CRICKET: Sleaford's ECB Premier title hopes in tatters after defeat

A last ball defeat at Bracebridge Heath effectively ended Sleaford first XI's hopes of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League title although, in the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division, Sleaford retained their championship hopes following an emphatic victory against Belton Park.
Obus Pienaar on his way to another century for Sleaford first XI. Photo: Nigel WestObus Pienaar on his way to another century for Sleaford first XI. Photo: Nigel West
Obus Pienaar on his way to another century for Sleaford first XI. Photo: Nigel West

Batting first after winning the toss at Cross o’ Cliff Road and sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, Sleaford posted a respectable total of 254 from their 50 overs thanks largely to a partnership of 146 for the second wicket between Thomas Shorthouse, who made 68, and Obus Pienaar who made his seventh century of the season.

Bracebridge went in to the last over needing 12 runs for victory and, with the scores level, Cook hit the final ball of the match for six to win the game for his team.

At Sleaford, sponsored by Darren Wilson and Martin Smith, Sleaford recorded a 137 run victory against Belton Park after posting 218 from their allotted overs, with Ollie Bean making a half-century.

Sleaford's Thomas Shorthouse drives off the back foot on his way to 68 runs at Bracebridge Heath. Photo: Nigel WestSleaford's Thomas Shorthouse drives off the back foot on his way to 68 runs at Bracebridge Heath. Photo: Nigel West
Sleaford's Thomas Shorthouse drives off the back foot on his way to 68 runs at Bracebridge Heath. Photo: Nigel West

In reply, the visitors never threatened a meaningful response and were dismissed for 81, with Conor Harbron and Sumit Puri the main wicket takers.

This weekend, Sleaford travel to Grimsby on Saturday whilst Market Deeping are the visitors to Sleaford. On Sunday, sponsored by Specsavers, Sleaford travel to Woodhall Spa.