Thoresby sail to victory in last league match of 2004

Saturday was a beautiful day. No one could have envisaged a September this sunny. There were only a few clouds to be seen. The sky was predominantly a royal shade of blue – absolutely brilliant and breathtaking indeed! The usual chilly breeze that sweeps across the ground vanished for the day, and was replaced with a hot and humid gust of wind. Some felt uncomfortable while others felt at home.

The match turned out to be a comprehensive win for the home side. There were however, particular moments of grace – those snapshots of action that stay with a player for days and even years.

A definite highlight would have to be the catching. Thoresby held onto three of the best catches that anyone would ever like to see.

At first slip Cheshire swallowed a ball that was travelling faster than the speed of light. The batsman had attempted a full-blooded drive, but only managed to edge the ball. Cheshire reacted with unerring quickness. He simply moved both his hands and cradled the ball in the centre of his palms. Most of the fielders were looking at the third man boundary because they had assumed the ball had gone for four. But no, it had landed safely in the skipper’s hands. It was a freakishly marvellous catch .

Callum was fielding at backward square leg when he took his catch. The ball had been worked off the batsman’s hip, but was not kept down. It floated several feet infront of Call and at one point it looked uncertain whether he would get there. However with a graceful and relaxed lunge, he gently intercepted the ball just before it was to land. He cushioned the impact of his fall and held onto it for dear life. It was a masterful piece of fielding. A mixture of supple timing accompanied by panther like reflexes.

The other catch of note was taken by Hill at mid off. Evans had skilfully hoaxed the batsman to play an off drive, slightly in the air. Initially it appeared that Hill had no chance – the ball was travelling far too straight and far too fast. However with a quick shuffle then a mighty leap he found himself in the air, stretched to his body’s limit. Out went his right hand and then – “Smack!!!” – the ball landed straight in the middle. Cries of jubilation and disbelief echoed throughout the ground. Meanwhile the batsman began the long walk back to the pavilion.

Nieem was the pick of the bowlers with his 4 wickets. He has gone from strength to strength this year. He consistently bowled straight and included subtle variation – a slower ball here and an off-cutter there. These slight changes were instrumental in his wickets. On top of this Nieem also effected a brilliant and crucial run out. Whilst fielding at deep backward point, the batsmen foolishly and greedily attempted a second run. Nieem threw the stumps down and the batsman didn’t even look at the umpire; he knew he was out so he just kept on jogging.

Nieem was supported well by all the other bowlers. Patel, Hill, Lippeat and Evans all did their bit. Patel claimed a delightful wicket with a ball that cut back sharply - the batsman shouldered arms and lost his off stump. 149 was always going to be an achievable target. But Thoresby have crumbled in the past.

The afternoon tea was a treat and Sue must be commended for her tireless efforts behind the scenes. Her new chicken cobs are the talk of all the players in the Bassetlaw League. I wouldn’t be surprised if other clubs were asking if she would make their teas next season.

Thoresby could not have started their chase any better. After 15 overs they were about 0/70. Cheshire and Birkett were doing the business. They have gelled into a dependable opening pair. Cheshire was blasting the ball to all parts of the ground whilst Birkett played several sublime front foot cover drives, that penetrated the infield. Bridon had an aggressive Aussie opening bowler who was sending the ball down at great pace. He was an extremely fiery lad who often lost his cool. The faster he bowled the quicker the ball went to the boundary. Cheshire rose to this challenge and it was clear to see that he was enjoying himself. Unfortunately Birkett was dismissed in the most awful possible way. The ball had been driven with power straight back at the bowler. The bowler got a hand on it and the ball deflected to the stumps. Birkett had been backing up and was well out of his ground. It is heartbreaking to be dismissed in such a manner. It illustrates the role that luck continually plays in this quirky game that we love.

Cheshire was bowled by the first change bowler. This left Hughes and Hill to steer their side to victory. The South African and the Australian managed to do this with ease. Whilst Hill was content to knock the ball into the gaps, Hughes had the urge to have a swing. He gratefully accepted each chance he got to free his arms and smashed some attractive shots to all parts of the ground. One shot that was particularly of note was a lofted straight drive - piercing mid on and mid off, one bounce and over the rope. Hughes remained in his position of perfect balance and enjoyed the sight of his ball travelling for four.

