Bridon halt run of defeats, Retford stick tight to leaders

The result wasn’t enough to stop Caythorpe from extending their lead at the top of the table however.

On winning the toss, hosts Bridon elected to bowl, a decision that may have been different with hindsight.

Martyn Dobson and James Oldham compiled an opening stand of 204, Oldham reaching a maiden Premier League century before being first to fall, having made 117 from 123 balls.

Dobson followed shortly afterwards for 86, leaving enough time for Caleb Mierklans to smash a 26-ball 51 as Caythorpe compiled a mighty 310-6 from the 50 overs.

Bridon’s reply was on track while Sufian Munir (59) and Martyn Long (34) were putting on 111 for the first wicket.

‘Nelson’ would strike, however, as the score quickly became 117-5.

James Brice made 38 of a 51-run stand with Joshua Marsh, who batted 75 balls in his knock which along with Gary Andrews at number 11 secured the draw.

In the Bassetlaw Championship, Retford responded to Notts and Arnold Amateur’s opening innings of 175-9 with 176 for the loss of only one wicket.

They have been close behind the leaders and remain so with the 18 points achieved this week thanks to the bowling of Chandra Kumara with 4-55, his innings of 32 not out, and Mark Bull’s 43.

The 93 not out performance of Retford’s established all-rounder Pascal Broadley was significant in this total.