CAPTAIN BEAKY'S BRIGG TOWN CHAMPIONS OF CRICKET ALLIANCE DIVISION THREE

Flashback to early September 2010 - Phil Dewfall (left) and Nigel Beacock leave the field at the end of Brigg Town's last Lincolnshire League match before tendering their resignation from the competition. It was against Alford 2nds at Brigg Recreation Ground.

Brigg Town Cricket Club have clinched the East Yorkshire Alliance division three championship and are also promoted into a higher grade for 2013.
Their final fixture away to lowly Marist 3rds on the north bank tomorrow does not matter, as Town are a whopping 63 points clear of the team in second spot and cannot be caught.
Brigg knew the silverware was coming their way after bank holiday Monday's home win over Cottingham Academy at the Recreation Ground.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Town made a healthy 191 (Goby making 57) and then dismissed the visitors for only 68 (skipper Beacock taking three for eight) to win by the wide margin of 123 runs.
Chairman Gary Smith said today: "Congratulations to Nigel Beacock and the team for winning the East Yorkshire Alliance Div 3.
"The team hit the top of the division halfway through the season and since then they have stayed there, and some more!
"Congratulations to Joe Hebblewhite, too, for keeping the club alive and turning its fortunes around."
Yes, during the cricketing close season things looked to be at a very low Ebb (pardon the pun, Joe) for my old club of 30 years.
Down to only one team and with a number of issues needing to be resolved, some of us feared it could be curtains in the lead up to the current season.
But much hard work has been put in - on and off the field.
Clearly, one good season does not mean the club will be able to return to the glory days when it ran two Saturday teams in the Lincolnshire League, a Sunday team in the North Lindsey League, plus junior teams from under 11 through to under 17, and a senior midweek team.
But it's great to know that things are heading in the right direction.
We look forward to attending the club's presentation evening.
It will also be a proud moment for skipper Beacock and his players when they go along to the league's presentation evening on the north bank.
Brigg Town CC, formed in 1974, will be celebrating its 40th anniversary the season after next.
Hopefully, they will have progressed another rung or two back up the ladder when that comes round.
Doubtless, we shall consider organising a reunion of some kind for ex-players. 

SCORECARD OF BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY'S MATCH
http://eyca.play-cricket.com/scoreboard/scorecard.asp?id=11470744

LATEST LEAGUE TABLE
http://eyca.play-cricket.com/leagueTables/divisionTable.asp?id=10051593&seasonid=25

FUNERAL SERVICE FOR STEVE BRADFORD - FORMER LINCOLNSHIRE ALL-ROUNDER

Ann Boulton advises that the funeral service for former Lincolnshire Minor Counties player Steve Bradford will be held at 2pm on Friday, September 7 at All Saints' Church, Coleby. Family flowers only, donations if desired to be made payable to either St Barnabas Hospice, Marie Curie or Macmillan c/o Lincoln Co-operative Funeral Services, 12 Portland Street, Lincoln.

DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT TOMORROW BY EARLIER START TIMES IN THE LINCOLNSHIRE LEAGUE

As we will be into September tomorrow, all Lincolnshire County Cricket League games until the end of the 2012 season will start half-an-hour earlier. That means 12.30 in the premier and 1pm in divisions one to four.

We are sure clubs and umpires will be aware, but spectators going to games may not.

ANN BOULTON PREVIEWS TOMORROW'S GAMES IN THE LINCS ECB PREMIER

READERS LINCOLNSHIRE ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

With three rounds of matches remaining, the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League is set for a thrilling finish at both ends of the table.

Having pulled themselves out of the relegation zone last weekend by beating top of the table side Haxey, Hartsholme now have to do it all again when they play the new leaders.

Hartsholme’s victory pushed Skegness to the top and the seasiders go to Ashby Avenue eight points ahead of Haxey - who this week face Market Deeping, the team that took Hartsholme’s place in the bottom two.

Deeping have suffered a frustrating season but, with only four points separating them and the Lincoln side, will be looking for some giantkilling of their own.

Bracebridge Heath, 13 points adrift in third, head for Grimsby who just one point off a place in the top half of the table.

