Simon Juckes starred for Spalding Town 2nd on Saturday as they bounced back superbly from their loss last time out to put themselves within one win of a guaranteed South Lincs and Border League Division One promotion spot.
Juckes top scored with 70 not out as table-topping Town 2nd made 228-7 against Heckington at the Memorial Field, then took (3-21) as Town wrapped up a 130-run win by bowling their visitors out for 98.
Winning the toss, Spalding showed no hesitation in batting first.
The loss of in-form opening batsman Jonny Manton (6) proved to be only a minor setback as fellow opener Brandon Andrews (35), together with Steven Rushworth (32) and Matt Gill (29), helped to push the score to 167-7 with five overs left.
Spalding then blitzed their opponents with an eighth wicket partnership which saw Simon Juckes (70 not out) out finish the innings with a six and five fours, assisted by Mike Kearns (13 not out) to get the home team’s total well past 200 at tea.
In reply, Heckington were not shy and showed their intent to chase as they scored 41 without loss off the first seven overs thanks to Will Charlesworth (13) and Matt Bean (16).
However a change to the bowling attack in the sixth over introduced man-of-the-match Juckes – and he proved too much for the Heckington top order.
It was then left to Spalding’s spin twins Richard Gilbert (1-4) and Manton (3-17) – well supported by Jonah Gill (2-3) – to reduce the visiting side to 98 all out.
Spalding captain Kearns said: “This was just the outstanding team response that I had hoped for and Simon Juckes played a blinder.
“We decided on having a morning net as part of our preparation and you could sense the team’s desire to do well long before we took to the field.
“Every player played a part and got behind their team-mates, which was great.
“The team spirit and support here just keeps going from strength to strength.”
Spalding 2nd have now put themselves in a position whereby if they win two of their remaining three games they will almost certainly win the league.
This Saturday, Spalding 2nd host mid-table Timberlands – with an earlier than usual 1pm start at the Memorial Field.
