SATURDAY AUG 24 PREVIEW - READERS LINCOLNSHIRE ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

BY ANN BOULTON

Second plays third in the pick of the games in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League when Sleaford host Bracebridge Heath at London Road.

And at St Giles Avenue, leaders Woodhall Spa take on fourth placed Lindum.

Sleaford’s New Zealand import Tim McIntosh now has 1021 runs to his name and is threatening the league record of 1187 set by Bracebridge’s Mark Fell in 2008.  And with fellow opener Tom Shorthouse topping the 600 run mark, the home side are a formidable batting force.

However they will face the league’s two top bowlers, Matt Carter who has 56 wickets and Matt Bradley with 42.

Lindum have climbed steadily up the table following their poor start and 16 year old Will Wright will be looking to add to his 650 runs on his home ground.  Wright is just five runs ahead of Woodhall’s prolific batsman Jonny Cheer who has hit two centuries this season while Wright is still seeking his first.

Lower down the table, 10^th placed Spalding play host to bottom side Hartsholme who will be looking to dismiss their former player Warren Nel early to be in with a chance of getting among the Spalding wickets.

And Bourne, who are one place above Spalding but well away from relegation danger, are at home to Haxey .

Grimsby could move into the top half of the table if they beat Skegness at Augusta Street where Jim Morgan will be looking for another good performance from Harry Clewett, fresh from his excellent showing for Lincolnshire in their recent victory.

Morgan himself has almost 500 runs for the season while Steve Crossley has 532 and Clewett has claimed 32 wickets.

Nine points behind Grimsby are Louth who will also be looking for a top six place when they take on fourth placed Market Deeping at London Road.  Laurence Scott and Stewart West are Louth’s top performers with the bat but Deeping also have a good batting line-up headed by the experienced Chris Jones and this likely to be another competitive game.

Fixtures (noon start)

Sleaford v Bracebridge Heath

Spalding v Hartsholme

Bourne v Haxey

Louth v Market Deeping

Grimsby v Skegness

Lindum v Woodhall Spa