SOUTH LINCS AND BORDER UPDATE

May 12 round-up - by Ann Boulton

Spalding went clear at the top of South Lincolnshire & Border League in the tightest of victories over fellow leaders Stamford Town.
Batting first, Spalding struggled against the bowling of Steve Armstrong and the skills of wicketkeeper Andrew Hulme.  Armstrong took five for 49 and Hulme bagged five stumpings to help restrict the visitors to 142, of which Matt Hendry hit 46.
But Stamford also found runs hard to come by and despite the efforts of Armstrong (23) and Hulme (33) with the bat, the last wicket fell three runs short of the target.
Champions Billingborough finally got their season under way with a four wicket win over newly-promoted Skegness 2nd for whom Alistair Ainsworth made 68 and Lindum Ramblers and Sleaford 2nd both recorded victories.
Blankney’s Division Two campaign got off to a good start with an eight wicket victory over Spalding 2nd, Gareth Schwandt taking five wickets.  And Thomas Cook won the local derby against Cavaliers by five wickets despite Geoff Church’s knock of 51.
Division Three hosted the tightest game as newcomers Welby 2nd failed by just two runs to match Pinchbeck’s total of 110.  But it was success for the other new teams - Friskney’s opening game in the league brought a three wicket win over Boston 3rd and Lindum Academy scored a 60 run win over Grantham 2nd.

Division One
Spalding 142 (Armstrong 5-49, Hulme – 5 stumpings), Stamford Town 139;
Lindum Ramblers 144-9, Woodhall Spa 2nd 106;
Market Deeping 2nd 116-6, Sleaford 2nd 119-3;
Skegness 2nd 189-8 (Ainsworth 68, Nuttal 78), Billingborough 190-6 (Gollop 69no);
Belton Park v Grantham – off, waterlogged pitch;
Moulton Harrox v Bourne 2nd – off, waterlogged pitch

Division Two
Baston 89 (Mazhar 5-12), Boston 2nd 90-4;
Billingborough 2nd 85 (Birch 5-18), Stamford Town 2nd 58 (Ginn 6-12);
Spalding 2nd 77 (Schwandt 5-25), Blankney 78-2;
Cavaliers 134-9 (Church 51), Thomas Cook 135-5;

Division Three
Boston 3rd 128, Friskney 131-7;
Lindum Academy 235-7, Grantham 2nd 175;
Pinchbeck 100, Welby 2nd 98;
North Luffenham v Spalding – off waterlogged pitch
Timberland v Claypole – off, waterlogged pitch

SUNDAY
Moulton Harrox 22 (J Braithwaite 8-7), Heckington 24-0.