Southwell Cricket Club manage dramatic win

Struggling Southwell finally had something to smile about on Saturday with a win at Ruddington.

The home side were two places above Southwell in Division C of the South Notts League, but were no match for them.

Ruddington won the toss and elected to field first.

Southwell went all out with the bat, chalking up an intimidating score of 267.

After opener Thomas Glenn was out for only six, the team steadily built up their score.

Sam Barber (53) hit a half-century while other big scorers were Stuart Grimley (45) and Toby Stanley (44).

In reply, Ruddington went close to reaching the target but fell 16 runs short on 251 for eight.

Ollie Stanley took three for 53 as the pick of Southwell’s bowlers.

Southwell captain David Bates said: “It was a big relief to get over the line in this game, which was a pretty epic contest.

“Both teams scored at a quick rate which made for entertaining viewing, but also a nervy one.

“We batted well all the way through, with Stuart Grimley getting us off to a strong start, and then backed up by a rapid 50 from Sam Barber. Toby Stanley and Will Ashworth also added some big blows to propel us to our highest score of the season.

“Ruddington attacked the target with some big-hitting players but we managed to take wickets at crucial times. Olly Stanley and Steve Wright were vital in the middle overs of the game as we slowly edged ahead of the game.

“It was an excellent game on a brilliant pitch that saw over 500 runs scored on it.”

In Division D, Farndon 1sts went down to home team East Leake on Saturday, electing to bat and falling all out for 99.

Ciaran Logue top-scored with 20.

East Leake managed to win by seven wickets, beating Farndon in just over 18 overs.

Farndon captain Martyn Hill said that East Leake opening left arm bowler Simon Oakley had a great day.

He said: “He bowled really well and we struggled to get a partnership started. Losing two wickets in the first over wasn’t a great way to start the day.

“Ultimately when you set 99, it just isn’t enough to defend, we need to be putting 150 on to be able to compete.”