Southwell 1st XI v Beeston & Toton Sycamore 1st XI

Top of the table Beeston & Toton Sycamore arrived at Top Ground to face a determined Southwell looking to get back to winning ways after their losing draw against Bramcote last weekend. Joe Fryer won the toss again and chose to bat first on what looked like another excellent Top Ground wicket. With the sun out, the temperature rising and another competitive game of handball out the way, Tim Green and Charlie Ogrizovic looked to build a good Southwell innings.

Thornton dismissed Ogrizovic early on leaving Rainbow to see off the new ball with Green before driving straight to mid-on. Miller and Green built a solid partnership despite tight BATS bowling taking Southwell up to 105 as Green brought up his third 50 of the season. Unfortunately neither Miller or Green could capitalize and a flurry of wickets left Collins and Sprawson at the wicket with overs still spare. Some good hitting by Collins and quick running by Sprawson helped to build a respectable Southwell total and when Collins charged down the wicket and was stumped, Sprawson and Wright provided a vital 20 run last wicket partnership to boost the Southwell total up to a defendable 158/9.

Heads were a little low at tea as all felt that a much higher total was possible but this shows how high expectations of each other have grown over the season so far. Judgments should never be made until both teams have batted and with Southwell's excellent bowling attack the total had the possibility of being very competitive.

In his last appearance before heading back home Collins took the new ball with Sprawson and fired in 4 fast, tight overs including a vicious bouncer that nearly took the batsman's head off. At the other end Sprawson continued his good form, picking up the two openers, Andrew and Dennis Burrell. Rainbow replaced Collins and maintained a tight line, picking up the wickets of Burke and Browns to leave BATS struggling at 33/5. The two Walsh brothers then set about blocking and leaving as wides became the most frequent run scorer. An excellent run out by Collins finally managed to break the long partnership as Paul Wash left for a very patient 15. Wright and Rimmer finally found themselves into the attack and cleared up the tail, Mark Walsh ending on 36 and BATS all out for 90.

The win takes Southwell to joint top of the league with next week's opponents Kirkby Portland where Southwell will be looking to edge away in their bid for promotion.