Long Sutton 1st (115-7) beat Moulton Harrox 1st (114) by 3 wickets
Long Sutton picked up their first South Lincs and Border League Premier Division win of the season after edging out local rivals Moulton Harrox in a thrilling encounter at Paradise Field on Saturday.
Hosts Sutton were nearly at full strength, with only Chris Booth missing through illness and the returning Ian Smith adding depth in all departments.
Smith was playing his first game for Sutton in over five years after brief spells at both Moulton and Spalding.
As usual, Sutton elected to field first, looking to utilise their strong bowling line-up.
Barry Stanway started impressively, removing Moulton openers Chris Beale (0) and Joe Broomfield (1) in his opening overs. Moulton were then stalled by some tight bowling and backed up by some excellent fielding.
A patient stand between Tom Wilson and Jack Barnett steadied the ship but with runs not coming, pressure mounted as Stanway (3-30) removed Barnett (17) aided by a reflex catch from keeper Adam Wright.
Wilson (37) was then bowled by Jimmy Wright as Sutton began to dominate.
Jake Burton was then brought into the attack – and he picked up two wickets in his first two overs. He was assisted at the other end by Wright (2-35) who removed Karl Hibbert (21).
A Barry Stanway run out, a wicket for Paul Edgeller (1-27) and a final dismissal for Burton (3-6) meant Moulton had been bowled out for just 114 in only 40 overs.
Moulton started aggressively with the ball and made four early breakthroughs.
Edward Booth (8), Phil Barnes (0), Paul Edgeller (1) and Ian Smith all falling for single figures.
Adam Wright remained solid – but when Steve Skoulding (3) fell, Sutton were in real trouble. However, one substantial partnership could always make the difference chasing such a small total.
Adam was joined by his brother Jimmy and they settled into a rhythm of accumulating runs where possible.
There was another twist in the game as Adam (33) and Jimmy (23) both fell with the score in reach, but skipper Matt Bull and Stanway managed to get their side across the line and complete a 20 point victory.
