Spalding Sunday XI lost a low scoring game to Alconbury by four wickets in Rutland Cricket League Division Three East.
A difficult batting track at the Spalding Grammar School provided plenty for the batsmen to think about right from the off when Spalding opener Jordan Butcher was caught off the second ball without scoring.
William Barnes (17) and Jon Manton (29) steadied the ship impressively as Spalding looked to give something for their bowlers to work with on the wearing track.
The pair put on 60 before both fell to Joshua Harker (2-18).
A clatter of wickets meant the lower middle order and tail were called upon to step up and they all enjoyed some successes.
A quick-fire 17 from Brandon Andrews, well worked 15 by Neo Timothy and knocks from Jay White (8) and Tim Bosco (10) helped Spalding up to 127 all out from 34 overs.
Martim Corderio was the pick of the Alconbury bowlers claiming 4-23 from seven overs.
Spalding bowled well with Jonah Gill having opener Fiaz Mizra (2) caught by Robert Manton early.
But fellow opener Charlie Nelson proved the match winner as he scored a fine 73 not out.
While Spalding continued to pick up wickets at one hand, Nelson saw his side home even after they had been reduced to 90-6.
Jay White was excellent and caught and bowled number three Tom Brooks (10) in his 1-22.
Neo Timothy also produced 12 controlled overs that yielded just 24 runs for one wicket.
After top scoring with the bat, Manton also bowled 12 overs recording 3-31, but it proved not to be enough.
An impressive last wicket partnership which Nelson dominated saw Alconbury up to 131-6 in the 39th over.
Spalding slip to sixth in the table with Alconbury moving above them.
