High Flying Season Almost To An End

Saturday’s matches saw the conclusion to successful seasons for both the 1st and 2nd XI teams.

In the Lincs ECB Premier League, the 1stXI confirmed ist third place finish with a convincing 114 run win over Grimsby Town. Batting first at Jubilee Park the home side amassed 239-9, a total that was largely based around two 50 plus partnerships between Sam Evison (40) and Jack Luffman (42) and then between Malinga Bandara (74) and Matt Sargeant (42).

In reply, the Town’s innings never really got going as the home side’s bowlers finsihed off in style. Opening bowlers Luke Smith and Joe Irving each took a wicket while youngster Jack Cooke claimed 2-14, Etienne Botha 2-37 and Ross Dixon 3-20 to leave Bandara to claim ths last wicket of the innings and his 59th of the season.

This was all watched by the junilant 2ndXI players who had returned home after completing a 10 wicket victory over Moulton Harrox in just 20 overs. Bowling first the Spa demolished the home side’s batting order by bowling them out for 39. Spinners Paul Timby and Matt Haslam each claimed three wickets and Tom Caswell one but the highlight of the innings was an all-bowled hat-trick from 14-year Alfie Lindsey. In reply, openers Timby (22 not out from 7 balls) and Rob Bee (16 from 6) claimed 20 points and with it a third placed league finish.

On Sunday, the Wanderers 1stXI travelled to Morton and came away with another win and the full 20 points to ensure a runners-up finish with one game to go next week away at league winners Sleaford. Batting first on a tricky pitch Spa posted 193. The stand out innings came from Chris Anderson who played sensibly for 69 and was well supported in an 8th wicket partnership by Alex King (27). Etienn Botha (22) and Ross Dixon (21) played entertaining cameos. In reply, the home side never threatened the total as skipper Paul Timby used a total of eight bowlers. Pick of the attack were Dixon (4-31) and Timby (3-12).

At home the Wanderers 2ndXI sealed a runners-up spot and promotion to Divison Two with a a two wicket win over Hykeham. The visitors batted first and posted a challenging target of 168-7. Home bowlers John Temperton, Kieran Richardson and Luke Ware each claimed two wickets. The home side passed the winning line with seven overs to go with skipper Pete Epton fittingly unbeaten on 21 at the end. Earlier opener Adam Barker had satrted positivily with 34 and Tom Dixon also played nicely for 33.

Ross Dixon claimed seven wickets over the weekend.