Warren Nel hit a season-high 161 not out to guide Spalding Town to an impressive 90-run victory at South Lincs and Border League Premier Division title rivals Sleaford 2nd on Saturday.
Opener Nel shared a 102-run stand with Jon Manton (44), a 33-run partnership alongside skipper Josh Newton (18) and made a stellar 153-run haul with Jon Miles (55) as Town made 296-3 batting first.
Conor Harbron made a defiant 77 as hosts Sleaford looked to chase down their target, but Rob Simpson (3-30), Julian Wilson (2-19), Brandon Andrews (1-51), Roy Tilley (1-66) and Joe Broomfield (1-2) all took wickets to limit them to 206-9 in reply.
The victory moves Town 22 points clear of Sleaford, who fall to third as a result.
Spalding’s nearest rivals are now Woodhall Spa 2nd, who visit the Memorial Field this Saturday (1pm).
- Long Sutton suffered a seven-wicket defeat at Skegness 2nd on Saturday as their winless run in the Premier Division continued.
Sutton, who haven’t won since July 14, were bowled out for just 83 in 34 overs before the home side raced to 85-3 in 12.1 overs.
Sutton host Billingborough, one of only three sides below them in the table, this Saturday (1pm).
- Spalding Town 2nd picked up their easiest 20-point haul of the SLBL Division One season on Saturday as Skegness 2nd conceded their scheduled clash at the Memorial Field.
Town’s second string visit lowly Timberlands on Saturday (1pm).
- Pinchbeck are now 30 points clear at the top of SLBL Division Two – with a game in hand – after a 34-run victory over Boston 3rd on Saturday.
Batting first, Pinchbeck lost Matt Kidd for a duck but scores of 62 and 33 from Nick Crook and Danny Jackson respectively steered them to 168 before they were bowled out in the final over of their innings.
Shaun Moore (5-33) starred with the ball for the hosts, whole Ian Morris (3-30) also fared well.
With a competitive – but very gettable – target to defend, Pinchbeck’s bowlers really stepped up to the plate.
Although Rowan Evans (41) and Ben Newton (24) starred at the top of Boston’s reply, Danny Jackson (4-15), James Langford (3-39) and Andrew Beeston (3-30) ripped through their line-up to bowl them out for 134.
This Saturday sees Pinchbeck, who are still unbeaten this season, host rock-bottom Uffington at Spalding Grammar School (1pm) as they bid to extend their advantage at the summit.
- Division Two of the SLBL has a growing number of female players – five of who took to the field in the match between Long Sutton 2nd and Spalding 3rd.
The girls duly delivered, taking an impressive total of 11 wickets between them.
Spalding were all out for 156, Amelia Gardner hitting 22 while Emmy Gittins took 4-39 off 12 overs for Long Sutton and Beth Milnes 2-9 off her four.
Gardner then took 5-16 as Long Sutton were all out for 48, Jack Sawyer taking the other five wickets for only three runs.
Sutton 2nd make the trip to Grantham 3rd this Saturday (1pm).
