Sleaford cricketers take maximum haul

In the ECB Premier League, Sleaford first XI, sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, gained a maximum 20 point haul from their fixture against Grimsby, whilst in the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division, Market Deeping were defeated by 132 runs as Sleaford 2nd recorded their third successive victory.

Grimsby won the toss at Sleaford on Saturday and made good early progress through Wilson and Snell, taking the score to 79 before Ollie Smith made the breakthrough to herald a collapse by the visitors, who went on to lose all 10 wickets whilst adding 77 runs, with Thomas Shorthouse and Nick Goacher claiming five and three wickets respectively as the innings closed on 156.

Shorthouse and Matthew Mountain began their side’s reply in attractive style and had put together an untroubled partnership before Shorthouse surrendered his wicket for 45, whilst Mountain did likewise with his score on 27 and the team 57 runs short of their target.

Thereafter, Obus Pienaar dominated the victory chase, in partnership with Jack Wilson, and there were 23 overs still remaining when Sleaford passed Grimsby’s total, with Pienaar undefeated on 67 and Wilson 16 not out.

At Market Deeping, Sleaford, sponsored by Darren Wilson, batted really well after being put in to bat and compiled a total of 232-6 from their 45 overs, fully capitalising on an opening stand of 112 between Luke Hollingworth and Simon Godby, the former making 68 and Godby carrying his bat for 85.

The home side managed just 100 as Cameron Hall and Connor Harbron shared seven wickets to clinch an exellent victory.

This weekend, Sleaford travel to Lincoln Lindum in the ECB Premier League whilst on Sunday, Sleaford first XI, sponsored by Specsavers, travel to Cherry Willingham. The Academy, sponsored by Turnbulls, travel to Market Rasen.

On Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Sleaford CC host Lincolnshire’s opening Minor Counties fixture of the season and spectators are welcome on all three days, with play beginning at 11am.