Spalding Town 2nd skipper Mike Kearns praised his young guns as the South Lincs and Border League Division One table-toppers continued their unbeaten run on Saturday.
In a one-sided match at rock-bottom Heckington, Town’s progressive Academy youngsters inspired an eight-wicket win and 20 more points.
Heckington won the toss and elected to bat first – but were soon in trouble as a trio of Spalding bowlers, with a combined age of only 45, made steady inroads.
Matt Sharpe (2-10) and Brandon Andrews (3-12) bowled with pace and control to decimate the Heckington top order.
It was then left to the youngest of the trio in Jonah Gill to do the rest.
He soon had Heckington dangerman A Patel out for 22 before cleaning up the tail to finish with figures of 4-6 as the hosts were dismissed for only 72.
Captain Kearns then threw down a further challenge to his younger players by promoting them up the batting order.
Although Harry Wilko and Gill looked solid, they were both out bowled as a result of some fine deliveries from Heckington’s Matt Bean
(1-16) and Will Charlesworth (1-25).
That left it for man-of-the-match Brandon Andrews to carry his bat to the conclusion, with a splendid 34 not out off 53 balls to go with his earlier three wickets.
He was ably assisted by a confident-looking 23 not out from Simon Juckes.
Spalding captain Kearns said: “This game proved to be a tremendous opportunity to give a chance to some of our younger players.
“They have much to learn and need a thirst for knowledge if they are going to keep improving.
“They can be very proud of their achievements in this game – but there will be much bigger tests ahead in the not so distant future.
“I am confident that this current group of youngsters will be up to the challenge.”
Spalding 2nd are without a game this weekend, but are 39 points clear so will be top whatever happens between now and their next game on August 6.
- Another young Spalding talent, Jimmy Hook, made a super 140-ball 94 for Lincolnshire under-17s in a recent clash with Scotland under-17s at Hartsholme. He added 13 in the second innings.