The top three have opened up a gap of 20 points over fourth placed Sleaford who travel to Boston where the Mayflower team are now well adrift at the bottom of the table and need victories from at least two of their last three games to stand any chance of finishing higher.

Despite their lowly status, opening bat Jonathan Cheer tops the runs total with 666, the only player over 600 so far this season and skipper Tom Baxter is closing in on 40 wickets.

And Skegness captain Saeed Bariwala last week became the first bowler past 50 wickets for the season

A top three finish is still within reach of fifth placed Woodhall Spa if they can beat Louth at London Road but should they slip up, their place is now being challenged by Lindum. 

Bourne is the venue for the St Giles Avenue side who have enjoyed a much improved second half of the season but are only three points up on their opponents.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Fixtures – 12 o’clock start

Boston v Sleaford

Bourne v Lindum

Grimsby v Bracebridge Heath

Hartsholme v Skegness

Haxey v Market Deeping

Louth v Woodhall Spa

LUDDINGTON PROMOTED AS UNBEATEN CHAMPIONS

Champions Luddington CC

BY GLEN SANDS

Luddington's last game of the year was their first visit to league newcomers Blyth. When the sides met at the start of the season, Luddington won by over one hundred runs and set in motion a pattern of results which saw them rise to the top of the division while Blyth moved in the opposite direction. One of the reasons behind Luddington's success this year has been the lack of change in its line-up but due to work commitments three ever-presents were unavailable and several others were otherwise engaged resulting in the Isle side attempting to win the league title with only nine players.

Blyth won the toss, elected to bat and made a solid start through openers Dalton and Cooper. Luddington' two-man shortage wasn't as harmful on Blyth's compact ground as it might have been on a larger field but at the drinks break after twenty overs the home team's score of seventy-seven without loss was a cause for mild concern. It took a bowling change to turn the game in Luddington's favour. Darren Clark's unerringly accurate slow right-arm spin made the breakthrough as he dived to take a sublime return catch to remove Dalton for forty-three. Blyth's score had reached one hundred when he found the faintest edge on Widdowson's bat to give captain Gareth Parkin, standing in as wicket keeper, an easy catch. Luddington's other spinner, Arron Curry, tightened his side's grip on the game with four wickets for no runs in ten balls during which time Clark had the other opener, Cooper, leg before wicket for forty-one. Number nine batsman Andy Brealey scored fourteen handsome runs at the end of Blyth's innings to leave them on 121 for nine wickets from their forty overs.

The tea interval came just as the light drizzle of the previous half hour became a downpour and even though the covers were in place for the extended meal break, the umpires delayed the beginning of Luddington's reply until the puddles had disappeared.

The Clark brothers, Darren and Graham, opened the batting and made quick progress before Darren was given out lbw for sixteen. Graham departed for seven in the same fashion in the tenth over bringing Andy Lawson to the wicket. A brief, explosive innings of fourteen which included three boundaries ended when he was clean bowled to give Andy Toft his third wicket. Jamie Arrowsmith joined Gareth Parkin at the wicket with the innings in a parlous state and the destination of the league trophy far from certain. The two batsmen moved the score along with Parkin happy to prod and wheedle leisurely singles while the freer-scoring Arrowsmith took advantage of any loose deliveries to race past his partner's score. An off-drive for two runs took him to his first half-century for the club but his triumph was short-lived as Blyth captain Jack Tarr clean bowled him with his next ball. The standing ovation as he left the field was a just reward for a match-turning innings although fourteen runs were still needed from the remaining eight overs.

Arron Curry scored two before he too was bowled but Parkin scored the winning runs in the final over with a shot past mid-on better suited to the baseball diamond than the MCC coaching manual to finish on thirty not out. 

Andrew Clark (not out 0) and unused batsmen Oliver Saxon and Jimmy Roe joined the showered and changed players in the clubhouse to reflect on a close match and successful season which sees Luddington promoted as Champions and the only unbeaten team in the entire league.

Only one game remains - the Phil Hanson Memorial Challenge Match against Garthorpe at Luddington on September 16th.

