Notton v Tong Match Report (by Martin Sellars)

Tong travelled to Notton in confidence from the previous week though it was to become clear that when looking at the wicket the flip of the coin would be crucial with the wicket looking like a pudding but the day being hot and sunny this would change through the afternoon, so it would prove. With the clubs best tosser being in Cardiff it was no surprise when stand-in Martin called heads and it landed tails, it was also no surprise when the Notton captain said 'we'll let you bat first'.

So at 2 minutes to 2, with Masood, Khuram and Moazam just arriving in the car park so altering the batting line up, Nad and Martin strode to the wicket. At 5 minutes past 2 Martin strode back again. The decision to start the season with Martin opening after the defection of 'Big G' could well prove to be one of the masterstrokes of the modern era to rank alongside such as Brian Clough being made manager of Leeds United, Gordon Brown leading the Labour Party and Paul Mcartney saying yes to Heather Mills. In came Graham Princess at no.3 instead of the planned no.5, but he set about his innings in real positive mood and put on 41 with Nad before the latter fell on 9. Adam 'mad dog' Minnett came in at 4 and after the words of advice from the more experienced players of 'have a look' and 'there is plenty of time' he faced his first ball. BANG - straight back over the bowlers head for 4. It's good to see the junior player listening to the seniors.

To be honest, on a wicket where nobody was ever 'in' it was the more attacking of the Tong batters that chanced their arm that proved to be the most successful. Graham - 33, Adam - 25, Moazam- 17, Masood - 14 and a very useful 10 from James Mullaney at the end Tong reached 136 all out with 4 overs to go. Both Tong and Notton players felt this was a challenging total, but the wicket was changing appearance all the time.

Notton began their innings in watchful fashion and although lost the 1st wicket at 23 and the 2nd at 48, the 3rd wicket partnership of 92 saw Notton home, with opener Lawson finishing 73 not out. James Mullaney for the second week running produced a spell of accurate line and length bowling that was admired by both sides and was well supported by 'Mad Dog'. James and Masood were the 2 bowlers to claim the wickets that fell and with the home team nearing the target it was decided to give a few other players a chance to bowl. Of these, Nadir and Moazam caught the eye and this will prove food for thought in the future.

Special mention must go to 2 players, Hasseeb kept wicket admirally on a tricky wicket (ya no wot i mean, innit) and Mick Coultas continues to be an inspiration to anyone connected to Tong Cricket Club. The spirit and effort of everybody was again impressive and this should prove to be a good season. Masood did apologise for being late and said he followed Dex's directions to the letter. - MARTIN