A key half-century from Ansar Hussain steered Spalding Town 2nd to a nervy win over Belton Park in South Lincs and Border League Premier Division on Saturday.
Town looked set for a pretty routine win as they quickly bowled out their visitors for just 116 in 38 overs at the Memorial Field.
Nohman Ahmad (4-22) served as chief destroyer, while Jim Clarke (2-12), Julian Wilson (2-22) and Hussain (2-13) all chipped in with impressive figures.
So good was Spalding’s bowling that Daniel Reynolds top-scored for Park with just 21.
However, Belton’s bowling was equally impressive, with Town reduced to 68-5.
Hussain steadied the ship, though, making 58 to help the hosts reach 117-7 in the 31st over – and ensure they collected 20 points.
Elsewhere in the top tier, Long Sutton (118) were soundly beaten by Sleaford 2nd (119-4) at Paradise Field. Skipper Phil Barnes (31), Jamie Taylor (21) and number 11 Rob Simpson (21) were the only batsmen to really get going in Sutton’s innings. They were largely bamboozled by Michael Shelley (6-38), who ripped through the order.
Spin ace Jake Burton (3-27) did his best to get Sutton back into the game, but Phil Sneath (56) steered Sleaford to a six-wicket win.
Also beaten were basement boys Moulton Harrox (154-9), who suffered a six-wicket loss against Stamford (155-4).
After the game it was revealed that Maxwell Cusack has stepped down as first-team skipper, with James Cornwell his successor.
In Division One, Long Sutton 2nd (77) suffered a crushing 255-run loss against leaders Market Deeping 2nd (332-1).
Richard Witt (143no) and John McDougall (100) both starred for Deeping, with Luke Barnes (29) Sutton’s top scorer.
Down in Division Two, Pinchbeck (111) were soundly seen off by high-flying Baston (112-2) at Spalding Grammar School.
Danny Jackson (32) and Lee Eyett (30) top scored for the hosts, but John Lamin (4-18) and Tim Dyer (3-21) starred with the ball for Baston. In reply, Eyett (2-33) took two Baston wickets, but they eased home in the 32nd over.
Also beaten were Spalding 3rd, who were bowled out for 90 by hosts Claypole. Carl Andrews (20) and Matthew Sharpe (17) top scored for Town, while Sharpe (2-9), Richard Gilbert (2-7) and Chris Green (2-9) all took two wickets in Claypole’s 92-7.