Picture kindly supplied by Oliver J Saxon LLB (Hons)

VERY IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR LINDSEY LEAGUE CLUBS AND UMPIRES

FROM GLEN SANDS
Just a reminder that North Lindsey League games should commence at 1.30pm as from this Sunday, although if you want to make it 1pm you can contact your opponents and as long as they agree (+ the umpires as well). Feel free to do so!

HOOK HAT-TRICK - BUT IS HE CAPTAIN HOOK?

BY ANN BOULTON

A rain-affected top of the table clash at Billingborough was finally won by Spalding who move 22 points ahead of their promotion rivals.  Spalding win a crucial toss and invited Billingborough to bat, bowling them out for 136.  Josh Newton then hit 80 to help his side to victory.

Stamford remained third after no play was possible in their match while the remaining games were also after play had started.  Grantham were the unluckiest side – have made 175 for five, they had reduced Woodhall Spa 2^nd to 70 for nine when rain intervened and robbed them of what looked like a certain victory.

Division Two fared better with four games completed.  Welby marched on at the top with a 20 point win over Moulton Harrox, catching up one of the games in hand on second placed Spalding 2^nd.  And Stamford 2nd stayed in contention in third place, beating Heckington by three wickets despite Chris Morley’s unbeaten 105 and Will Charlesworth’s five for 50.

Baston finally moved off the bottom of the table after John Lamin took seven for 12 to dismiss Thomas Cook for 60.  But the visitors were made to fight for their points as Arshan Majeed claimed five for 14 including a hat trick before Baston clawed their way to a one wicket win.

At Boston, Billingborough 2^nd’s Nathan Garfoot added another 59 to his runs total and 13 year old Lewis Holmes took five wickets for the home side but the game was abandoned 17 overs into the second innings.

No play was possible at Division Three leaders Friskney while second placed Claypole were also rained off but picked up points from a first innings total of 206 for seven.

Boston 3^rd v Lindum Academy went into the second innings after 13 year old Jack Timby had it 43 to help his side to 166 and Harry Stow took five wickets for Lindum who had 63 on the board without loss when rain stopped play.

And in the only game to finish on Saturday, Sean Hook took a hat trick for Spalding 3^rd as Pinchbeck were out for 105, Richard Riley hitting an unbeaten 49.  Spalding went on to win by four wickets to stay third in the table.

Division One

Billingborough 136, Spalding 138-5 (Newton 80);

Grantham 175-5 (Ashley 55no), Woodhall Spa 2^nd 70-9 - abandoned

Market Deeping 2^nd 119, Lindum Ramblers 37-4 – abandoned

Moulton Harrox 114-6 v Sleaford 2^nd – abandoned;

Stamford Town v Skegness 2^nd – abandoned, no play;

Division Two

Thomas Cook 60 (Lamin 7-12), Baston 61-9 (Majeed 5-14 inc hat trick);

Heckington 141-7 (Morley 105no), Stamford Town 2^nd 142-7 (Charlesworth 5-50);

Cavaliers 126-6, Blankney 127-5;

Moulton Harrox 51, Welby 52-1

Billingborough 2^nd 155 (Garfoot 59, Holmes 5-23), Boston 2^nd 98-2 – abandoned

Division Three

Pinchbeck 105 (Hook 3-26 - hat trick), Spalding 3^rd 106-6;

Grantham 2nd 132-9 (Ashley 59), Burgh & District 134-9;

Boston 3^rd 166 (Stow 5-33), Lindum Academy 63-0 – abandoned;

Claypole 206-7 (K Jacques 76) v Welby 2^nd – abandoned

Timberland v Friskney – abandoned, no play

HIBALDSTOW HOSTS SUNDAY FINAL

BY GLEN SANDS

The North Lindsey Cricket League's Second Division Cup Final was a fantastic match which saw David beat Goliath as a strong Haxey side were beaten by a youthful Alkborough team at Hibaldstow on a very showery day.
Oliver Tonks batted throughout the Haxey innings, making an impressive 109 not out in the Isle sides total of 189 for 6 , Tom Scott adding 26 but Alkborough were undaunted by such a tough target and reached 191 for 3 in just 32 overs thanks to solid batting from Dave Killon who hit 60 , Callum Render ( 45 ) , Matt Baxter ( 34 ) and Paul Mitchell who finished on 29 not out.
ALKBOROUGH 3RDS  v  HAXEY 3RDS
Haxey : 189 for 6  ( O Tonks 109 no ; T Scott 26 )  
Alkborough : 191 for 3  ( D Kilgallon 60 ; C Render 45 ; M Baxter 34 ; P Mitchell 29 no )
RESULT :  Alkborough 3rds win by 7 wickets

