Spalding Town 2nd passed their toughest test of the South Lincs and Border League Division One season so far as they beat hosts Skegness 2nd by 11 runs to go 20 points clear at the top of the table.
All looked to be going to plan for Spalding as openers Rob Noble (61) and Mike Kearns pushed the score to 53 without loss after 14 overs.
Subsequently the loss of Kearns brought in Matt Gill (22) and then Steve Norris (13), who both played with flamboyant aggression.
With the score on 115-2 off 30 overs, spectators could have been forgiven for thinking that this was going to be another easy win for Spalding.
However, Skegness 2nd are made of strong mettle these days and fought back well.
The introduction of L Taylor (3-30) and K Hughill (30-5) swung the game in Skegness’s favour – and with the score on 152-9 after 40 overs, Spalding looked to have blown an opportunity until
Richard Gilbert and Christian Green batted well to see out the overs and get them to a total of 162.
After tea Skegness started well and looked to be coasting to victory with Foreman (22), Taylor (30) and Brant (18) taking them to 106-2 off 22 overs.
However, a solid spell from Jamie Juckes (3-28) and the introduction of Simon Juckes (3-26) charged the game to a precariously balanced state as Skegness lost wickets regularly to reach 150-7.
Skipper Kearns then turned to Spalding stalwart Steve Norris, with a view to keeping pace off in order to make the ball harder to get away. His superb spell (2-8) steered Spalding to their fifth consecutive victory in what was their hardest fight of the season so far.
Captain Kearns said: “This team never gives up. I’ve had lots of bowling options to turn to all season and have been trying to keep all my bowlers fresh.
“You never know when injuries and circumstances require their introduction into the attack. That certainly paid off this week.”
Spalding 2nd host Grantham 3rd this Saturday (1.30pm).
