Mallen Trophy round-up
by Paul Barker, 8th June 2007

Group A

Whitwell 91 all out, Waleswood 92 for 0.

A complete reversal of form in this one with Waleswood simply annihilating a side that managed to inflict defeat on them in a league confrontation earlier this season by ten wickets.

From the beginning Waleswood were always in command and no Whitwell batsman made any impact whatsoever as Simon Cope (4 for 18) and Peter Norbury (4 for 10) simply ran through some token resistance to bowl them out for just 91 runs.

This target was always too flimsy and Waleswood sailed home without losing a wicket. Gareth Davis was unbeaten on 50, and Peter Norbury (35 n.o.) as Waleswood raced to 92 without loss and victory.

Group B

Thoresby Colliery 123 for 6, Mansfield & Pleasley 76 all out

Thoresby opened their account with a comfortable 47 run win on their debut in this competition. Their innings total of 123 for 6 was completely dominated by skipper Martin Cheshire who flayed the Mansfield & Pleasley attack for a majestic 68 runs in double quick time.

However in this onslaught credit must go to Adrian Spray who helped himself to 5 for 20 in an excellent spell for Mansfield & Pleasley.

The target set was much too much for the Mansfield side and they Thoresby attack shared the wickets around as they bowled out M. & P. for just 76 runs.

Bolsover 92 all out, Glapwell 93 for 2

A fine performance in the field saw Andy Woolven (3 for 21) and Richard Hope (4 for 12) dismiss Bolsover for a disappointing 92 runs. Compared to their form in the league, this was not Bolsover at their best whilst Glapwell must have been delighted with their performance.

The carnage continued as Glapwell cruised to victory with Rob Davison in excellent attacking form with an unbeaten 35 runs as Glapwell roared to an eight-wicket success.

Thoresby Colliery 169 for 4, Glapwell 140 for 9

In one of the best matches of this year’s competition so far, Thoresby Colliery gave themselves a good chance of making the semi-finals with a 29 run win over a battling Glapwell side.

Batting first Thoresby were always in command with Kiwi import Chris Spring making 43 and Martin Cheshire who seems to have taken to this form of cricket like a duck out of water hammering a tremendous 76 runs. Thoresby’s final total of 169 for 4 represented a good effort by their side and left Glapwell with a mountain to climb.

Despite good knocks from Bryan Smith and Richard Hope a middle order collapse put paid to any hopes Glapwell might have had of victory although it was a commendable effort to finish on 140 for 9. Shailesh Patel (3 for 18) and Chris Spring who completed a fine all-round match with 3 for 30 took the wickets as Thoresby claimed a 29 run win.

Group C

Eckington 158 for 4, Holmewood 133 all out

A good effort by Holmewood who made the strong Eckington side work hard for their 25 run win. Batting first Ian O’Neill was right back in good form making 58 and Luke Dawson hammered a tremendous 74 as Eckington piled up a daunting total of 158 for 4 as the overs ran out.

In reply Holmewood showed grit and determination as they were finally bowled out for 133. Gavin Horton batted superbly to make 30 whilst Eckington skipper Tom Dawson was the pick of his side’s attack taking 3 for 24.

Group D

Edwinstowe 145 for 5, Blidworth 96 all out

A powerful display by Edwinstowe saw them gain a 49 run win over Blidworth at Forest Corner. Batting first, Edwinstowe gathered the runs at a rattling pace with Craig Wathall (40 n.o.) and the big hitting Richard Gombos (60 n.o.) producing the fireworks. Rollo Sharma with 3 for 22 was the pick of the Blidworth attack, which came in for a bit of a pasting.

In reply Sharma again showed what a talent he is completing a fine all round effort with 37 well made runs. Nobody else however could stay with him and Blidworth were eventually bowled out for 96 to give Edwinstowe victory.