SOUTH LINCS CHAMPIONS

By Ann Boulton

Billingborough clinched the South Lincolnshire & Border League championship with a slender 12 run victory over Stamford who picked up sufficient points to guarantee they finish runners-up.
Dan Duke hit 99 for the leaders who made 247 for eight, only to see Stamford reach 235 before the final wicket fell, Andrew Hulme with 76 and Steve Scott taking six wickets for Billingborough.
At the bottom of the table Boston 2nd gained a welcome victory over Woodhall Spa 2nd but can’t now escape last place after Bourne also won, beating Sleaford 2nd by just one run. Bourne hit 174 only to see their opponents’ innings come to a close on 173 for nine.
And at Grantham, Lee Eyett hit is maiden century for Spalding – and the league’s one ton of the day - finishing with 108 to help his side to victory.
Division Two is set to go right to the wire after leaders Skegness and challengers Stamford 2nd both picked up 20 points, Richie Hewitt enjoying a good day for the seasiders with 55 runs and four wickets.
Cavaliers ended one of their best seasons in the league in third place after overcoming Ropsley, but it was 14 year old bowler Josh Lord who stole the show, taking five Cavaliers wickets for 41 runs.
David Curran’s six for 10 for Welby in their victory over Heckington ensure that Welby finished the season in fourth,
Division Three remains neck and neck, leaders Blankney and second placed Baston both picking up 20 points against Burgh & District and Pinchbeck respectively and a severely depleted Moulton Harrox Sunday team also getting the maximum against Claypole.
While the top two still have a game to play, Moulton have completed their programme and have to settle for third place.
Spalding 3rd consolidated fourth place despite losing to Timberland for whom Andy Lowe took four wickets for just one run off 25 balls.


Division One
Boston 2nd 184 (Epton 57), Woodhall Spa 2nd 125-8;
Bourne 2nd 174 (Rickett 5-26), Sleaford 2nd 173-9 (Harrop 65);
Market Deeping 2nd 150-8 (Hyman 52no), Lindum Ramblers 152-6 (Taylor 74no);
Belton Park 93 (Richardson 56no, M Barnett 5-34), Moulton Harrox 95-1 (J Barnett 55no);
Spalding 215-8 (Eyett 108), Grantham 106;
Billingborough 247-8 (Duke 99), Stamford 235 (Hulme 76, Scott 6-49);

Division Two
Thomas Cook 132, Stamford 2nd 134-2 (Flynn 66no);
Heckington 112 (Curran 6-10), Welby 116-4;
Cavaliers 182 (Lord 5-41), Ropsley 89;
Skegness 2nd 216-9 (Hewitt 55), Billingborough 2nd 53;

Division Three
Spalding 3rd 100,Timberland 101-5;
Burgh 46 (N Gilbert 5-17, Evans 5-25), Blankney 48-0;
Pinchbeck 72 (Lamin 6-10), Baston 73-3;
Claypole 227 (Sullivan 58), Moulton Harrox Sunday 228-5 (Broomfield 79);