And so with 8 wickets in hand Thoresby strolled across the finish line. Whilst the league season is now over, there is a certain Tomlin’s Final that still needs to be played. If the weather can manage to stay the same then we should look forward to a fine days play.

jchill

	BRIDON
BATSMAN	HOW OUT	SCORE		BOWLING	O	M	R	W
FENWICK	B HILL	10		S PATEL	11	3	40	1
BINGHAM	LBW B AHMED	25		J HILL	11.1	3	24	3
McLOAD	RUN OUT	13		N AHMED	13	6	35	4
SAXELBY	C CHESHIRE B HILL	0		W LIPPEATT	5	2	8	0
JONES	C BIRKETT B AHMED	4		D EVANS	7	0	35	1
ELLIS	C FLINTON B AHMED	5
MILLER	B AHMED	0
SMART	B PATEL	22
DAVIDSON	C HILL B EVANS	11
SPOONER	B HILL	25
HURST	NOT OUT	15
	EXTRAS	19
	TOTAL	149	10	WKTS
	THORESBY COLLIERY
BATSMAN	HOW OUT	SCORE		BOWLING	O	M	R	W
M CHESHIRE	B DAVIDSON	39		MILLER	8	0	42	0
N BIRKETT	RUN OUT	28		SMART	5	1	18	0
P HUGHES	NOT OUT	49		HURST	10	4	30	0
J HILL	NOT OUT	22		DAVIDSON	5	0	31	1
B MARSON				FENWICK	2	0	10	0
S PATEL				McLOAD	1	0	11	0
N AHMED
C FLINTON
P STEELE
D EVANS
W LIPPEATT
	EXTRAS	12
	TOTAL	150	2	WKTS

Other results in Division 1

At Burmah Road: FARNSFIELD (18) 286 for 6 (Mark Sillcock 122, Paul Delaney 41, Dave Bell 63 n.o., Graham Bramley 33, Craig Turton 3 for 62) drew with BLIDWORTH (8) 254 for 9 (Elliott Hind 62, Dave Willcock 35, Richard Smith 35, Mark Sillcock 5 for 54).

At Recreation Ground: CUTTHORPE (6) 194 for 7 (Asadullah Butt 78) lost to BOLSOVER (18) 195 for 8 (Andy Crookes 57, Steve Wooley 76, Asadullah Butt 5 for 71, John McCollum 3 for 50) by two wickets.

At Stone Close: KIVETON PARK (16) 249 for 9 (Ryan Snape 94, Andy Burgess 88, Ian O’Brien 6 for 90, John Ritchie 3 for 57) drew with GLAPWELL (8) 162 for 6 (Ian O’Brien 35, Rob Davison 34 n.o.) by four wickets.

At Goosedale Lane: MANSFIELD HOSIERY MILLS (20) 198 for 9 (Jeff Appleton 32, Justin Foss 3 for 50) beat NOTTS. & ARNOLD AMATEUR (4) 138 all out (Justin Foss 53, Jason Gorman 4 for 42, Asela Jayasinghe 3 for 61) by 60 runs.

At Central Avenue: WORKSOP (18) 209 for 6 (Steve Walker 30, Glen Pym 41, Jamil Hassan 74 n.o., Dave Newman 6 for 53) drew with CUCKNEY (7) 180 for 9 (Dave Newman 56, Gareth Price 43, Paul Burton 6 for 42).

					Wthr
Division 1				Tie	Draw			Bonus	Pts.	Total
	P	12	10	6	6	2	0	Bat	Bowl	Points
Mansfield Hos. Mills	23	12	6	0	4	0	1	68	69	365
Kiveton Park	23	9	4	0	4	1	5	56	58	288
Notts & Arnold Am.	23	12	0	0	3	0	8	59	66	287
Cutthorpe	23	12	1	0	4	0	6	52	63	285(-8)
Farnsfield	23	9	3	0	4	2	5	52	54	272
Glapwell	23	8	2	0	3	3	7	51	62	253
Cuckney	23	9	2	0	3	1	8	46	58	252
Thoresby Colliery	24	8	2	0	0	1	13	51	64	233
Bridon	23	10	0	0	4	2	7	36	42	226
Worksop	23	5	2	0	2	4	10	46	63	209
Bolsover	23	6	1	0	1	3	12	44	51	181(-8)
Edwinstowe	23	4	0	0	3	4	12	29	66	169
Blidworth	23	4	0	0	3	2	14	35	50	155

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