Lindum 1st (142) lost to Spalding 1st (148-1) by nine wickets
Rob Ambrose toasted Spalding Town’s most complete Lincs ECB Premier League performance to date after they ruthlessly put Lindum to the sword on Saturday.
Charlie Kearns (4-35), Wamanga Perera (3-24) and Thivanka Rajaratne (3-39) ripped through the home batting line-up for just 142, before knocking the runs off for the loss of just one wicket.
Star man Warren Nel again led the Town charge with an imperious 62 not out, with opening partner Rajaratne chipping in with 60.
Josh Newton (12no) joined South African ace Nel for the final moments as they eased home in the 28th over.
The 20-point victory, which follows a 15-point haul in their opener with Market Deeping, leaves Spalding in the lofty heights of third – just five points behind early pace-setters Bracebridge Heath.
Ambrose said: “To be honest, it was great to go there and win so comfortably.
“The toss was important and I was a little surprised that they wanted to bat first.
“But we bowled and fielded very well before knocking the runs off very quickly.
“It was as good an all-round performance as we’ve produced in this league. You could say it was a complete performance really.
“We’ve got a lot more depth in the side now. About six or seven of the lads can bowl and we’ve got a lot more depth overall.
“Obviously Warren was incredible with the bat again. He’s an absolute machine and it helps him that the other guys around him are chipping in this season.
“It was good to see Charlie Kearns get a few wickets too. I lost count of the amount of times he beat the outside edge for no reward last season. Now he’s getting that luck that bowlers need.”
Next up for Town is a trip to old foes Billingborough, who earned promotion from the South Lincs and Border League last season.
They’ve yet to register a win in their opening two games, but Ambrose is expecting a tough test this Saturday (noon).
He added: “They showed a lot of spirit to come back from a heavy loss against Bourne to get a result against a strong Sleaford side.
“It’s a bit of a derby as we know a few of their lads. We’re looking forward to it.”
Saturday’s Lincs ECB Premier League results: Lindum 142, Spalding 148-1; Grimsby 126, Bracebridge Heath 127-0 (Atri 72); Skegness 166-9 (Brackley 61), Market Deeping 167-2 (Morgan 121); Sleaford 259-4 (McIntosh 133no, Kimber 56), Billingborough 185-9 (Miles 53).
This Saturday’s Lincs ECB Premier League fixtures: (all noon): Billingborough v Spalding Town; Bourne v Sleaford; Bracebridge Heath v Market Rasen; Lindum v Skegness; Market Deeping v Grimsby; Woodhall Spa v Louth.
