Notts Over 50s through to first ever final
by Nigel Turner, 23rd August 2005

The Nottinghamshire Over 50s are through to the final of the ECB 50+ County Championship after defeating Warwickshire in the semi final at Worksop Cricket Club on Sunday (21st). The strong Warwickshire side included former Pakistant captain and leg spinner Mushtaq Mohammad.

Notts decided to take first knock on winning the toss with Henderson Jordan (33) and Dave Coote (24) opening up with a useful stand of 58. Jordan was first to depart, dragging one onto his stumps and Coote quickly followed stumped. Clive Graham (21) and Gerry McMahon (40) pushed the score along to 109 before Graham fell caught at the wicket. Pete Fairhall (17) joined McMahon and they continued the push until Fairhall was bowled with the score at 136.

McMahon departed at 148, caught at extra cover and it left Mikey Moseley (22), Brian Woods (14) and Mel Wood (13n.o.) to make sure Notts set a competitive target. This they achieved when after their allotted 45 overs they had reached 206 all out. The bowling honours for the visitors were grabbed by J. Nicholls 4-26, D. Oakes 2-50 and M. Mason 2-32.

After tea Warwickshire set about their task with gusto and unfortunately for Notts they lost opening bowler Mel Wood after the first three of his nine overs with a calf strain. Openers K. Porter (21) and N. Moore (53) put on 60 before the stand was broken. The visitors were up with the run rate and going well, but the introduction of McMahon, 1-26 and Woods, 2-32 slowed things down.

Woods got the vital wicket of Moore, who was deceived in the flight and a great piece of fielding by Ray Black ran out Mohammad (16) whilst going for a second run. At this point Warwickshire were 178 for five with J. Rogers (54) going well. Notts were applying pressure in the field and it paid dividends when a poor call by Rogers' partner left him three yards short going for a quick single.

In the penultimate over a catch on the deep mid wicket boundary by Nigel Turner, a ball that was destined for six, off Mick Coote 2-43, left Warwickshire needing twelve to win off the final over. Mick’s brother Dave, 1-21, had the responsibility of bowling that final over and although the second ball was pulled for six he held his nerve well and Notts ran out winners by five runs as the visitors closed on 201 for nine.

This victory puts Notts in their first ever final against last year’s runners up, Kent, who defeated Sussex. The match will be played at Worksop CC on Sunday 4 th September 1.00pm start.