Thrilling Wins

The 1stXI solidified its second spot in the Lincs ECB Premier League with an exciting 6 run victory at home to Skegness.

Having won the toss and electing to bat skipper Jack Luffman was the first to lose his wicket with the score on 33. However, a 93-run partnership then ensued between Sam Evison and Malinga Bandara during which the players had to leave the field for rain on three ocassion, the last time for an extended period of time and on their return the Skegness bowlers produced some fine bowling and put the home side under pressure. After being well set at 124-1 they were hussled out for just 178, largely thanks to Evison’s gritty 65 and a typically busy innings of 21 from Ross Dixon. Spa knew this was a below par display but were determined to defend their unbeaten home record. However, this looked in danger when the visitors raced to 131-3 thanks to opener Chanditha’s swashbuckling 81 but the introduction of leg-spinner Dixon, to bowl in tandem with Bandara, changed the game on its head. Dixon took three wickets in his first nine deliveries to send shock waves through the middle order and when Bandara claimed the scalp of Brackley the visitors needed 12 runs with just two wickets remaining. A run-out claimed the ninth wicket and the victory was achieved when Dixon bowled the number nine round his legs to finish with superb figures of 4-11 and give Spa 18 points.

Away at Stamford, the 2ndXI claimed an impressive eight wicket victory. The game was reduced to 32 overs per side after heavy morning rain and the home side posted 172-7. Matthe Haslam (2-32) was the pick of the bowlers. In reply, openers Matt Sargeant (60) and captain Paul Timby (72) put on an impressive 143 for the first wicket. Both batsmen were quick to pounce on any loose bowling and when both lost their wickets it was left to Chris Anderson (10 not out) and Tom Dixon (17 not out) to see the side home to victory.

On Sunday, the Wanderers 1stXI beat Bracebridge Heath by eight wickets. Bowling first the Spa’s young bowling attack of Lewis Holmes, Jack Cooke, Alex King, Alfie Lindsey and Etienne Botha were impressive and together bowled the home side out for 163. This was a total that the batsmen passed with some ease thanks in the main to an unbeaten 65 from Chris Anderson and 64 not out from Botha.

At home, the Wanderers 2ndXI played a friendly fixture against Upton which tunred into a thrilling 197 run tie. The exciting affair was most notable for maiden senior half centuries for youngsters George Lindsey and Hugo Finley.