Two horse race shaping up in Bassetlaw Championship

It is now resembling a two horse race as both sides look considerably stronger than the other combinations in the division.

Clipstone simply ate up Glapwell for breakfast. A dismal start saw Glapwell lose three wickets before the score had reached 10 and only a spirited 36 by Danny Bircumshaw saw his side reach a reasonably respectable total of 167 all out. Jason Gorman was the pick of a good attack with 3-38 for Clipstone.

In reply it was no contest as Justin Braithwaite and Lee Wilson were both unbeaten on 64 as Clipstone stormed to victory for the loss of two wickets.

Despite the recent loss to Anston, there can be no doubt that Clipstone are going to be the team to catch and, as it stands, Farnsfield look the only side capable of doing it.

Papplewick & Linby were the visitors to Station Lane and, after a tricky start, Tom Bowers (48) and Adam Rostance (39) steered them to a reasonable total of 187-9. Andrew Bell bowled splendidly for Farnsfield, taking 3-22.

After a terrible start which saw both openers back inside very quickly, Farnsfield settled into the groove with Callum McKenzie making a sparkling 94 not out and James Smith also remaining unbeaten on 64.

What might have proved awkward after the poor start eventually became easy and Farnsfield still look a threat to anyone as their six wicket win would suggest.

Thoresby Colliery went down at home to Notts & Arnold Amateur and once again showed their inconsistency.

They limited Notts & Arnold to just 162-9, with Jordan Finney remaining unbeaten on 67, but the spin warning was there with Aqif Farook taking 3-40 in a good spell.

Despite a good start, with Australian Chris Bennett in form with 36, Liam Patterson-White (4-35) and Dilhan Cooray (4-15) proved virtually unplayable as Thoresby slumped to an all out total of 130 and defeat by 32 runs.

The spin factor was certainly the problem here and the two Notts & Arnold stars used the pitch to maximum effect.

Anston easily saw off the challenge of Kiveton Park, who are not having a good time of late. Kiveton were all out for just 153 and only Richard Spurr (37) and Rob Coxon (41) propped up the innings. Amila Perera was the threat throughout, taking 5-33 in a mesmerizing stint.

This proved relatively simple for Anston with Anthony Roddis (42) and Jon Plant (31) easing them to 157-4 and a six wicket win. James Gilbert (4-80) bowled well, but the result was never in much doubt.

Killamarsh, who have improved greatly since the start of the season, had a terrific win over North Wheatley with Leverton by 67 runs.

Batting first, Killamarsh were well served by Aaron Green (32) while Jake Tong (4-26) and Jamie Bovill (4-34) bowled well for North Wheatley as Killamarsh were dismissed for 190.

Only skipper Richard Robinson (30) made much of a fist of things as Killamarsh dismissed North Wheatley for a disappointing 130.

Steve Ludlam bowled brilliantly to take 3-22 and Ryan Donnelly did his bit with 3-11 as Killamarsh helped themselves to 20 vital points.

Caythorpe II’s bad run seems to be showing no end as they could only gain a hard-fought losing draw at Central Avenue.

Worksop made 180-6 with Luke Ambrose batting particularly well to reach 88 not out. Fine support came from Tim Smith jnr, who added 37 and looked a real talent.

In reply, only John Kneale (30) made much impression as Caythorpe closed on 136-9 with Dave Hancocks proving a thorn in their side with 3-31.