AUGUST 17 LINCS ECB PREMIER PREVIEW BY ANN BOULTON

For the second week in succession, Sleaford are involved in a top of the table clash in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League

Market Deeping is the destination for the second place side, who are now just 11 points adrift of leaders Woodhall Spa but have a 20 point advantage over their fourth placed opponents.

Unless Tim McIntosh falls to his first duck of the season, the New Zealand international will top the 1000 runs mark at Outgang Road – his total stands on 999 from 15 games.

Deeping have Lindum breathing down their necks, just two behind and with Jon Miller’s side making the short journey to Hartsholme, Lindum could pose a real threat to Deeping’s position.

Hartsholme and Haxey are firmly anchored at the bottom of the table, with Haxey 19 points up on their relegation rivals.  Grimsby are the visitors to the village club and with Steve Crossley and Harry Warwick on good batting form, will be looking for a high score and 20 points to take them up the table once again.

Grimsby are at the bottom of a group of four teams bunched together in mid-table and separated by only 15 points.  Heading the group is sixth placed Skegness who have an attractive fixture against Spalding.

The league newcomers have proved an asset to the league and are 32 points up on Haxey so should achieve their ambition of staying in the top flight, particularly if Warren Nel adds to his haul of almost 800 runs for the season on the good Skegness pitch.

Woodhall have a home fixture against Louth who are on level pegging with Bourne in seventh place and are 10 points ahead of Grimsby.  Bourne have an equally difficult game, away to third placed Bracebridge Heath who are still not out of the running for the championship.

Fixtures (12 noon start)

Market Deeping v Sleaford

Haxey v Grimsby

Woodhall Spa v Louth

Hartsholme v Lindum

Bracebridge Heath v Bourne

Skegness v Spalding