Steven Rushworth’s impressive knock of 81 helped Spalding Town recover from a dreadful start to beat Orton Park 2nd by 77 runs in Rutland League Division Six on Sunday.
Having elected to bat after winning the toss, Town looked in dire straits when openers Harry Wilkinson-Roberts and Richard Gilbert were both dismissed for ducks.
Ethan Lawrence (4) followed to leave Spalding toiling on 7-3, but the middle-order fired nicely to repair the damage.
Rushworth cracked nine fours and three sixes in his 81, while Jon Manton crashed a 21-ball 40 which included six fours and a maximum.
Chris Green also chipped in with a more measured 40 to ensure Spalding made it to 209-8 from their 45 overs.
Orton’s reply was the opposite of Town’s, with a more solid start followed by a collapse.
Jamie Parish (23), Ash Sher (30) and K Mahmood (41 not out) all batted nicely, but they slipped from 103-3 to 132 all out.
The big-hitting Manton starred with the ball as he bagged 5-20, while Matt Dowling also picked up 2-12.
The win sends Town fourth in the table.
