Zakir's day as Edwinstowe take Mallen Trophy
by Paul Barker, 4th July 2006

Without question, Edwinstowe’s Pakistani star Asif Zakir was the man of the day in the Mallen Trophy finals day which were held at Cuckney and Kiveton Park respectively on Sunday. Zakir scored 43 in the semi-final and a match winning 80 in the final to see aside the challenge of Bridon and Glapwell respectively.

Semi-Finals:-

At Langwith Road, Cuckney – BRIDON 131 all out, lost to EDWINSTOWE 133 for 2 by eight wickets

A very young Bridon side put on a brave showing against Edwinstowe before being outgunned by eight wickets. Batting first Bridon reached 131 before being bowled out with Ben Lee making 33 and James Tomlinson a hard hit 41. Edwinstowe’s talented young all rounder James Peacock was once again his side’s best bowler taking 3 for 18 in a very impressive stint.

Whilst this total was quite respectable, Bridon lacked any penetration with the ball and Edwinstowe reached their target in just 11 overs with Asif Zakir making  a cultured 43 and James Peacock showing his all round ability with an excellent 28 as Edwinstowe cruised to 133 for 2 to reach the final.

At Stone Close, Kiveton Park – KIVETON PARK 98 all out, lost to GLAPWELL 100 for 2 by eight wickets

On their own pitch one would have fancied Kiveton but they came badly unstuck against a Glapwell side which is low on confidence at the moment. It was a crime of major proportions to be bowled out for less than 100 on a wicket as good as this and Kiveton’s batsmen must be very annoyed with themselves for letting it happen.

Only Matty Cartwright (24) applied himself to the job in hand as Iain O’Brien (2 for 14), Lewis Saxby (3 for 18) and Gary Saxby (2 for 25) ripped through their defences at will.

Glapwell simply took their time and reached their target safely but surely in sixteen overs. Rob Davison (41) and Matt Hall (41 n.o.) were the prime run getters as Glapwell reached the final with ease.

Final Tie

At Stone Close, EDWINSTOWE 162 for 6, beat GLAPWELL 144 for 9 by 18 runs.

AFTER taking an early wicket, Glapwell suffered their worst nightmare as Edwinstowe’s Asif Zakir (80) and skipper Paul Benson (43) put together what proved to be a match winning second wicket stand of 121 from fourteen overs. Both batsmen played some fine strokes and it was this partnership that set up Edwinstowe for their substantial total. Youngster Lewis Saxby once again underlined his rich promise taking 3 for 25 in an excellent spell.

Glapwell made a great fist of things and contributed well in a pulsating final. Dean Graney (39) and skipper Iain O’Brien (27) both batted superbly but Tom Ward (3 for 29) took the bowling honours as they fell just 18 runs short in a fine final.

The competition which was changed to a 20/20 format this season has certainly been a success and it is hoped even more clubs will enter next season. Asif Zakir (Edwinstowe) received the Harold Pope Trophy from Linda Pope (Daughter of the late Mr. Harold Pope) as man of the match, and Mrs Sue Tillery (Daughter of the late Mr. J. J. Mallen) presented the Mallen Trophy to the winning captain Paul Benson. Mr. Geoff Holden (League President) presented commemorative medals to both sides and these trophies were kindly donated by Mr. Kevin Young of Bassetlaw Trophies of Worksop.