Radcliffe-on-Trent had set a relatively modest 145/9 as Eastwood’s Ikram Ul-Haq took 5/31. Eastwood began the pursuit at pace, scoring 58 from the first 9 overs; things slowed a little over the next 30 overs so that with 9 overs to go they still needed 16 runs but had 5 wickets in hand. The lack, through injury, of Radcliffe’s usual keeper Rob Sutton, who had earlier scored 67, should have aided Eastwood, but they finished 3 short with a losing draw.

No such problems for Attenborough (170/0), who beat Long Eaton (166/9) without the loss of a wicket, thanks largely to Ben Sheppard’s 101* making up for his duck in last weeks 9wkt victory. Despite Andy Stovell’s 6 wicket haul for Gotham, Plumtree racked up 239/7, including a century from Mahmood Ali (104) and 60 from Mike Tew. In reply, Gotham could only manage 80 as Peter Jacka took 5 of their wickets for just 13 runs.

Gedling Colliery’s (221/6) Jeff Burton also got a 5 wicket haul defending his side’s total, amassed with help from Shane Pidgeon (74) and Humaj Gondal (80). Gedling got a winning draw against Balderton (191/9) who are now second to bottom of 1A. Top-placed Calverton (149/8) suffered a minor set-back this week, getting a losing draw to Loughborough Carillon (168/9).

In 1B, Rolls Royce Leisure (252/7) easily beat Nottingham (159), thanks in part to Mahmood Alam’s 108. Meanwhile, Notts Amateurs’ Majid Saeed (113*) scored his 4th century of the season to steer his side to victory past Stanton-by-Dale’s total of 189/7. Another 1B batsman in fine form was Anthony Ablewhite, who contributed 88 of Bottesford’s total of 189, in their winning draw over Blevoir (186/9).

Hucknall’s (104/6) victory over Gedling & Sherwood (103) owed more to bowlers than batsmen. Father and son Alan and Andrew Pearson took all of Gedling’s wicket between them, taking 3/62 and 7/39 respectively. Andrew Paulson contributed with bat and ball (51* and 4/50) to Newstead Abbey & Village’s winning draw over Bramcote.

There were other good all-round performances throughout the League. In 1G, Adey Morton took 4/19 and then hit 110 as Hucknall TA (188/4) beat Stapleford (187/7). In the same division, Mark Curtis hit 116* and took 3/12 as leaders Rainworth Welfare (204/5) collected a win away to 2nd placed Gladstone (104).

In 1F, West Bridgford’s Paul Mantle was 35* when his side’s innings closed on 231/7, he then took 4/24 as Woodborough were bowled out for 67. There were two matches where extras made a valuable contribution.

In 1D, Toton Sycamore (173) gave Wymeswold 51 in extras towards their winning total of 240/9. The nine wickets were taken between Dominic Robinson (5/70) and Simon Bennett (4/37) with help from wicket keeper, Leon Smith, who took 4 catches. Smith also top scored for Toton with 40. Extras played another starring role at Sutton Bonnington, where they contributed 40 to help the home team past Shepshed Town’s total of 173/7.

Frank Forman’s (5/10) tight bowling helped Thrumpton (180/5) to victory over Keyworth (70). Meanwhile 4/26 from Michael Francis and 4/45 from Conroy Ingram helped West Indian Caribs (128/9) bowl out East Leake 16 runs short of target.

Kevin Arden followed up last week’s 6 wicket haul for Breaston with figures of 4/22 this week, ensuring a fairly easy time for the batsmen, who only had a Bingham total of 90 to beat.

There were two 6 wicket hauls in 1E; Will Sutton took 6/29 to help Long Whatton (152) to a win over Ravenshead (115) and move up to second place in the table. Meanwhile Gary Treece’s 6/30 helped restrict Willoughby-on-the-Wolds to 64; a total Chilwell passed with 3 wickets to spare.

Elsewhere, it was batsmen taking the honours. James Caunt (90*) and Craig reeves (70) helped Kirkby Portland (225/7) to victory against Old Paviors (175/7), while a partnership of 119 for Steve Harling (74) and Gary Baker (77) saw Kinoulton (219/4) beat Caunton (146/6). However, Simon Filipowicz’s 95 was insufficient for Whatton & Aslockton (165/6) to beat Lady Bay Boots (167/3).