SOUTH LINCS & BORDER LEAGUE REVIEW & PREVIEW BY ANN BOULTON

                            

Market Deeping 2^nd got their South Lincolnshire & Border League Division One campaign off to a good start with a 20 point win over Spalding 2^nd, thanks in part to one of their talented junior batsmen.

At 15, Sam Malton was the mainstay of the Deeping innings, putting on 101 for the second wicket with John McDougall - who top-scored with 77 - and 94 for the third with Richard Witt (38).  Malton finished unbeaten on 76 as the home side posted 219 for five, Tom Dale taking three wickets for Spalding who struggled for runs.

Simon Juckes hit the highest total with 24 as the visitors were all out for 128, Jackson Andrews with pick of the bowling with three for 16 off 10 overs.

The full SLBL programme gets under way on Saturday with the pick of the Premier Division matches taking place at the Mayflower Ground where title contenders Boston take on newly promoted Long Sutton who won Division One at their first attempt.

Tom Baxter continues as Boston captain and Matt Bull once again takes the helm at Long Sutton for what could be a tight game.

Grantham have made their intentions clear with the appointment of Mark Fell as player/manager – they are aiming for top spot and promotion to ECB League cricket.  Fell has brought in Vikram Atri and David Whapplington from Bracebridge Heath and former Lincolnshire bowler Simon Oakes is expected to return to the side.  Welby, who narrowly avoided relegation in 2013, are the visitors to Gorse Lane.

Bourne 2^nd will be looking to build on last season’s good performances - which saw them finish runners-up in the division - when they take on Moulton Harrox at Abbey Lawn.  Moulton were also in the relegation zone, finishing on the same points as Belton Park who are home to Woodhall Spa 2^nd while Sleaford 2^nd entertain Lindum Ramblers.

Just two games are scheduled in Division One – newly promoted Long Sutton 2^nd take on Grantham 2^nd, also new to the division after league clubs agreed to move them up to accommodate Grantham 3^rd.  And Spalding 2^nd are in action once again, at home to Heckington.

Division Three matches will begin on April 26^th.

Fixtures – 1pm start

Premier Division

Belton Park v Woodhall Spa 2^nd

Boston v Long Sutton

Bourne 2^nd v Moulton Harrox

Grantham v Welby

Sleaford 2^nd v Lindum Ramblers.

Division One

Long Sutton 2^nd v Grantham 2^nd

Spalding 2^nd v Heckington