Triple Winning Weekend

It was a trio of wins for the Club’ senior sides last weekend.

On Saturday the 1stXI entertained last season’s Premier League champions Bourne and put in what can only be described as an outstanding performance to win by 115 runs.

Skipper Jack Luffman won the toss and elected to bat on a surface that, thanks to the hard work of the ground staff, dried out considerably after the week’s deluge of rain. Despite losing his wicket early in the innings, his decision was vindicated as his side posted another fordimable total of 248-8. Partnerships were the key throughout the Spa innings but one of 68 between Ricky Lovelace (55) and Matt Wooldridge (48) proved decisive as the pair ran well between the wickets and were quick to pounce on the bad ball which then allowed the lower order to push for quick runs towards the back end of the innings with Ross Dixon (13 from 9); Joe Irving (14 from 9) and Jack Tinby (17 not out from 13) taking the total beyond 240.

The Spa bowlers knew it would not be easy against a talented Bourne batting line-up but within the first 10 overs  the home side had reduced their visitors to 35-4. This was mainly thanks to some fine opening spells from Luke Smith (4-45) and Joe Irving (2-36) who between them had accounted for Bourne’s top four batsmen, three of which have played for Lincolnshire this season. Spinner Malinga Bandara (2-28) dominated the middle order and with rain showers around the ground the eight and ninth wicket partnerships proved a little frustrating for the home side but the introduction of Ross Dixon (2-16) lured his name sake and Bourne’s top scorer into a false shot which was excellently caught by Etienne Botha and then the very next ball an LBW appeal was successul and 20 points were claimed. Spa now sit top by 20 points with six games of the season left which start with a journey to Louth on Saturday.

Away at Bourne, Pauk Timby’s 2ndXI continued their fine run of form with a nine wicket victory over their counterparts. The home side won the toss and elected to bat and would’ve hoped to have posted a bigger score than the 136 they were eventually bowled out for. However, they came across a Spa 2ndXI bowling attack that was in fine form from ball one. Youngsters Jack Cooke (0-24), the returning Lewis Holmes (1-26) and Alfie Lindsey (3-19) all bowled their seamers with accuracy and skill while spinners Timby (3-27) and Matt Haslam (2-26) used all of their experience to tie down and frustrate the home batsmen. They were well supported in the field with Pete Jackson executing a fine run out and Nick Bishop taking two excellent catches, unfortunately taking the first of these Bishop split the webbing on his left hand so when it was his turn to open the batting with his captain he was somewhat hindered when trying to hit the ball. However, he stood firm and together with Timby put on 60 for the first wicket before Bishop was out for three. Tom Dixon joined Timby at the crease and smashed 32 from just 25 deliveries while Timby continued his season’s fine form with an undefeated 97, an innings that included 17 boundaries and one maximum. The 2ndXI now sit second in the league and entertain league leaders Boston at Jubilee Park on Saturday.

On Sunday, the Wanderers 1stXI entertained Bracebridge Heath in the Lincoln League and ran out six wicket winners. The visitors batted first and were soon in trouble after losing four early wickets thanks to good opening spells from Jack Cooke (1-22) and Alex King (3-29). Former Spa player Steve Scott (40) and number  10 Freeman (30) showed some resistance but their side were bowled out for a below par 135. Spinners Etienne Botha (3-14) and Henry Wilson (2-45) finished off the innings.

In reply, Spa lost Matt Sargeant (3) early thanks to a fine piece of wicket-keeping but never really looked in trouble chasing the total. Botha (53) played another good innings at the top of the order with good support from Chris Anderson (18). Middle-order men Sam Evison (23 not out) and Jack Luffman (15 not out) were left to finish the game off and claim maximum points. The side now sits in second place just one point behind leaders Sleaford.

Paul Timby scored 97 not out and took three wickets for the 2ndXI on Saturday.