Bridgfordians bounce back to form

West Bridgfordians (227) got back to form in Division B at home to Long Eaton (138), after a couple of indifferent performances.

The hosts had Andrew Sharpe (80) and Henry Straw (45) sharing the plaudits while Mark Harrison (6-55) battled well from one end.

The visitors were never at the races and with the exception of Andy Edge (51) it was a poor performance with the bat as Oliver Straw grabbed five wickets.

Collingham have a win at the fourth attempt as they overcame the challenge of fellow strugglers Gotham (185) in a quick return fixture.

Experience was the key for the winners with Joe Edge (48), Ben Hazledine (38) and Karl Tew (4-56) all playing key roles in a four-wicket win.

Kimberley II are now the outright leaders in C but they were pushed all the way by neighbours Newstead Village.

Mick Blatherwick returned to the seconds and top scored with 64, while James Griffiths who has not been required to date, contributed 48.

A decent second-wicket stand between Danny Greenhalgh (32) and Adam Kalka (60) gave the visitors hope while Steve Daykin (36) did his best in the middle order but ultimately 223 proved too stiff a task with the innings closing on 190.

For the winners, Steve Bennett (3-43) and Craig Pitts (2-34) – both promoted from the third team – were the best bowlers.

The other joint leader prior to Saturday were Radcliffe-on-Trent II who endured a nightmare at home to Wollaton II who had Richard Cooper (5-35) starring again with the ball. A total of 111 proved no obstacle for Sunil Sharma (50*) and John Gulson (32*).

Another thrilling climax came at Gedling Colliery II, who were chasing 189 set by Attenborough II.

With wickets falling around him, sixteen-year-old Connor O'Brien, who had earlier took four wickets, became the hero with an unbeaten 42 as the home side squeezed through with one wicket intact.

Thurgarton are still winless and it was a case of what might have been at home to Wilsons. The visitors were 50-5 at one stage, yet the tail end of Doud Ali (45), Arslan Shahid (32) and Imran Shahid (35*) managed to get the score up to 210. Colin Cliff (70) made his first major contribution of the season after the interval, but he lacked the support required as the home side fell to a 39 run reversal.

Kirkby Portland got their act together, posting a mammoth 299 with Joe Caunt (73) and Richard Underhill (66) the chief run getters.

Opponents Hoveringham, who are finally finding the step up a steep one came a distant second with 218 despite the best efforts of Shaun Polley (63).

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