Retford were probably unlucky to come across Cutthorpe in an even more determined mood than usual after Saturday’s inept display and ultimate defeat at the hands of Killamarsh and smarting for revenge which they took by an astonishing eight wickets.

Batting first Retford totalled 181 for 7 in their 40 over stint at the wicket with Pascal Broadley being outstanding on 46 and Paul Singleton striking the ball well in the lower order for a quick fire 32. Andy Knowles was the pick of the Cutthorpe attack taking 3 for 23 in an impressive stint of medium paced bowling.

In total contrast to their previous two league matches Cutthorpe then showed what a good side they are with Asadullah Butt hogging the limelight with a glorious unbeaten 103 and Matt Cluer adding fabulous support with a brilliant 66 not out as Cutthorpe raced to victory with two overs to spare on 185 for 2.

In this mood they are without question the best side in the league and their league form over the last two matches has been inexplicable. This will surely put things right and although their chance of overhauling Retford in the league would seem to be gone don’t rule them completely out, they are a good side and good sides have a habit of making things happen!

In the other semi final a real ding dong battle took place between Kiveton Park and Thoresby Colliery before the latter claimed victory via the 42 run route. Batting first Thoresby powered to a massive 261 for 5 with Aussie Daniel Nash making 73, Martin Cheshire 33, Paul Hughes 74 and a hurricane knock of 47 from just 20 balls received from Shailesh Patel. Kyle McKeeman bowled extremely well considering this onslaught to register 3 for 43.

Not that this total looked to be enough as Kiveton raced away to a great start with the cultured left hander Adam Burgess making 67 and Australian Matt Williams 66 keeping up with the pace. Good bowling from man of the match Daniel Nash then turned the match as he took 3 for 42 and with Martin Cheshire bagging 4 for 25, Kiveton were bowled out for 219. This year’s competition has certainly thrown up some very exciting ties and this was one of the very best.

The Mallen Trophy saw the final three ties played and although they suffered a crushing defeat on Saturday Division 1 side North Wheatley showed promotion chasing Marshalls from Division 2 the stark realities of what life is like at the top.

Batting first Wheatley put all their relegation fears behind them and batted as well as they have managed all season scoring a mightily impressive 229 for 2. Wayne Harrison made a superb 93,Gareth Campion (65) and Richard Robinson (38 n.o.) in an excellent batting display.

This target proved much too much for Marshalls who were all back inside for just 138 with skipper Chris Hearn saving them from complete collapse with an excellent 41. South African seamer Tiene Maree with 3 for 11 was the best of the Wheatley attack who on the day were much too good for their overwhelmed opponents.

A similar occurrence but a much closer one happened between Bolsover and Division 2 leaders Edwinstowe who completed a miserable weekend for themselves, losing by 35 runs. Batting first Bolsover reached 219 for 9 with the first part of the Tariq Rashid show taking stage as the brilliant Pakistani made a splendid 67. He was aided and abetted by Matt Griffith with 37 whilst Australian Garth Brown made his mark for Edwinstowe taking an impressive 4 for 50.

Brown then scored a superb 51 and at any other time would have been the star of the show, but Rashid decided to go one better and for an encore took 4 for 13 in a mesmerising spell that Edwinstowe could not contain as they were bowled out for 184. This was another fine match and a great advertisement for the competition.

The other semi-final place goes to the West Indian Cavaliers who defeated Everton in a well contested match by 31 runs. The prolific run scoring Cedric Price top scored for the Cavaliers with 52 out of an all out total of 159 whilst Matt Dawson with 3 for 52 bowled excellently for Everton to claim 3 for 52.

In reply Everton despite two terrific knocks by Sas Karr (61) and Mark Anthony (33) could not sustain the pressure long enough to reach the target and were bowled out rather disappointingly for 128. Veteran Bernie Whyatt with an amazing spell of 4 for 10 was the star of the Cavaliers bowling attack in another well contested tie.