DIVISION THREE
Luddington went into their game at Blyth knowing a win would see them crowned undefeated Champions but Blyth have been showing great improvement of late. Added to that was the fact that Luddington were hit hard by work and holiday committments seeing them travel with just nine men which meant their task was going to be even tougher but they came through with a battling display to claim the title. Blyth posted a total of 121 for 9 from their 40 overs , openers  Bart Dalton and Geoff Cooper  hitting 43 and 41 respectively as Darren Clark picked up 4 for 17 and the ever dependable Arron Curry 4 for 45 , then Jamie Arrowsmith chose the right time to hit his first half century for Ludd , aided by skipper Gareth Parkin who's 30 not out proved to be invaluable to help clinch the League.
The one other Division Three game saw Broughton 4ths post a total of 160 all out against Cup winners Upton cum Kexby with 53 from Tom Reed , Todd Wray taking 4 for 19 for the visitors who replied with 165 for 3 thanks chiefly to Linton Karcach who scored 78 not out whilst Hayden Green hit 32 and Martyn Snell 28not out.
BLYTH CC  v  LUDDINGTON
Blyth : 121 for 9  B dalton 43 ; G Cooper 41 )   D Clark 4 for 17  ;  A Curry 4 for 45
Luddington : 122 for 5 ( J Arrowsmith 50 ; G Parkin 30 no )
RESULT : Luddington win by 5 wickets

BROUGHTON 4THS  v  UPTON cum KEXBY
Broughton : 160 all out  ( T Reed 53 )   T Wray 4 for 19
U + Kexby : 165 for 3 (  L Kadcach 78 no ; H Green 32 ; M Snell 28 no )
RESULT : Upton cum Kexby win by 7 wickets

FIXTURES 
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 2

NLL DIVISION ONE
Barton Acadamy Vikings  v  Scunthorpe Town 4ths
Caistor Cougars  v  Broughton 3rds
Grimsby Town 3rds  v  App Frodingham 3rds

NLL DIVISION TWO
Alkborough 3rds  v  Cleethes5ths
Messingham 3rds  v  Misterton 2nds
Hibaldstow 2nds  v  Barton Town 4ths

NLL DIVISION THREE
Normanby Park  v  Blyth CC
Upton cum Kexby  v  Broughton 4ths

HOW THEY STAND
DIVISION ONE
1. SCUNTHORPE 4THS 10 6 1 3 0 21
2. CAISTOR COUGARS 10 5 3 2 0 17
3. APP FROD 3RDS 9 4 1 4 0 16
4. GRIMSBY TOWN 3RDS 9 2 3 4 0 10
5. BROUGHTON 3RDS 10 2 4 4 0 10
6. OUTCASTS 3RDS 9 1 5 3 0 6
7. BARTON ACAD VIKINGS 7 0 3 4 0 4


DIVISION TWO
1. HIBALDSTOW 2NDS 11 6 3 2 0 20
2. ALKBOROUGH 3RDS 11 5 2 4 0 19
3. MESSINGHAM 3RDS 11 6 4 1 0 19
4. HAXEY 3RDS 12 4 6 2 0 14
5. BARTON TOWN 4THS 10 3 4 3 0 11
6. CLEETHORPES 5THS 10 3 4 3 0 11
7. MISTERTON 2NDS 11 2 6 3 0 9


DIVISION THREE TABLE
1. LUDDINGTON 9 5 0 4 0 19
2. EVERTON 3RDS 8 4 2 1 1 14
3. UPTON cum KEXBY 7 2 2 3 0 9
4. BROUGHTON 4THS 8 1 2 4 1 9
5. NORMANBY PARK 8 2 3 3 1 9
6. BLYTH CC 8 0 5 3 0 3

