^rd Gedling player, Tilley sent on his own keeper and two fielders to play for the opposition in the remaining 7 overs of the innings.

Kimberley were rewarded with victory to keep up their promotion hopes but Tilley missed out on a century as he fell on 94, caught by his own keeper. Lambley II (255/5) reduced Ruddington II to the day’s lowest score of 21 with Greg Davies 6/4, all this after Mick Shaw hit 101. Plumtree III (67/3) are still unbeaten after they recorded their 12^th win chasing Hucknall III (65), with Keith Sheriston (7/8) in unplayable ball form.  Ben Middleton who hadn’t played cricket for 18 months hit 111 for Long Eaton III (248/6) away to Toton Sycamore II (192/8).