CRICKET: Victory moves Sleaford firsts into second place

In The ECB Premier League, Sleaford, sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, moved into second place after getting the better of Boston, thanks largely to a century from acting captain Thomas Shorthouse which enabled his side to post a score in excess of 300.
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First for sport

Batting first after being inserted by their hosts, Sleaford were given a sound start by Shorthouse and Matthew Mountain who put together an opening partnership of 93, before Mountain was yorked by Orr for 39. Sleaford continued to move their score forward in positive fashion after Obus Pienaar came to the wicket, and he had taken his aggregate of Premier League runs past 1,000 when he was adjudged LBW for 31.

After the quick dismissal of Andy Hibberd, Oliver Burford and Shorthouse added a further 51 runs before Burford fell for 25, by which time his partner had reached three figures for the first time this season, in typically attractive style.

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The remainder of the innings was dominated by Shorthouse who went on to make 162 as Sleaford closed on 308 from their 50 overs.

Unsurprisingly, Boston never threatened Sleaford’s total but, on a good batting pitch, Sleaford were unable to make the necessary inroads into their opponents’ innings to claim an outright victory. Despite the use of seven bowlers, the visitors could only claim eight of their hosts’ wickets to leave them with 17 points from the fixture, consolidating their position towards the top of the table.

At Sleaford, in the reverse fixture, Sleaford 2nd, sponsored by Martin Smith and Darren Wilson, recorded an excellent 89 run victory after a century from Simon Godby enabled his side to total 224 from their 45 overs.

In reply, Sumit Puri and Tom Brooke shared eight wickets as the visitors were bowled out for 135 within 30 overs to move Sleaford up to second place in the league with a game in hand.

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On Sunday, Sleaford Academy, sponsored by Turnbulls, recorded an emphatic seven wicket victory against North Scarle, after dismissing their opponents for 167, with Kieran Harbron claiming four victims.

A belligerent innings of 84 from Ben Lambert, including a 28 ball half century, ensured that the run chase was completed within 18 overs.

This weekend, Sleaford entertain Bourne on Saturday in the ECB Premier League with the reverse fixture taking place in the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division. On Sunday, sponsored by Specsavers, Sleaford travel to Middle Rasen in the Lincoln Sunday League Premier Division, whilst The Academy, entertain Heighington.

The home matches start at midday and 2pm respectively, with spectators welcome.

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