RUSSIANS LIKE THEIR DAILY DOSE OF LINCS CRICKET LATEST

Most Lincs Cricket Latest followers are from the UK. But we also have readers across the world.
Statistics supplied by Google show that, over the past month, the other countries in which we are most read (after the UK are):
2. United States
3. France
4. Russia
5. Netherlands
6. Germany
7. Switzerland
8. Australia
9. Spain
10. Latvia

All-time viewers of Lincs Cricket Latest, since we launched (by country) are:
1. United Kingdom
2. United States
3. Russia
4. France
5. Germany
6. Netherlands
7. Australia
8. India
9. Kuwait
10. Canada

LINCOLNSHIRE HONOURS FOR KEELBY STALWARTS

FROM PETER THOMPSON RURAL NEWS

pthompson@ruralnews.orangehome.co.uk

Two Keelby cricketers are proving its never too late to gain honours in the game.
Richard Papps (left) has been a regular member of the Lincolnshire Over 60s side this year, while wicketkeeper Andy Sharp (right) has played for the Over 50's.
Both Richard and Andy describe themselves as the youngsters in their county sides, their  milestone birthdays being only recent events.
Richard is best known locally as a stalwart batsman for Keelby 2nds these days, who can also turn in some useful medium pace.
Both are delighted to have received their county call-ups, even at this late stage of their cricket careers, but admit it is a case of better late than never. Both have also been frustrated like cricketers everywhere this summer at the number of games cancelled due to the rain.

LINCS VETERANS MAY FORGE LINKS IN SRI LANKA

There's talk among senior players in Lincolnshire of an Over 50s tour to Sri Lanka next Easter.
We'll keep you posted as things develop.

CLEETHORPES TWENTY-20 CUP NOT TO BE MISSED ON SUNDAY

Cricket-lovers are reminded that Cleethorpes Cricket Club will be staging its annual Twenty-20 Cup tournament at Chichester Road on Sunday, September 2, starting at 10.30am.
This always draws a big crowd of spectators drawn from across the county – admission being free.
Taking part will be Cleethorpes, Hull, Sheffield United and Sheffield Collegiate.
Attractions include a bar, raffle, fair rides and barbecue.
The Twenty-20 Cup is kindly sponsored by E.A. Broadburn.
COJOs will be holding a cricket sale on the day.

ENJOY A CRICKET NIGHT TO REMEMBER WITH HENRY BLOFELD

The voice of the BBC's Test Match Special, Henry Blofeld is to perform his one-man show at the Plowright Theatre in Scunthorpe.
Read the full story and find out how to get tickets for what will prove an entertaining evening by following this link

MARK ATKINS EXPLAINS WHY HAXEY HAVE DONE SO WELL SINCE BEING PROMOTED

Team spirit makes up for our club's lack of resources, says Haxey cricket captain Mark Atkins in a special article about the surprise team of the Lincs ECB Premier season.
Read his thoughts through this link

TUESDAY (AUG 28) CLOSING DATE FOR TICKETS

FROM PAULA WITHERS - LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET LTD

The Lincolnshire NatWest OSCAs event is now just around the corner so it is time to start thinking about tickets. The event will take place on Tuesday 11th September.
As you know this year we are delivering you a fantastic three course, sit down meal with a beautifully selected menu courtesy of the chefs at Hemswell Court. Not only this, but we are entering everyone into our big OSCAs themed quiz with each team being in with a chance of walking away with some goodies! You get all of this for only £25 per person.
Of course the real reason we run the OSCAs is not for the lovely food, the prizes and the chance to mingle with other clubs, it is to recognise those unsung heroes within our sport without whom cricket in Lincolnshire simply would not happen. It is our chance to truly recognise and reward...
Those nominated for an OSCA will be finding out very shortly and we hope that as many of you as possible will come along and show your support... Who knows, next year it could be you up there?!
This year for the first time, we are also handing out the 'Wilkinson Sword' and 'Womens and Girls Development Club' awards at the OSCAs.
We look forward to seeing you on the night and receiving your ticket requests, but in the meantime if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Email paulawithers.lccb@gmail.com


