"the voice of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire cricket"

Toton Sycamore were on a high going into the weekend’s matches, despite losing a couple of key players at the 11^th hour. The first XI entertained Chilwell who are struggling at the base of division E/F. However as Toton struggled in the batting department, Chilwell must have been hopeful of a first victory.

Mick Stocken (25) and Leon Smith (48) put on 47 for the first wicket but during that innings Stocken injured his back and was unable to bowl. The only other batsmen to notch a score were Jason Catchpole (16) and Rob Darby (28*) as Sycamore finished on 186 claiming maximum batting points.

Neil Hambley then took on Toton’s reduced bowling as he hit 90 runs to take Chilwell to the brink of victory; that was until Tony Beck turned in another magical spell of off spin bowling. He wrapped up the innings with a hat-trick to leave Chilwell 26 runs short with a wicket to spare. Pat O’Neil had earlier bowled an opening spell of 12overs for just 16 runs to turn the pressure on Chilwell’s openers.

The second XI travelled to Nottingham III and, having won the toss, captain Donny Pezzolla did not hesitate in deciding to bat. Openers Dileepa De Silva (42) and Dennis Wright put on 112 for the first wicket at over 4 an over. Donny Pezzolla hit a quick fire 26 and Gary Bush’s 18 kept the scoring going, but through all this

Dennis Wright stood firm in his own style as he saw off all the bowlers before finishing the innings undefeated on a personnel best 83*. He had nudged and pushed his way to 50 with only two fours having taken 30 singles. His total of 83 included 49 singles and only three fours. Sycamore finished on 203/3, their highest score for three years.

After tea the bowlers took control as tight fielding and a good line and length turned the pressure up. Wickets then started to fall with Tim Brealey taking 4/20. Good captaincy from Donny Pezzolla as he changed the bowling round, each time seeing the reward of a wicket. Nottingham finished without any points, scoring just 100, as Toton claimed a maximum 20 points to boost their promotion hopes.

On Sunday, the Sycamore XI travelled to Wilsons in an eagerly awaited friendly. Having elected to bat, skipper Dennis Wright looked on with dismay as 6 wickets fell for only 70 runs. Nick Wadlow (21*) and Mark Nursall (26*) took Toton to 127/9 after 40 overs; a creditable and defendable score.

An immediate success for Rob Darby followed by a wicket for Sam Hallett gave Sycamore a glimpse of hope. Steady batting saw the runs mount and it wasn’t until Pat O’Neill took 3 wickets in 3 overs that the game swung Toton’s way. Overs were running out, as were batsmen as Wilsons still required 15 runs.

A first ever wicket for 16 year old Tim Nursall pushed the game firmly towards a Toton win, only to see the last pair level the scores. Mark Nursall then rounded off a great day as he collected his 2^nd wicket clean bowling Mark Wallbank to force a tie. A great result for one of the most sporting fixtures of the season.

Just two games this coming weekend; the 1^st XI are at home to lowly Ruddington and on Sunday another local derby as Attenborough 2^nd XI come to the manor ground.

	"the voice of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire cricket" in association with Pure Cricket, - 'supplying cricket equipment to the professional amateur'
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