Clipstone heartbreak as Farnsfield coast to Bassetlaw title

Clipstone, who have clung doggedly to their shirt tails all the way, did everything they could to prevent Farnsfield from winning the title and even collected another 20-point maximum from what had looked an impossible position at Caythorpe.

Farnsfield’s final match was at Goosedale against Notts & Arnold Amateur and must rank as one of their easiest wins of the season.

Notts & Arnold were bundled out for just 104 with Sam Wood (6-25) and Dave Loveridge (3-31) destroying some rather inept batting.

The reply and the title took only 17 overs with Callum McKenzie once again in prime form with an unbeaten 79.

When one considers that Farnsfield were deducted 10 points for an indiscretion it is quite an achievement and shows what a good side they are.

Whilst Farnsfield had a very easy task, Clipstone showed their mettle and work ethic with a tremendous win that saw a spirited Caythorpe II side relegated.

One couldn’t foresee this as Caythorpe fired them out for just 120 and the threat of relegation was rescinding by the second.

It could have been much worse, but Clipstone were well served by Josh Flowers, who made an excellent unbeaten 35, while Tim Haines produced his usual good spell with the ball to take 5-24. Unfortunately for Caythorpe their batting wasn’t as good as their bowling had been and only skipper Andrew Staszkiewicz (30) defied the Clipstone attack in which Jason Gorman was very impressive with 7-46.

Caythorpe were dismissed for just 80 and relinquished their place in the top section next season. Jason Gorman once again showed he is one of the best bowlers in the league if he spots any encouragement in the wicket for him.

Kiveton Park moved away to a flyer against the other relegation-threatened side, Glapwell, and were 130-0 when the wheels fell off.

Once Adam Whiteley (69) and Alex Gilbert (60) had gone the other Kiveton batsman formed an orderly procession from and back to the pavilion and were bowled out for just 172. Matt Page (3-31) and Josh Stone (3-21) caused most of the damage.

Glapwell cemented their place and reached 173-4 to record a vital six wicket win.

Steve Gooding, who has been their batting star all season, once again played superbly to reach an unbeaten 65, and John Skinner added great support with 35 as Glapwell avoided the drop.

An exciting match at North Wheatley was dominated by Anston’s ‘Little Master’ Amila Perera, whom one runs out of superlatives to describe him.

North Wheatley made 196 all out with Rob McConnachie (47), Jon Loates (40) and Richard Robinson (30) all making a big impact. Perera made his first contribution of the afternoon, taking 6-66.

In reply, Anston lost seven wickets but finally reached their goal. Of course it was Perera again this time with a terrific 64, plus excellent support from Callum Smith (38), which saw them over the line in a very tense finish. Matt Loates was North Wheatley’s best bowler, taking 3-30 which ended up in vain.

Thoresby Colliery piled up a huge 312-5 with Nyeem Ahmed (89 not out) and Ben Marson (82) enjoying the fun with relish. Wayne Spooner (4-58) was the pick of a hard-worked Worksop attack.

Worksop at least gave it a go until being bowled out for 233. South African Bernhard Beukman (87) batted well while Jack Willis took 5-78 and once again showed the rapid strides he has made this season.

Killamarsh are the other relegated side and it is sad to record that they lost again in their final match.

They were bowled out for just 141 at Papplewick with only late resistance from Parminder Mudhar (46) saving them from greater humiliation while Richard Hodgkinson (3-12) again bowled well for Papplewick.

Papplewick coasted to victory on 142-5 with Paul Clarke (3-48) knocking the top of the order away. Tom Bowers (35) made sure there were no further alarms as his side completed the job.