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JUST ONE BALL POSSIBLE IN SECOND HALF OF OUTCASTS v SCOTHERN

BY GLEN SANDS

Outcasts and Scothern were thwarted by the rain on Saturday in Lincs League Division One, when the heavens opened after tea at Hirst Priory with the Lincoln outfit having set what was likely to be a testing target thanks to a blistering last fifteen overs.
Home skipper Russell Fletcher won the toss and invited Scothern to bat first in sultry conditions and it was the Isle sidewho took control of the early proceedings with some exellent bowling. Tom Sharpe and Graeme Fletcher troubled the Scothern top order and it was young Fletch who took the first wicket when he had Simon Harvey caught by Andy Torr for nine with the total on 21. He struck again when Peter Wright misjudged a delivery that struck his off stump making it 23 for 2 and Outcasts tails were well and truely up when Fletcher grabbed his third wicket , having Johnny Drabble caught by Graham Clark for just two runs. Richard Johnson , often the scurge of the Outcasts side was caught by wicket keeper Mark Fletcher off Jonathan Wroot having scored just a couple and he followed that bytrapping James Drabble first ball leaving Scothern on 38 for 5. That left Wroot on a hat trick and although he did'nt manage it he still bowled quite well as opener Mark Conyers and Jacob Smith set about steadying the innings. Conyers had worked hard for his 32 then offered a simple catch to Scott Buttrick off the bowling of the tireless Tom Sharpe who in truth probably deserved more than the one wicket he picked up but as has often been the case for Outcasts this season they allowed their opponents off the hook in the latter end of their allotted overs. To their credit Scothern showed great determination with Smith and skipper Ian Brown putting on a tremendous 80 run partnership for the seventh wicket , Brown in particular batting superbly. He transformed the game with some outanding shots before being caught behind by Mark Fletcher off the bowling of the returning Graeme but there was to be no rest for the home bowlers as Callum Pearse joined Smith in the middle to continue the onslaught. Smith had made 33 when he was the eighth wicket to fall , bowled by the wiley Andy Torr who opened with a wicket maiden. That saw Ian McGowan stride to the middle and like his captain before him he set about the Outcasts attack with gusto. He and Pearse took the total to 201 for 8 by the end of the 45 overs, the final few being played in ever increasingly gloomy skies and as often seems to happen it began to rain immediately after the tea break. 
Scothern managed just one delivery before umpires Brian Cross and Mick Stothard brought the players off and it did'nt take long for them to abandon the game as the rain clattered down and the thunder rumbled above the Hirst Priory ground.
So Outcasts picked up eight points from the match and Scothern ten - a points total that in truth did few favours for either side in their quests at either end of the Division One table. 
The Priorymen have just two games remaining now against Louth 2nds and Bracebridge Heath and it is fair to say they ow need to win them both to stand any hopes of avoiding finishing bottom of the table.

SKEGNESS CLIMB BACK TO TOP AT EXPENSE OF HAXEY

BY ANN BOULTON

Hartsholme once again moved into giant-killing mode when they inflicted a five wicket defeat on Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League leaders Haxey - a result that brought changes at both ends of the table.

Haxey once again relinquished top place to Skegness – for whom skipper Saeed Bariwala claimed a hat-trick spread over two weeks - while Hartsholme moved out the relegation zone.

Four wickets each for Jason Hayward and Henry Rush contributed to Haxey’s downfall as they were bowled out for 90, only two players reaching double figures.

In reply, Chinthaka Perera also claimed four victims but from 49 for five, Rush and Tom Brooks saw their side to a welcome victory.

At Skegness, Oliver Pringle took five for 26 to help bowl bottom side Boston out for 68, a total the seasiders overtook for the loss of two wickets, Bariwala hitting an unbeaten 48.

The Skegness captain also took four wickets, including two with his first two deliveries.  Having taken two with his last two balls in his side’s previous game, he was able to claim an unusual hat trick.

The changeable weather generally brought low scores, the exception being at Sleaford where Lindum notched up 269 for seven, Luke Robinson with 117.

The 18 year old shared a second wicket stand of 104 with Will Wright (37) and Geoff Middleton hit 40 while for Sleaford, Alex Sears took four wickets.

The home side then came within five runs of their opponents’ total, Garry Park making 93 and Ben Burrows an unbeaten 48 as Sleaford finished on 264 for nine, Robinson completing a good day with four wickets.

