Worksop take Mallen Trophy in classic encounter
by Paul Barker, 5th September 2005

In a pulsating final which swung several ways during its progress, Worksop won the Mallen Trophy for the second time after a titanic struggle with Killamarsh by just 15 runs. The match was played at Kiveton Park ’s Stone Close ground and had everyone involved enthralled from the first ball to the very last one.

Batting first, Worksop suffered an early blow when Femi Colton was dismissed but this brought together Richard Grainger on his old stamping ground and Glenn Pym and although it was so early in the match it was this partnership that had a profound effect on the game.

Grainger batted extremely well but it was Pym who was unquestionably his side’s hero. As has been stated before, Pym is without question one of the classiest players in the league and by the same degree he can also be one of the most infuriating.

Class flows right through him when he is in the mood, but there are times when he gets himself out to such awful shots that you wonder to yourself, how has he ever built up such a reputation for himself. Unfortunately for Killamarsh in this match he was right on top of his game and he let everyone know it with some tremendous shots all around the wicket as he made a magnificent 89 runs. Along with Richard Grainger (38) this pair added 147 for the second wicket and this huge partnership went a long way towards Worksop winning the match.

The final Worksop total was 220 for 9 a more than useful score when the maximum number of overs faced is only 40. Rodney Cook with 4 for 53 was the best of the Killamarsh attack in an excellent stint of medium paced bowling.

Killamarsh however were not about to let this one go lightly and they put together a fantastic reply that for much of the time looked likely to bring them their fourth success in this competition. The big innings for them was by the very much in form Peter Allen who blasted an incredible 65 runs with some monumental blows that seemed to go for miles.

Allen clubbed four mighty sixes and had he have stayed at the crease for another ten minutes, Killamarsh would certainly have won the match. As it was Adrian Rivington also carried on the big hitting scenario with 35 mightily struck runs but it was not enough as Worksop limited them to just 205 for 6 when the overs ran out.

The Worksop attack shared the wickets up between them, but both sides certainly deserve credit for producing one of the best finals that anyone is ever likely to see.

Thanks were bestowed to Kiveton Park Cricket Club who once again hosted the game splendidly, and also to the two umpires, Tom Munro and Howard Walton who both sets of players were unanimous in their praise of. Glen Pym was adjudged the Man of the Match and Worksop’s skipper Steve Bentley lifted the trophy to bring another year’s competition to its end.

The Tomlin Trophy will take place at Central Avenue , Worksop next Sunday 11 th September and will be between Cutthorpe and Blidworth. The match will commence at 1.00 p.m. and all would be spectators will be most welcome.