Holders dump Cutthorpe
by Paul Barker, 7th July 2006

Blidworth who shocked several sides in last season’s Tomlin Trophy when they won it, made a great start in their defence of the competition when they put out Cutthorpe in the second round. In the 2005 competition when they were a Division 2 side they accounted for Worksop, Edwinstowe, Glapwell and Cutthorpe in the final which was no mean feat considering that they were underdogs in all four matches!

Cutthorpe must now be getting heartily fed up of seeing them as Blidworth easily got the better of them in this year’s competition by a commanding 69 runs at Burmah Road to move into the third round.

At Burmah Road - BLIDWORTH 242 for 7, beat CUTTHORPE 173 all out by 69 runs

Batting first, Blidworth were once again indebted to that ‘Old Warhorse’ Ritchie Gibbons who made 53 very valuable runs as a good score was built up. Supporting Gibbons well was one of the new young brigade which is emerging at Blidworth, Lewis Sprigg, who made an exceptional unbeaten 56 as his side reached a rather imposing 242 for 7.

Blidworth are beginning to look as though this is the second coming for them. In the early 80s they built a side which was jam packed with young players and which became the envy of all the other sides in the league. After a lean period a few years ago, the signs are there that another crop is just boiling under the surface and they will become a danger to all for many years to come once again.

With the exception of Andy Thompson who made his usual belligerent 43, the Cutthorpe batting failed rather dismally as Richard Smith (4 for 29) was always in command and they were bowled out for just 173 in a repeat performance of last year’s final.

At Forest Corner – EDWINSTOWE 222 all out, lost to BOLSOVER 224 for 3 by seven wickets

A high scoring thriller at Forest Corner saw Bolsover emerge as easy seven wicket winners after the home side had posted a rather good score. Batting first, Edwinstowe were well served by skipper Paul Benson (42), James Peacock (34) and Craig Saxelby (30) as they were bowled out for 222 which is always a goodish total in 40 over matches. Steve Wooley was the most effective Bolsover bowler taking 3 for 32 in a tidy stint.

It was not enough however as Bolsover set about the Edwinstowe attack in fine style. Akram Khan though suffered the heartbreaking experience of finishing on 99 n.o. and Steve Wooley who enjoyed a tremendous match was also unbeaten on 62 as Bolsover progressed to the next round.

At Chesterfield Road – MANSFIELD & PLEASLEY 158 for 8, beat WEST INDIAN CAVALIERS 2^nd 88 all out by 70 runs

What looked like a rather modest total by Mansfield & Pleasley turned out to be easily enough as they saw off the challenge of West Indian Cavaliers. Batting first, Mansfield & Pleasley were thankful of their skipper Darren Walker who made an innings saving 75 n.o. and Matt Page who also contributed 27 with the rest of the side falling away dramatically. Winston McLean (2 for 18) was the pick of the Cavaliers attack who must have thought they had done a pretty good job at the half way stage.

It was not to be however as the ‘Cavs’ were hustled out for just 88 with only Mohammed Masood (25) and Danny Frankson (20) making any sort of contribution. Matt Page (4 for 23), Anthony Timpson (2 for 6) and Darren Walker (2 for 16) all bowled well as Mansfield and Pleasley pulled what looked to be a lost cause around.

At Papplewick Hall – KILLAMARSH 285 for 6 dec., beat PAPPLEWICK & LINBY 2^nd 97 all out by 188 runs.

Killamarsh took advantage of an under strength Papplewick side by ruthlessly exposing them to a quality Division 1 side who were in no mood to do anyone any favours. Sri-Lankan, Pramuka Liyanage showed what a fine player he is by despatching the ball to all corners of the ground as he made a magnificent 150. Great support came from Adam Burgess who made 71 whilst John Thrower was the pick of the Papplewick attack with a creditable 2 for 38.

In reply Papplewick were indebted to wicket-keeper Jamie Peat who batted superbly to make 53 of the 97 runs scored. Adrian Rivington (4 for 31) and Nalika De Silva (3 for 4) however were in no mood to take any prisoners and soon wound up proceedings to send Killamarsh through to Round 3.