Pinchbeck (123-2) beat Spalding Town 3rd (121) by 8 wickets
Pinchbeck claimed a much-needed win with a comfortable eight-wicket success over Spalding Town 3rd at the Memorial Field on Saturday.
After choosing to bat, the home side were under pressure early on as Pinchbeck skipper James Langford struck twice early on to remove Chris Klompas (6) and James Hook (13).
Ian Wilson and Simon Juckes recovered the situation for Spalding with a third wicket stand of 40, but a fruitful spell from left armer Alex Watkins (3-13) grasped the momentum Pinchbeck’s way.
Watkins struck twice in three balls to remove Wilson (11) and Keith De Keyzer (0) – and in his next over claimed the fortunate scalp of Juckes (26), who could consider himself unlucky to be given out caught behind.
A further strike from Lee Eyett saw Spalding slump to 64-6. Captain Ben Edwards (22) dug in and, aided by some useful stroke making from the tail, guided the total beyond three figures, but Langford (4-48) returned to the attack to help wrap up the innings with Spalding bowled out for 120.
Danny Jackson and Mike Knight made a positive start to the run chase with a stand of 33 in eight overs.
The introduction of Richard Gilbert (1-24) paid immediate dividends for Spalding when his first ball bowled Knight for 14.
Sam Smith joined Jackson at the crease and they pushed Pinchbeck closer towards the line with a further stand of 33. Jackson continued to play postively with eight boundaries in his 34 before he fell caught behind off the bowling of Joe Lyon (1-34).
Despite the valiant efforts of the home side – who bowled with great energy – Smith (38 not out) and Richard Riley (18 not out) did enough to see Pinchbeck home with an unbroken stand of 54.
Victory was clinched in the 31st over.
The derby success moves Pinchbeck up to fourth in the Division Two standings, while Town’s youthful third string remain second from bottom.
Spalding 3rd visit Timberlands this weekend (1.30pm), while Pinchbeck are without a fixture.
