CRICKET: Obus breaks league batting record as Sleaford firsts maintain form

Sleaford CC first XI, sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, maintained their chance of a runners-up position in the ECB Premier League by virtue of a solid display which saw them get the better of Lincoln Lindum, with Obus Pienaar breaking the league batting record after registering his ninth century of the season in this competition.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Aug 2016, 11:47 BST
Obus Pienaar. Photo: David DawsonObus Pienaar. Photo: David Dawson
Obus Pienaar. Photo: David Dawson

Batting first after losing the toss, Sleaford’s innings was dominated by South African professional Pienaar who produced another commanding innings during which he broke the league batting record held by Sleaford’s former New Zealand international Tim McIntosh.

Coming in after the dismissal of Thomas Shorthouse, Pienaar dominated a series of partnerships with his team-mates, eventually going on to an undefeated 122 as his side finished on 247-6 from their 50 overs.

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When Lindum began their reply, Mason Mansfield struck two important early blows when he dismissed William Wright and Alex Hornsby, and when Angus Youles dismissed the dangerous Luke Robinson with the score on 52, Sleaford were in the ascendancy.

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Indeed, there was to no way back for the visitors who closed on 208 for the loss of nine wickets, with Sleaford thus being denied maximum points.

On Sunday, in the Lincoln Premier League and sponsored by Specsavers, Sleaford recorded a comfortable victory against visiting Boston.

Half-centuries from Shorthouse, Charlie Roberts and Simon Godby enabled the home side to post a total of 276 from their 40 overs whilst, in reply, their opponents could only manage 140 for the loss of seven wickets at the end of their overs.

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Sleaford Academy, sponsored by Turnbulls, retained their position as league leaders despite suffering a rare defeat in their Lincoln Sunday League Division Two fixture, going down to a three wicket defeat against Hartsholme.

Despite a half-century from Phil Sneath, Sleaford’s total of 151 proved inadequate as the home side got home with three wickets to spare, regardless of Ian Shorthouse claiming four wickets.

This weekend, Sleaford travel to Skegness in the ECB Premier League, whilst at Sleaford, sponsored by Darren Wilson and Martin Smith, the second XI continue their pursuit of the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division title.

On Sunday, The Academy entertain Cherry Willingham, and spectators are welcome on both days.

Related topics:Sleaford CC