Plumtree III's beaten at last
by Karl Oakden, Dennis Wright, Phil Johnson and Mim Davies, 29th May 2005

After becoming the first team to complete a season unbeaten Plumtree III finally tasted defeat at the hands of Clifton Village III. Despite a few main players down Plumtree batted well to reach 170/8, however the bowler attack could not get the break through required to halt Cliftons charge as they won by 8 wickets.

There was high drama in Division C as Radcliffe-on-Trent II found two unlikely hero’s to steer them to a sensational victory over Wilsons . Chasing 225 to win Radcliffe found themselves on 116 for 8 when 15 year-old Frankie Brown was joined at the crease by Neil Arnold. Brown (30*) and Arnold (59*) batted brilliantly putting on an unbeaten 109 8 th wicket stand, to win with one ball to spare.

In form run machine Ian Graham hit his second 132 of the season to help Keyworth amass 290 for 5 and inflict a crushing 211 run defeat of Thurgarton (79). Long Eaton maintain their fine form as Rolls Royce Leisure (194) lost by 10 wickets. Elsewhere in C, 124 not out by Steve Bennett and 88 not out by 15 year-old Henry Straw ensured victories for Kimberley Inst.II and leaders West Bridgefordians respectively.

In the top Division an imperious display of batting by Samrat Sharma fired Ellerslie to their first win of the season at Southwell. Set 181 to win Sharma blasted a remarkable 131 not out as the visitors won by 8 wickets.Leaders Calverton (177/7) stayed top with another win against Balderton (176/8) thanks to a good allround performance from Peter Crawley (64 & 4 for 59). Steven Allcoat’’s 113 not out expertly steered Attenborough to a two wicket victory at lowly Gotham Village (199).

West Indian Caribs (134) won the battle of the top two in Division D. With their small total to defend they ruthlessly skittled hosts Attenborough II for just 77. Long Whatton (217/3) cruised to a seven wicket win against Old Paviors (216/5). Long Whatton’s James Allen amassing 121 not out.

Hucknall II hit the days 2 nd highest score of 281/6 as Lady Bay Boots II (137) struggle in Div E. Leaders Long Eaton II (182) made short work of Nuthalls reply dismissing the visitors for the days lowest score of 49. Underwood (178/4) remains unbeaten in F after beating Toton Sycamore (174/6) by 4 runs. Calverton II won a close game away at West Bridgford Legion (200/2) but it took every ball of their 45 overs to reach 201/7. Ravenshead move to the top having beaten Whatton Aslockton (188/9) by 5 wickets.

Richard Stanton (118) score 60% of Epperstones total of 178, but finished on the losing side as Bottesford II (178/5) shared the runs more evenly. Bramcote (90/3) top Div G as they comfortably beat Chilwell (86) who along with Ruddington look relegation favourites even this early in the season.

The top of the table clash in Division J proved a one sided affair as Hoveringham cruised past Oxton’s 100 with eight wickets in hand, Stuart Walton (46 not out and 3 for 12) turning in another fine performance for the visitors. It was a good day for the sides at the foot of the table as Risley seconds and Loughborough Carillion seconds both recorded their first victories of the season.

Risley had the consistent Richard Hufton (53) and John Bailey (42) to thank for their five wicket victory at home to Caunton (151 for 7) whilst Ravi Matharu (57) and Ian Hodgkinson (52) were Loughborough’s heroes as they defeated Gladstone (170 all out) by 26 runs. Loughborough’s total of 196 ensured they picked up their first batting points of the season at the fifth attempt.

There seems to be no stopping Newstead Abbey and Village seconds in Division K. Ian Greatorex (111 not out) top scored in the home sides 213 and with the ball it was that man Peter Hand again with 4 for 19 as visitors Nottingham Victoria fell to 140 all out despite 51 from Roger Suttle. Lenton Abbey remain in second with an easy eight wicket victory at South Muskham whilst a fine individual performance from Sutton Bonington’s Dave Appleby (53 and 5 for 10) enabled the home side to defeat Attenborough thirds to stay in fourth.

Undoubtedly the shock of the day in Division L came at Bingham where the league leaders came a cropper against struggling Belton. Incredibly, Belton’s total of 234 included 80 extras!, a new league record. In reply Bingham could only muster 145 as Martin Radford (4 for 36) guided the visitors to victory. Leaders Lowdham (210) beat East Leake (180) to maintain top spot in Div R, while 2 nd placed Toton Sycamore II (93/3) easily dismissed the challenge of Stanton Awsworth Elks IV (90).