Sleaford are outscored

However, in the reverse fixture in the South Lincs and Border League, Sleaford recorded an emphatic victory.

On Sunday, Sleaford Academy sponsored by Turnbulls canterd to victory against Owmby.

Bowling first after winning the toss on Saturday, Sleaford skipper Shaun Morris struck with his first ball, having Carnelly caught at the wicket, and although Obus Pienaar had Dobson caught at mid wicket with the score on 49, the home side made strong progress therafter against some indisciplined seam bowling.

Both Freeman and Webb made half centuries and with Powell and Brumby both making useful contributions it looked as if Sleaford might be chasing a total approaching 300.

Thankfully slow bowlers Thomas Shorthouse and Angus Youles managed to stall the home side’s progress whilst claiming four wickets between them as the home side totalled 257.

On an excellent surface, Sleaford showed little application as the home side were gifted a series of wickets.

None of the batsmen threatened the sort of performance that might have put the home side under any sort of pressure and the innings eventually subsided for a very disappointing 122 with almost 10 overs unused.

In the South Lincs Premier League at Sleaford, Grantham were beaten by 106 runs thanks to a strong all round performance.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sleaford, sponsored by Darren Wilson, overcame the early loss of David Harrop to get the better of Grantham’s bowlers thanks to a consistent batting display, highlighted by Oliver Bean’s score of 76 which enabled his side to total 241 in their 45 overs.

In reply, Grantham lost two wickets before a run had been scored and this set the tone for the innings in which no batsman reached 30, enabling Sleaford to record a comforable victory.

On Sunday in the Lincoln League cup, Sleaford comfortably dispatched their visitors from Owmby by a nine wicket margin after restricting their opponents to 96 for 9 in their 40 overs, with Ben Hutson and Kieron Harbron claiming four and three wickets respectively.

Sleaford’s reply was untroubled, reaching the victory target in less than 17 overs with Cameron Hall undefeated with 67.

On Monday, Sleaford booked their place in the Winkworth Cup T20 finals day when they came through their qualifying group which also included Bracebridge and Nettleham.

Oliver Burford’s innings of 92 against Nettleham was the highlight of Sleaford’s day.

This weekend Sleaford Firsts entertain Boston on Saturday (noon) with the reverse fixture being played at Boston in the South Lincs & Border Premier League.

On Sunday, Sleaford Firsts travel to Lindum, whilst the Academy side entertain Hatrsholme with a 2pm start.

Spectators, as ever, welcome at both matches with no admission charge payable.