Notts ease past Suffolk

Notts easily defeated Suffolk by nine wickets to advance to the fourth Round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy. After dismissing the Minor County for just 87 inside 33 overs earlier in the day Notts coasted to victory for the loss of just one wicket.

The first meeting between the two counties for 14 years followed a similar pattern to the 1987 clash at Trent Bridge. On that occasion Notts bowled out the opposition for just 94, with Notts' current Cricket Manager Clive Rice picking up 4--19.

Mildenhall 2001 saw the home side lose a wicket in the first over to Greg Smith and then collapse alarmingly once former England bat Bill Athey had been dismissed for 22.

The last nine wickets fell for just 45 runs in only 19 overs. Smith picked up four of the wickets to fall but conceded the bowling honours to man of the match Richard Logan, who on his first appearance for six weeks after a shoulder injury, took 5--24 from his 10 overs.

Apart from Athey's contribution the only Suffolk batsmen to reach double figures were opener Russell Catley, who batted 20 overs for his 17, South African international David Callaghan and bowler Richard Pineo, who each scored 11.

Kevin Pietersen, on his 21st birthday, took two catches at slip for Notts and 'keeper Chris Read added another two.

The disappointingly small home crowd had only the afternoon sunshine to enjoy as Notts cruised to victory, helped by the addition of 13 wides and no--balls inside the first eight overs.

Darren Bicknell had a slice of good fortune on 14 when he edged Callaghan but 'keeper Chris Warn flung himself across in front of the slips and spoiled the opportunity for everyone as he parried it to safety.

Guy Walton, desperately short of runs in recent weeks, again looked uncomfortable and had only made 13 in 18 overs when he pushed at Andy Poole and was easily claimed by Warn.

Bicknell and Greg Blewett, together with the ever--steepling extras count, took Notts to victory in just 22 overs. Bicknell's flowing cover drive off Poole clinching the win and lifting his personal score to 48.