New boy Alleyne's runs are in vain

PAPPLEWICK AND LINBY 224-6 CLIFTON (Derbyshire) 226-4

Alleyne, who is the second-choice wicketkeeper at Trent Bridge, has replaced Will Smith as Papplewick's second professional.

And playing as a specialist batsman, with Graham Roberts retaining his place behind the stumps, he fired 90 against Derbyshire Premier League outfit Clifton.

But Papplewick were unhinged by another 90 from the opposition – supplied by former England and Notts all-rounder Chris Lewis, who is employed as the visitors' pro.

The 50-overs-a-side Sunday competition is for invited teams from both the Notts and Derbyshire Premier Leagues and comprises four qualifying groups of four with the top side from each progressing to semi-finals.

Papplewick have been pitched against Marehay and Sandiacre, as well as Clifton. But they must have thought they were on their way to a notable start when Alleyne, going in at three, made hay.

His sparkling innings spanned only 92 balls and featured four sixes and ten fours.

At the other end, Gary Porter (17), Richard Arberry (12) and Taimor Khan (11) all fell after getting themselves in.

But Alleyne found a ready partner in teenager Luke Fletcher, who belted 63 (one six and four fours) in a thrilling fourth-wicket partnership worth 84 in only 12 overs.

The former Middlesex man was finally caught with the board reading 152 in the 39th over. But Papplewick continued to progress and Matt Dear added 21 not out before the close.

The only Clifton bowlers to seriously worry the locals had been Lewis (two for 35 in ten overs) and his new-ball partner, Moore (one for 17 in ten).

And when paceman Mark Footitt (two for 18 in seven overs) bagged two wickets in the opening five overs of the visitors' reply, Papplewick still had every reason to believe they were in the driving seat.

However things began to change when Afzaal (50, eight fours) and Chilleni (67 not out, six fours) embarked on a third-wicket stand of 83.

Minus Phil DeFreitas, the home side's attack lost control and although two wickets fell in quick succession in the 90s, they were sent reeling by another big stand – this time between Lewis and anchor-man Chilleni.

Lewis was in irrepressible form, requiring only 72 balls to thrash his unbeaten 90, which was laced with three sixes and nine fours.

He was particularly severe on change-bowlers Khan (one for 56 in ten overs) and Fletcher, whose 7.4 overs cost 56 runs, and he wrapped up the game with two fours and a six in the 45th over.