Unbeaten Run Ends For Firsts, Seconds Win

The 1stXI’s unbeaten run ended at title rivals Bracebridge Heath on Saturday with a six wicket loss. Despite what looks like a heavy defeat the side worked very hard in very trying circumstances after losing the toss and having to bat first on a pitch that had been left uncovered throughout Friday’s heavy rain.

It was a good job the BBH’s opening bowlers weren’t at their best which allowed openers Jack Luffman (44) and Sam Evison (21) to put on a fruitful opening partnership as once spin was introduced batting became a whole lot tougher with excessive bounce and grip in the pitch. Spa were bowled out for 132 with Matthew Wooldridge unbeaten on 26.

At 44-3 when tea was taken Spa had made some early inroads and if some decisions had gone their way after the break the game could’ve gone either way but a good partnership between Spence and Bentley steadied the ship and led the home side to the 20 points to claim a two point lead over Spa at the top of the table.

At home, the 2nd XI returned to winning ways with an emphatic nine wicket win over their Spalding counterparts who were bowled out for just 79. Matthew Haslam was the pick of the bowlers with 5 wickets for just three runs.

In reply, Spa reached their winning target in just nine overs with Matthew Sargeant (43) the only man to lose his wicket. Rob Bee (27 not out) and Chris Anderson (3 not out) saw the side home.

On Sunday, Pete Epton’s Wanderers 2nd XI beat Horncastle by a convincing 48 runs at Jubilee Park. The home side batted first in a 30-over per side game and posted 178-6 with Epton top scoring with 43. In reply, Horncastle finished on 139-6 with Jack Cooke taking two of the wickets to fall.