Mallen Trophy 20/20 finals at historic Retford Cricket Ground
by Paul Barker, 5th July 2008

There can be little doubt that the 20/20 form of cricket has been a major success since its inception. Large crowds have been the ‘norm’ at this incredible form of ‘instant cricket’ and it is not difficult to see the reason why. For those who have never regarded cricket as their sport, they are now enjoying a match that takes only about three hours to complete and is attacking cricket all the way from start to finish.

Unlike some however who say that it will replace Test Cricket and One Day Internationals, quite frankly I think they are talking complete balderdash, but you cannot take away the fact that it is exciting and it has brought new fans to the game who you wouldn’t have been seen at a cricket match five years ago and are now permanent fixtures every time their side plays at home.

In 2006, the Mallen Trophy ,which is held in memory of the late Mr. J. J. (Jim) Mallen and who was one of the best Chairman to ever hold the post in the Bassetlaw League, was sadly losing its popularity.

It was then that the inspired idea was taken to make this into a 20/20competition and it has completely revitalised the competition.

This year’s Finals day will be held this Sunday 13th at the Retford Cricket Ground on Cricket Field Lane. The Retford club feel proud and privileged to be staging the final, as part of the Club's celebrations for the 150^th Anniversary of cricket being played on the ground, the first ever match being staged on May 21st  1858. Given a nice day it should surely be something that no cricket lover will want to miss.

The whole extravaganza starts at 11.00 a.m. in the morning when the first semi-final will be held in nearby Ordsall at the ground of neighbours Bridon C.C. The second semi-final will start at 11.30 a.m. at Retford and the two winners will meet each other with a 3.00 p.m. start once again at Cricket Field Lane.

A number of other activities will be held including a ceremony by the Retford Cricket Club in the clubhouse between 2.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. This is to commemorate the fact that it is 28 years to the day since the clubhouse was officially opened by Retford , Nottinghamshire and England's Derek Randall. Mementos and memorabilia illustrating 150 years of history on the ground will be on display and a  "Treasure Hunt" will also be operated with several great  prizes on offer to the competition winners as part of the 150th Anniversary celebrations

The host Club will also be running a Kwik-Cricket competition for primary school children during the  hour before the final takes place. This is free to enter and will be supervised by Club coaches.

The main event will see the holders Marshalls plus Whitwell, Eckington and Edwinstowe pit their skills against each other to see who takes home the Mallen Trophy.

The bar will be open from 11.30am for Members players officials and guests  and light refreshments will also be available throughout the event at what should be  a great day of action-packed cricket.

The Retford Cricket Club and the Bassetlaw & District Cricket League would like to take this opportunity to cordially invite everyone to attend and enjoy the games , the facilities and the events on offer.