Waseem Ilyas' half century guides Freiston LL to first win of the year

After a Waseem Ilyas' half century had given Freiston a fighting chance, an excellent bowling and fielding display saw them claim their first victory of the season when they defeated Bourne Seconds by 36 runs.

Batting first, Freiston were once again in early trouble, losing both openers for ducks.

This soon became 35-5 as both Patchett and Brewster claimed two wickets for the visitors.

Ilyas and Asad Amir formed an excellent partnership and added 59 for the sixth wicket.

However, Freiston were still only on 94 when Amir was bowled by Arlott for a well judged 30.

Ilyas brought up his first 50 of the season, but departed soon after for 51.

Ollie Booth made 14 vital runs, but Freiston were bowled out for only 116 in the 33rd over.

On a pitch which was demonstrating some uneven bounce, Freiston knew they needed a good start, and that is exactly what they got as Booth had Howard strangled down the leg side in the first over.

Two wickets for Amir reduced Bourne to 13-3, but Patchett and Tickler began to recover the Bourne innings. Patchett had looked dangerous, striking three boundaries in his 17, but he was undone by an excellent delivery from Ryan Overton.

Overton also had Bentley caught in the deep by Amir.

Opener Tickler added 30 with Arlott to give Bourne a chance of victory, but the introduction of spin proved a turning point.

Abdul Moeed had Arlott trapped in front for 4, before bowling Brewster in his first over.

With partners running out Tickler was forced to hit out and was well caught in the deep by Overton off the bowling of Zakir Gatta for a determined 20.

A third wicket for Moeed completed victory as Bourne were dismissed for 80.

Freiston's Seconds also claimed their first victory of the season. A return to form with the bat saw the side chase down Grantham’s total of 170.

Freiston did well to bowl Grantham out for 170 on an excellent pitch. Mat Dean was the star as he claimed five wickets.

He was well supported by Bonakeli Njovana (2-36) and Tom Appleyward (1-15).

Freiston made an excellent start to their run chase as openers Kev Manning and Mick Stapleton put on 50 for the first wicket.

Manning made 33, and Tom Appleyard scored 28 but the match was in the balance when Freiston lost three quick wickets to the bowling of Simes.

Still requiring 65 for victory Stewart Kirtley and JP Horton created a match winning partnership as they trusted their natural attacking instincts. The quick scoring rate took the game away from Grantham.

Horton made an excellent 40 off just 33 balls before being adjudged LBW with the victory in sight. Stewart Kirtley made an unbeaten 24 from 28 deliveries as he and Tim Laverton saw Freiston home with three overs remaining.