Spalding Town’s lead at the top of the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division was cut to just eight points on Saturday after they suffered a shock 30-run defeat at basement boys Belton Park.
Table-topping Town traveled without a few regulars – including key man Josh Newton – but still would have expected to see off their hosts.
Batting first, Belton scored an impressive 202-7 as Tyronne Premisiri (50) and Luke Pollard (45) both scored well in the middle order after Town had reduced them to 87-5.
Hafiz Majeed (2-31) and Dan Milgate (2-40) were the pick of the Spalding bowlers.
In reply, Majeed (46) and Rob Ambrose (55 not out) both made solid contributions, but Town could only manage 177-9 in their 45 overs.
That saw Spalding collect just seven match points – meaning Sleaford 2nd now hold the advantage in the title race.
Elsewhere in the top flight, Long Sutton failed to capitalise on a great bowling performance from Barry Stanway against Billingborough.
The pace ace took 6-26 to help blow Boro’ away for 94, but Sutton could only make 70 all out in reply.
They are now three points clear of the drop zone, but with games in hand.
In Division One, Moulton Harrox’s fine run of form ended against Baston. Harrox posted 125 at The Shrine, but the hosts reached that with three wickets to spare.
Down in Division Two, Pinchbeck were soundly beaten by Boston 3rd. 17-year-old Ben Troops hit the league’s only ton to steer Boston 3rd to 226-6, before Pinchbeck were bowled out for 77 in reply.
Spalding 3rd took the derby bragging rights in their game with Long Sutton 2nd, scoring 151-9 before knocking Sutton over for 121.
More cricket in Thursday’s edition of The Spalding and South Holland Voice.
South Lincs & Border League
Premier Division: Belton Park 202-7 (Premasiri 50), Spalding 177-9 (Ambrose 55no); Bourne 2nd 124 (Hutson 6-35), Sleaford 2nd 126-4; Woodhall Spa 2nd 173-7 (Barker 52), Market Deeping 2nd 135-9; Billingborough 94 (Stanway 6-26), Long Sutton 70 (Brown 5-22);.
Division One: Moulton Harrox 125, Baston 126-7; Billingborough 2nd 80, Grantham 3rd 81-8; Freiston 197 (Goodfellow 66), Timberland 150; Welby Cavaliers 150 (Matta 64, Brant 5-20), Skegness 2nd 151-5 (Oldin 55).
Division Two: Boston 3rd 226-6 (B Troops 101no), Pinchbeck 77 (Morris 6-26); Spalding 3rd 151-9, Long Sutton 2nd 121; Burgh & District v Grantham 4th – cancelled, waterlogged pitch; Belton Park 2nd conceded to Graves Park.
Lincs ECB Premier Division
Results: Sleaford 225-9 (Hibberd 50, Collins 5-75), Bourne 226-7 (Wilson 66, Morgan 108no); Boston 128 (Brown 5-35), Grimsby Town 129-7; Louth 173 (Scott 58, Brackley 5-47), Skegness 95 (Critchell 5-33); Woodhall Spa 218-9 (Irving 53), Market Deeping 168; Grantham 113-9, Lindum 114-4; Bracebridge Heath 182-8 (Atri 69, Sreedharan 5-46), Nettleham 116 (Bridgens 53, Bradley 5-38).
