Long Sutton did not quite have the fire power to move off the bottom of the Lincolnshire Board Premier League at Market Deeping.
Their 256 total set the hosts a stiff challenge but they managed to reach it for the loss of seven wickets but with only seven balls to spare.
After losing four wickets for 19 runs and stumbling to 47/4, Sutton hit back with Nathan Oliver (62) and Paul Edgeller (60) stabilising things at 130/4.
Captain Jake Burton (25) and Daniel Oldfield (45) then added 61 for the seventh wicket, with Josh Baker’s late blast of 30 runs form 20 balls helping them post a decent total of 256.
In response Market Deeping fell from 79/0 to 122/6 to raise Sutton’s hopes of a much-needed win. However, they were unable to dislodge eighth-wicket pair Daniel George (67no) and Vaughn Williams (34no) and the hosts crept over the line to leave Sutton with just eight points as consolation for their efforts.
Burton played a real captain’s game, taking 3-37 to go with Davico Kruger’s 2-29. Tim Norris (1-27) took the other wicket, with Peter Cook adding a run out.
Better news in Division One of the South Lincs Border League, where Sutton Seconds emerged comfortable 112-run winners at home to their Deeping counterparts.
Sutton’s 201/7 came on solid mid-innings foundations built by Thilina Dilsham (52) and Philip Barnes (42), aided by 25 apiece from Rajan Sangha and Jack Baker.
Uddyan Hansana led the charge to victory, removing the first four visiting batsmen and ending with figures of 4-19. Four Deeping batsmen finished with ducks as Aron John claimed 3-9, plus two catches, Edward Munson 2-28 and Rob Simpson 1-22 to leave the visitors all out for 89 in the 23rd over.
Sutton’s Sunday team conceded their Rutland League Division One match against Newborough.
