Firsts Stay Top – By 1 Point!

The 1stXI remained top of the Lincs ECB Premier League after dominating their hosts Lincoln Lindum on Saturday.

After being invited to bat by the home skipper, Spa were in a little bit of trouble at 31-2 with both openers back in the pavilion. However, a 107 run partnership between Malinga Bandara and Etienne Botha then ensued. Both were watchful to begin with against some good seam bolwing from Sneddon but the longer they spent at the crease the more comfortable they became. Botha was the first to pass his half-century, his third of the campaign, and Bandara soon brought his up too before the former was adjudged LBW for a fine 54.

From that point onwards Bandara became the focal point of the innings and brought up a fine century in the final over of the innings. He finished with 102 not out from 118 balls to help post a very competitive 218-7 on what was a difficult track for batting.

In reply, the Spa opening bowlers of Luke Smith and Joe Irving had the home side under early pressure at 36-3. Irving had accounted for both openers, one via a superb one handed leg side catch from wicket-keeper Jack Timby, and Smith had removed the dangerous Robinson who was excellently caught by Ross Dixon at cover point.

The introduction of spinners Bandara (2-46), Botha (1-16) and Dixon (1-18) further stemmed the run flow and despite every efforts from all of the Spa players they couldn’t quite find the final three wickets and claimed a very positive 16 points for their efforts.

At home, a much changed and very inexperienced 2ndXI lost out to their Lindum counterparts. Skippered by Tom Luffman, the hosts did manage to bowl their visitors out with wickets being shared around between Alex King, Jack Cooke, Alfie Lindsey, Tom Dixon and Henry Wilson.

However, in reply the home side’s batting was found wanting somewhat and the side was bowled out for 70. Jack Cooke top scoring from number 10 with 25 not out.

Sunday’s Wanderers 1stXI game at home to Morton was abandoned after the first innings in which the home side had restriced Morton to 131-9 with Etienne Botha claiming 5-33.

August 25, 2015 12:00 am