Notts Over 50s through to semi-final
by Nigel Turner, 10th August 2005

After their win last Wednesday against Lincolnshire in the play-offs Notts travelled to East Dereham Cricket Club on Sunday to play one of last year’s losing semi finalists, Norfolk, in the quarter final of the ECB 50+ competition.

It was a bright sunny day and on winning the toss, Norfolk inserted Notts on what looked a good pitch. Openers Nigel Turner and Dave Coote made a sound start before Turner departed for 27 with the score on 66 for 1. Next man in was the in form Henderson Jordan who had a rare failure as he was caught at midwicket for 6, 78 for 2.

Stand in captain Pete Fairhall joined Coote, who was playing with great authority, and they raced the score along to 166 before Fairhall was caught for a quick scoring 44. Richard Pallister was next to the crease but was adjudged lbw for 3. Coote reached his century with an imperious six over backward square leg and was going extremely well until he was unfortunately given out stumped for an excellent 105.

Mikey Moseley quickly followed for 4, and it was left to Ray Black 29 not out and Brian Woods 10 not out to push Notts total up to a respectable 235 for six at the end of the 45 overs.

In reply, early wickets were required and Mel Wood, 0 for 38 from his nine over spell, kept it tight. Skipper Fairhall backed him up, 1 for 26, and removed the dangerous left handed opener for 15. Woods ran out the number three for 6, which left Norfolk at 26 for two with the dangerous Martin Pearce still at the crease.

Pearce upped the rate as Norfolk pushed the score along until Woods was introduced and, in a magical nine over spell, he turned the tables with four wickets for only 40 runs, including the vital wicket of Pearce who made 75. Mikey Moseley 1 for 35, Mick Coote 1 for 48 and veteran Cyril Martin 2 for 14 gave great support to Woods, with the champagne moment of the day being an exceptional catch on the mid wicket boundary by Black.

Norfolk were bowled out for 214 to leave Notts with a deserved 21 run victory and a home semi final against either Yorkshire or Warwickshire.

Team: Pete Fairhall (Clifton), Nigel Turner (Bridon), Dave Coote (Collingham), Henderson Jordan (Retford), Richard Pallister (Notts and Arnold), Mikey Moseley (Retford), Ray Black (Worksop), Brian Woods (Thorseby Colliery), Mel Wood (Bramcote), Cyril Martin (Milton), Mick Coote (Collingham)