Weeks 4 and 5 saw contrasting victories for the 1st XI in the SNCL.
Notts Unity visited GLA on the 27th May and were involved in a high scoring encounter. Captain Evans called correctly and elected to bat first on 'The Road' Despite the early loss of Darren Wright, the rest of the batsmen all made telling contributions supporting Ryan who made a sparkling 94. A total of 258-7 from 48 was a fine effort, but as we all know, not insurmountable at Calverton.
In reply Unity set off like a house on fire with 70 runs coming off the first ten overs. However, all changed once the 'shine removers' had bowled and the 'spin twins' were introduced. Unbroken spells from both Daz and Brins put Calvo back in the contest, their figures being almost identical for a combined tally of 32 overs, 5-123 - a monumental performance on a super wicket & fast outfield. As the game moved towards it's conclusion, Unity still had an outside chance of victory, but it became more a question of would it be a win or winning draw for the home team. Enter that wily old campaigner Kevin Evans. With 3 wickets still needed for outright victory, Kevin rolled back the years taking the last 3 wickets for 28 runs, the final wicket falling with just 2 balls remaining.
A hard fought victory and 20 valuable points - happy days!
MOM - Ryan Evans, Captain's Knock.
If the Unity game was close, the week 5 fixture at Long Eaton was in complete contrast.
Upon arrival at West Park it was obvious that the wicket had not been covered during Friday nights rain and was soft to say the least. The toss was obviously very important, and Ryan called correctly again, on this occasion choosing to field first. Long Eaton's innings never really got started as Ryan & Kyle took 4 quick wickets between them, reducing LE to 50-4. The returning Billy Armstrong then entered the fray for his first game of the season and wasted little time in taking five wickets to conclude the innings. LE were all out for just 99 with 10 overs still remaining!
In reply Calverton's innings was never going to take 58 overs to complete. All the batters had positive attitudes on a 'drying wicket' and all got in to double figures. Billy A top scored with 21 as the target was achieved with 6 wickets and a whopping 35 overs in hand!
With the news that Clifton had lost, we go to the summit of Division B. A long way to go but a big step in the right direction.
MOM Billy Armstrong, 5 wickets & valuable runs.
Notts Unity visited GLA on the 27th May and were involved in a high scoring encounter. Captain Evans called correctly and elected to bat first on 'The Road' Despite the early loss of Darren Wright, the rest of the batsmen all made telling contributions supporting Ryan who made a sparkling 94. A total of 258-7 from 48 was a fine effort, but as we all know, not insurmountable at Calverton.
In reply Unity set off like a house on fire with 70 runs coming off the first ten overs. However, all changed once the 'shine removers' had bowled and the 'spin twins' were introduced. Unbroken spells from both Daz and Brins put Calvo back in the contest, their figures being almost identical for a combined tally of 32 overs, 5-123 - a monumental performance on a super wicket & fast outfield. As the game moved towards it's conclusion, Unity still had an outside chance of victory, but it became more a question of would it be a win or winning draw for the home team. Enter that wily old campaigner Kevin Evans. With 3 wickets still needed for outright victory, Kevin rolled back the years taking the last 3 wickets for 28 runs, the final wicket falling with just 2 balls remaining.
A hard fought victory and 20 valuable points - happy days!
MOM - Ryan Evans, Captain's Knock.
If the Unity game was close, the week 5 fixture at Long Eaton was in complete contrast.
Upon arrival at West Park it was obvious that the wicket had not been covered during Friday nights rain and was soft to say the least. The toss was obviously very important, and Ryan called correctly again, on this occasion choosing to field first. Long Eaton's innings never really got started as Ryan & Kyle took 4 quick wickets between them, reducing LE to 50-4. The returning Billy Armstrong then entered the fray for his first game of the season and wasted little time in taking five wickets to conclude the innings. LE were all out for just 99 with 10 overs still remaining!
In reply Calverton's innings was never going to take 58 overs to complete. All the batters had positive attitudes on a 'drying wicket' and all got in to double figures. Billy A top scored with 21 as the target was achieved with 6 wickets and a whopping 35 overs in hand!
With the news that Clifton had lost, we go to the summit of Division B. A long way to go but a big step in the right direction.
MOM Billy Armstrong, 5 wickets & valuable runs.