Of the remaining three games, two got under way before the weather intervened but Market Deeping suffered their eighth abandonment of the season at home to Louth and slipped into 11^th place behind Hartsholme.

Daren Cousins took six wickets for Bourne as Bracebridge Heath were all out for 155 and the visitors reached 44 for three before the game was called off.  And at Woodhall Spa, Jack Hughes made five dismissals behind the stumps as Grimsby were all out for 162.  The home side were going well on 66 for one when the game had to be abandoned.

Results

Haxey 90, Hartsholme 91-5;

Boston 68 (Pringle 5-26), Skegness 71-2;

Lindum 269-7 (Robinson 117), Sleaford 264-9 (Park 93);

Bracebridge Heath 155 (Cousins 6-47), Bourne 44-3 - abandoned

Grimsby 162, Woodhall Spa 66-1 – abandoned

Market Deeping v Louth – abandoned

	P	W	L	Draw	NR	Bat	Bowl	Win	Total
Skegness	19	10	5	0	4	53	66	100	239
Haxey	19	10	4	1	4	43	65	100	231
Bracebridge Heath	18	7	1	2	8	42	41	70	209
Sleaford	19	7	6	2	4	45	51	70	198
Woodhall Spa	18	5	4	2	7	42	46	50	183
Lindum	19	6	5	2	6	28	52	60	178
Grimsby	19	4	7	2	6	42	51	40	177
Bourne	19	3	4	4	8	40	45	30	175
Louth	19	5	5	1	8	28	40	50	161
Hartsholme	19	4	10	0	5	33	45	40	143
Market Deeping	19	3	6	2	8	27	38	30	139
Boston	19	3	10	0	6	14	40	30	114

TRIBUTES TO STEVE BRADFORD

SAD NEWS PASSED ON TO US BY ANN BOULTON

Sleaford, Lincolnshire and MCC all-rounder Stephen Bradford died yesterday (Saturday) at the age of 49.
A true gentleman of the game, he will be sadly missed.
Lincs Cricket Latest would like to agree wholeheartedly with that tribute
We watched Steve play many times for Lincolnshire, and enjoyed his company off the field.

ANN BOULTON PREVIEW THE LINCS E.C.B PREMIER PROGRAMME

READERS LINCOLNSHIRE ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

Bracebridge Heath and Woodhall Spa catch up their game in hand in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League when they meet at Jubilee Park on Bank Holiday Monday.

And with Haxey and Skegness pulling away at the top – and both facing teams at the foot of the table on Saturday – third placed Bracebridge know that only 20 points will keep them in touch.

With four weeks of the season to go, Haxey lead Skegness by 10 points while the seasiders are 18 ahead of Bracebridge and 32 up on fourth placed Sleaford, with Woodhall a further 15 adrift.

On Saturday, Haxey visit Hartsholme while Skegness host Boston, Bracebridge are home to Bourne. Sleaford take on Lindum at London Road and Woodhall entertain Grimsby.

But the most crucial game of the day could be at Market Deeping where Louth are the visitors.  The home side are just 10 points above Hartsholme and the relegation zone so a win is vital to make them relatively safe.  However, Louth are still not entirely out of danger and both sides will be playing for points.

Despite Boston’s lowly position, Jonathan Cheer continues to top the runs table with 665 to his name while skipper Tom Baxter is third in the wickets list with 38.

Skegness captain Saeed Bariwala needs one more wicket for his 50 for the season while four wicketkeepers now have more than 20 dismissals with Bracebridge’s Hymie Bentley top with 24 and Jim Morgan of Grimsby one behind.

