Sleaford continue encouraging start to season with win over Burghley Park
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.
Ryan Gilmour made a careful 57, with Olly Billington (41) and Michael Hobbiss (34) offering support, but Sleaford kept a firm grip on proceedings.
Andy Hibberd led the attack with figures of 3-31, while Mason Mansfield and Drew Harbron both chipped in with two wickets as pressure was applied throughout.
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.
It was a harder day in the Championship South for the second XI at Skegness, where early and regular wickets led to a total of 84.
Charlie Roberts top-scored with 16, but partnerships proved elusive as Skegness won by five wickets.
Sunday brought more positive returns.
The first XI made 215-4 against Lindum, anchored by Olly Sneath’s first century for the club, a well-constructed 111 from 128 balls.
The Sunday second XI completed a convincing 78-run win over Horncastle, Ben Glendinning’s 94 and George Bulmer’s 4-24 decisive.