LEADERS SKEGNESS TAKE ON CHALLENGERS HAXEY

READERS LINCOLNSHIRE ECB PREMIER LEAGUE
By Ann Boulton

Richmond Drive is the venue for the weekend’s big game in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.
First will play third when leaders Skegness take on challengers Haxey who lost the top slot to their opponents last weekend.  The game brings together the league’s top run scorer – seasider Peter Houghton with 250 – and leading wicket taker Paul Bell who has snared 16 victims for Haxey.
At Woodhall Spa, the home team know that a win over Bourne could push them to the top of the table if Skegness should slip up against the league newcomers.
Bracebridge Heath, in fourth, need to continue picking up points if they are to defend the championship and this weekend they host Sleaford who are in ninth place.
Bottom teams Boston and Hartsholme will be looking for their first victories when they entertain Lindum and Louth respectively.  Louth will be buoyed up by last week’s success against Haxey but Lindum, who lie just above the bottom two, are also looking for their first win.
Meanwhile, just four points separate Grimsby and Market Deeping in mid-table, the two meeting at Outgang Road where the good weather could lead to a high scoring match.
Monday sees the semi-finals and final of the league’s Winkworth Cup, the winner going through to the ECB Cockspur 20/20 Cup area final at Skegness on August 5.
First up in the semi-finals at Sleaford CC are Bourne and Louth at 10.30am followed by Sleaford v Bracebridge Heath at 1.30pm with the final taking place at 4.30pm.
After the weather-affected first round matches, the league is hoping for a full day’s cricket to produce a winner to represent Lincolnshire in the Cockspur Cup.

Saturday fixtures – 12.30 start
Boston v Lindum
Bracebridge Heath v Sleaford
Hartsholme v Louth
Market Deeping v Grimsby
Skegness v Haxey
Woodhall Spa v Bourne