A whirlwind start for new Aussie Brent Williams at Papplewick & Linby

Williams scored 58 in an impressive five wicket win at Sandiacre Town before smashing an unbeaten 111 in a home six-wicket success against Marehay the next day.

Williams is one of two new professionals at Papplewick and captain Sam Ogrizovic said: “Brent scored a sackful at the weekend.

“He is an Australian with great pedigree who has been over here before and we were aware of.

“It was down to our diligence that we got him. We were not looking to get anyone from overseas due to Covid and the difficulty of getting them into the country.

“But Brent is someone who was already going to be over here as his girlfriend was over here.

“So as soon as we found out about that – and there were a lot of teams wanting to sign him – we managed to get him.”

Notts’ former Oxford University seam bowler Toby Pettman is the other club pro this year, Ogrizovic adding: “Toby is on the staff at Notts.

"We had a connection to him through one of our players, knew he needed a club, and we have brought him in too.

“Last year, even though it was a truncated season, we did really well to get to the final and lost to West Indian Cavaliers – and we did that with 11 amateurs, club players and youngsters we'd brought through.

“That was really positive and what we have managed to do this year is keep hold of all of those and just add the two registered professionals to that.”

On Saturday Sandiacre were bowled out for 126, George Blatherwick taking 5-25, before Williams led the successful run chase.

On Sunday Marehay were bowled out for 179, Ben Bhabra with 4-35, before Williams again took centre stage with his century.

“Saturday's was our full first team against a full first team from Sandiacre, who are notoriously one of the best club sides in the country,” smiled Ogrizovic.

“We spoke about it being a bit of a litmus test of where we were at and we obviously came through that very well and won convincingly.

“They went and beat Kimberley the following day, one of the best sides in the Notts Premier, so it was a big confidence booster for us.

“Sunday was more of a mixed team with first and second team players but we saw a masterclass from Brent on how to go about a run chase.

"It was really good for him to get some time on English pitches.”

Papplewick’s second team also took on Sandiacre on Saturday but, chasing 245 were all out for 122 to lose by 123 runs.

Papplewick's first team are back in action this Sunday with a friendly at home to Ockbrook & Borrowash.

On Saturday their second team are at home to Clumber Park while their thirds take on Bawtry.

The following weekend sees the start of the Notts Premier League when Papplewick face a tough trip to Cuckney.