Nervous finish, but Horncastle CC make it two wins from two

Put into bat, Nettleham were bowled out for 90 in 33.5 overs.

Captain and opener Jordan McCardell was top scorer with 18 while Muhammad Afzal's 4-12 off six fine overs proved crucial, Kai Stephenson also taking 3-28.

But the target did not prove straightforward for Horncastle as Jacob Wakeling (3-28) and Luke Jenkin (3-24) set about the visitors.

However, Liam Evans dug in for an important 41 before Stephenson and Richard Hickling got them over the line to make it two wins out of two to start the new season.

In Division Three Central, Horncastle's seconds lost at home by 128 runs to Caythorpe.

Asked to bat, the visitors compiled a daunting 315 with 89 for Dan Sullivan and 73 for Chris Wharmby. James Cowley added 61.

Steve West and J. Rckard both took three wickets.

In reply, Horncastle were bowled out well short at 187.

They were soon 35-4 before Michael Ackerman hit 78. Rubel Iqbal added 35 and Sabbir Ahmed 33, but the run chase was too big in the end.

Horncastle's U12s had a cracking start to the season with a resounding win at Grimoldby CC.

It was a composed performance for the team's first ever game of hardball cricket with some terrific bowling, batting and fielding.

The team also showed great teamwork and sportsmanship.

Horncastle U12s are a thriving group, and the next match, at home against Skegness this week will see them field a fresh team.

Sleaford’s first XI continued their encouraging start to the new Lincolnshire Premier League Premier Division season with a well-judged six wicket victory over Burghley Park on Saturday, founded on discipline with the ball and a calmly negotiated chase of 211.

Burghley were dismissed for 210 in the 47th over, having struggled to maintain momentum.

The reply was set up by Sean Solia, whose fluent 52 from 48 balls ensured Sleaford were always in control.

George Woods played a measured innings of 49 not out, seeing the side home at 212-4 with overs to spare.