Thoresby take the Tomlins
by Paul Barker, 10th September 2007

A battling display by Thoresby Colliery saw them take the Tomlin Trophy after a keenly fought final at Central Avenue, Worksop on Sunday. It was however a much better spectacle than in recent years when a score of around 135 has been good enough to clinch the honours.

This time we had 455 runs scored as the wicket stood up much better to the rigours this time around. Batting first, Cutthorpe made a challenging total of 225 for 6 with Asadullah Butt continuing his excellent weekend work with another 39 well-crafted runs.

However the real star of the innings was Rob Plested who smashed a tremendous 101 with the first 50 coming in at break-neck pace. He was slowed down considerably in the second half of his innings but it was still a fine knock and with excellent support from the elegant Nigel Kingham who made 43, Cutthorpe were able to set a very daunting target.

Thoresby however rose to the challenge magnificently with skipper Martin Cheshire setting the innings moving with a superb 41 runs. The Cutthorpe attack then managed to slow things down and the run rate was increasing all the while making the target much more difficult.

It was at this time that New Zealand star Chris Spring showed what a quality player he is and along with Ben Marson who made a highly valuable 39, Thoresby began to get back on top. Spring made a superb 75 and it was his timing that put his side back in the driving seat.

With two overs to go Thoresby were awarded twelve penalty runs to compensate for Cutthorpe’s slow over rate, which allows the umpires to add six extra runs for each over not bowled in the allotted time. This was probably handled wrongly because the rules state that these six runs should be added after the overs have been bowled, but the last two where never bowled. It is a contentious issue and sometimes things can get taken out of context, but one wonders if this was administered correctly.

Thoresby concluded with the penalty runs added on 230 for 5, which gave them the trophy, by five wickets. Cutthorpe seem to be the perennial bridesmaids in this competition and have despite reaching the final on numerous occasions only won it once in 2003, whilst Thoresby have now taken the Trophy twice in the last four years.

The cup was presented to Martin Cheshire whilst Chris Spring was awarded the man of the match trophy for his defining innings.