Firsts top the ECB Premier division

Batting first after losing the toss, Sleaford First XI, sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, endured bowler friendly conditions during the early stages of their innings and were ultimately indebted to a partnership between Obus Pienaar and Oliver Burford which added 134 runs for the fourth wicket.

Burford showed a welcome return to form with his first Premier League half century of the season before being dismissed for 63, whilst Pienaar was in sight of his sixth century of the season when he was surprisingly dismissed shortly afterwards for 78.

These dismissals halted Sleaford’s progress towards maximum batting points and they eventually finished one run short with a total of 224 for the loss of eight wickets.

Woodhall’s reply was soon in tatters as their first three wickets fell with only 14 runs on the board and their three major batsmen back in the pavilion thanks to Nick Goacher and Shaun Morris.

Thereafter, Sleaford made steady progress against their hosts and were ultimately rewarded with an outright victory with almost eight overs to spare when the last pair of batsmen were involved in a run out mix up.

Next weekend’s cricket at Sleaford sees Nettleham as the visitors in the ECB Premier League on Saturday with a midday start.

Entrance to the game is welcome and free of charge.