ANN BOULTON REPORTS ON THE WINKWORTH CUP FINAL

Bracebridge Heath with the trophy.

Bracebridge captain Vikram Atri receiving the trophy from Winkworth director Martin Thompson.

Bracebridge Heath won the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League’s Winkworth Cup for the second year in succession in a high scoring final against Bourne at Sleaford CC.

Earlier, the first semi-final in the T20 competition saw Bourne take on Louth who hit 145 for four, Jason Collinson making an unbeaten 58. 

With two overs to go, Bourne had the target in their sights but then lost two quick wickets and finally claimed victory with just one ball to spare, Jack Berry with 57 not out.

Sleaford faced Bracebridge Heath in the second semi-final and having elected to bat, the cup holders got off to a flyer, 60 runs coming off the first six overs.  But from here Bracebridge were pegged back as wickets began to fall and their 20 overs ended on 152 for seven.

Sleaford also set off well but fell behind the run rate in the later stages and finished 20 short on 132 for eight.

The final was a much higher scoring affair as Bracebridge again elected to bat and racked up 184 for seven, a total that appeared insurmountable until Conrad Louth and skipper Pete Morgan took up the challenge, matching their opponents run for run.

Morgan went for 44 and Louth for 54, but the charge continued, some big hitting from the middle order lining up an exciting finish and at the close the Abbey Lawn team were just eight short of their target, Louth earning himself the man of the match award.

Trophies were presented by Martin Thompson, Director of sponsors Winkworth.

Pete Morgan (right), man of the match, with Martin Thompson, of Winkworth.