CRICKET: Woodhall Spa still in the running for Sunday title

Chris Anderson’s 1st XI travelled to Sleaford in the Lincoln and District Premier and came out winners by 56 runs.

Batting first, the Spa set the home side just 168 to win which was disappointing on what was a good pitch. The men from Jubilee Park lost wickets at regular intervals that stagnated the innings somewhat. Skipper Anderson played nicely for his 26 alongside Matthew Law (23), but it was an entertaining innings from James Harris (27 from 12 balls) that pushed the visitors’ total past the 150 mark.

Anderson knew he needed a good start from his strike bowlers and they didn’t disappoint. Alfie Lindsey bowled four tight overs and Jean-Pierre Prinsloo took the vital scalp of opener Shorthouse, and on another day could’ve had another two or three wickets.

Spinner Paul Timby took a wicket in his first over (1-27) as did Law who bowled an impressive six over spell, claiming 3-16. However, it was leg spinner Ross Dixon who led his side to victory with a pleasing return to form. He bowled with control and accuracy and claimed 5-17 from his 8.2 overs to keep Spa in the running for the title.

At Jubilee Park, the 2nd XI entertained Market Rasen and came out winners by 69 runs on a very good batting track.

Skipper Pete Epton won the toss and elected to bat and would’ve been delighted with his side’s score of 270-7.

The innings got off to a flyer with Tom Dixon racing to a century inside 20 overs. His impressive innings included 15 fours and two maximums.

He was equally well supported by under-13 batsman Alex Hodson who scored a pleasing 40, his top score at senior level, skipper Epton with 35 and Jack Cooke notched his maiden half-century of 52, an innings that included 10 boundaries.

In reply, Market Rasen also found batting to their liking and opener Keast was in fine form, scoring a century of his own.

The visitors finally finished on 201-9 from their 40 overs with Jackson Draper (3-38), Kieran Richardson (2-15) and Oliver Caswell (2-41) the pick of the home bowlers.