August 25

Bracebridge Heath v Bourne

Hartsholme v Haxey

Market Deeping v Louth

Skegness v Boston

Sleaford v Lindum

Woodhall Spa v Grimsby

Monday August 27

Woodhall Spa v Bracebridge Heath

BRACEBRIDGE HEATH 2NDS v OUTCASTS - LINCS DIV ONE

BY GLEN SANDS

With just three games remaining of their somewhat curtailed season Outcasts continue to search for their first win of the summer and despite showing some commendable spirit against promotion chasing Bracebridge Heath on Saturday they came up short of what in the end was an insumountable total.
It was the Lincoln side who took first knock on a belter of a track and runs came quite quickly although Outcasts were able to keep Bracebridge in check by taking early wickets. Nish Makwana was first to go , edgeing a catch to wicket keeper Richard Wroot off the pacey Tom Sharpe for nine then his opening partner and skipper Karl Stubbs was caught at gully by Andy Torr off Graeme Fletcher for twenty and the home team were 39 for 2. harpe then produced a terrific yorker to bowl Andy McDowall with the overall score having reached 45 and when Matthew Teal trapped Ryan Watson LBW for 17 Outcasts were in a good position with the opposition on 67 for 4. However as the heat of the day began to rise Bracebridge's middle order pair of David Whapplington and James Wright began to take command of the game , albeit after somewhat shakey starts from them both. The longer they stayed  at the crease the quicker the run rate rose as Outcasts skipper Russ Fletcher looked to switch his bowlers in an attempt to break what was becoming a threatening partnership. It was Scott Buttrick who eventually struck when bowling Wright for an excellent 37 with the total at 141 and he picked up his second wicket of the innings soon after when trapping Josh Lee infront of his stumps for seven leaving Bracebridge on 168 for 7. By now however Whapplington had really begun to find his form and with ever growing confidence he went on to bat Outcasts out of the match with a fantastic array of boundaries which included a couple of big sixes. With Ross Carnelley at the other end he piled on the agony for the Isle side , bringing up histon with the second maximum and with three overs remaining in the innings home skipper Karl Stubbs chose to declare on 254 for 6 , giving his side an extra three overs in which to get the ten wickets they needed for a full twenty points victory. Whapplington ended on 113 not out and Cannley on 23 as they put together an unbeaten seventh wicket parnership of 86 whilst for Outcasts the bowling figures were not the best of reading although Tom Sharpe and Scott Buttrick did pick up two wicketa apiece.
To their credit Outcasts battled hard in response to such a huge total and almost managed to pick up their full quota of batting points with some gutsy and at times thrilling performances. Mark Coulman was looking good before he was out to a quite stunning catch by wicket keeper Karl Stubbs of Matt Knights having reached 19 then fellow opener James Glew was caught infront of his stumps by Camron Hall for ten leaving the visitors on 38 for 2. Scott Buttrick dropped anchor whilst Andy Lawson went on to produce one of his special innings as he blasted the ball to all parts. No bowler was safe as the big man played an aggressive but measured innings and the total rose quickly to 9before Buttrick was adjudged to have been stumped by the livewire Stubbs off John Kerridge for ten. Lawson brought up his deserved half century and appeared set to go on towards three figures only to be well caught at deep mid off by Josh Lee from the bowlig of Kerridge again having scores an exceptional 72in just 62 deliveries. That brought Andy Torr to the crease to join the out of form Richard Wroot and that poor trot continued when Wroot was caught by Kerridge off Josh Lee for six leaving Outcasts on 142 for 5. Te aim was to try and reach 200 as quickly as they could then to reassess their objectives but they continued to lose wickets despite keeping the scoring rate going. Skipper Russell Fletcher was bowled by the returning Matt Knights for five then Matthew Teal hit a quickfire 12 before he was bowled by the other opening bowler Cameron Hall but all this time Andy Torr was rolling back the years with a vintage display of the batting art and the 200 target was getting closer. Sadly for Torr and his team it was not to be as he mirrored the shot played earlier by Lawson and was caught by Josh Lee in the deep off Callum Hall for an terrific 42 and the innings soon drew to a close when Jason Whiteley was caught behind , although he had broken his run of ducks , and Graeme Fletcher was last man to go , bowled by the lively Knight , leaving Outcasts five runs short of that 200 mark. Knights finished the innings with 4 for 48 and Hall 3 for 31 as Bracebridge collected the full twenty points they required to keep up their hopes of a quick return to the Premier Division.
So once again Outcasts failed to win and remain deep in trouble at the wrong end of the Division One table. Things don't get any easier for the Isle side either as they take on another promotion chasing team on Saturday at Hirst Priory , namely Scothern , after which they will have just two more matches in which to avoid the drop , against Louth 2nds and Bracebridge Heath again.