The answer is it was the 2002 season when we first started handling the fixtures and results.
How times flies!
Doing a bit of home computer housekeeping yesterday I chanced across the folder containing the press reports for 2002. Even though PCs have come and gone, I've transferred the files across and have all the reports and weekend previews from 2002 to 2012.
How sad is that?
What follows are the opening stories from late April and May 2002.
If you read through them you may be interested to see teams that have gone and players now long retired.
If this trip down memory lane provokes positive feedback we might dip into the archives again over the close season.
This was the campaign in which Indian Test player Dodda Ganesh made his mark for Owmby in the premier division; at the other end of the the set-up, Lincs League division five - formerly the Humberside Alliance - was still going, mainly involving teams from the Grimsby area.
This was the campaign in which Indian Test player Dodda Ganesh made his mark for Owmby in the premier division; at the other end of the the set-up, Lincs League division five - formerly the Humberside Alliance - was still going, mainly involving teams from the Grimsby area.
Let us know what you think of our flashback feature by posting a comment on this story or emailing scoopfisher@aol.com
PS Glen and myself won't be expecting a gold clock each for 10 years' service.
APRIL 2002
In the premier division, last season's runners-up,
Alkborough, journey to play Bracebridge, who finished third in 2001.
The league will again operate six divisions, but although a
handful of fixtures have been arranged for April 27, the programme does not get
into full swing until early May.
Three knockout competitions are also being held - the George
Marshall Trophy, the Bob Welton Cup and the Barry Fenton Cup.
Helping to run the league this season are two newcomers to
the official ranks - both well known in Lincolnshire
cricket circles.
Joint fixture secretaries are Glenn Sands, from Luddington,
and Nigel Fisher of Brigg.
Glenn will be dealing with fixtures and rearrangements and
compiling the weekly league tables.
Nigel will be co-ordinating the collection of results each
weekend and compiling match reports.
Former fixture secretary, Ann Boulton, is now chairman of
the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
Alkborough 121 all out, Bracebridge Heath 124 for three
(Plant 93 not out).
PLANT BLOSSOMS IN SPRING SUNSHINE
AN excellent, unbeaten 93 from Alistair Plant helped
Bracebridge Heath to a convincing premier division victory over Alkborough in
the only match on the opening day of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League
season.
Alkborough the visitors - last season's premier league
runners-up - were bowled out for 121,
experienced campaigner Clive Coulthurst top scoring with 27.
Aussie Rob Head, from Perth ,
making his debut for the Lincoln
side, took four for 22, and Paul Thacker grabbed four for 34.
Bracebridge raced to their victory target in just 20.3
overs, South African-born Gerard Van De Venter lending Plant useful support
with an unbeaten 24.
Just a handful of Lincolnshire League matches have been
arranged for this Saturday (April 27), with clubs hoping that the welcome
spring sunshine and unusually dry conditions will continue.
The league's six divisions get into full swing during the
first week of May.
THE first two centuries of the season were scored in the
Lincolnshire County Cricket League on Saturday, although only three matches
were played.
Jerard Van de Venter made 124 for Bracebridge Heath against
Cleethorpes in the premier division, while Graham Dunlop hit 100 not out for
Caistor against Haxey in division three.
The top bowling performance came from Caistor veteran Bob
Welton, the league chairman, who bagged six for 31.
The Lincolnshire League gets into full swing this Saturday
(May 4) with games in all six divisions.
DETAILS
Premier division: Bracebridge Heath 196 for nine (Van de
Venter 124, Walton 4-38), Cleethorpes 175 (Willerton 69 not out, Bradley 5-47,
Thacker 4-35).
Division two: Hartsholme 219 for five (Wilkinson 73 not out,
Behan 50, Sewell 49) Market Rasen 174 (Allenson 72, Porter 4-56).
Division three: Caistor 250 for five (Dunlop 100 not out,
Ben Jacob 68), Haxey 115 (Welton 6-31).
OWMBY - reigning champions of the Lincolnshire County
Cricket League premier division - begin their defence of the title with a home
game against Cleethorpes tomorrow (Sat May 4).
The two sides newly promoted to the premier division both
open their programmes with home games, Normanby Park Works entertaining
Skegness and Louth hosting Grimsby Town
Last season' runners-up, Alkborough, journey to Lincoln
to play Hartsholme, while Scunthorpe Town
In division one, newly-promoted Messingham are away to
Cherry Willingham, while the other promoted side, Hykeham, take in the sea air
at Chichester Road ,
Cleethorpes.
The two sides relegated from the premier, South Kelsey and
Alford, have home fixtures with Rustons and Holton-le-Clay respectively.
The opening day's fixtures in division two present
Horncastle with one of the longest drives of the day - to Scunthorpe
to take on Appleby-Frodingham at Brumby Hall.
In division three, Caistor's batsmen, who were in super form
last weekend, look to carry on in similar fashion when they visit the Isle of
Axholme to meet Outcasts at their pretty Hirst Priory ground.
One of the most interesting fixtures in division four sees
Broughton's interesting blend of youth and experience visit Grimsby
to take on Littlefields.
In division five, last season's runners-up, Hainton, open
with an away fixture at South Bank, while Hibaldstow (third in 2001) are at North
Thoresby .
Sunday sees sides from various divisions in preliminary
round action in the George Marshall, Bob Welton and Barry Fenton Cups.
The most interesting tie is in the George Marshall
competition, where Alkborough entertain Holton-le-Clay.
Bank Holiday Monday (May 6) sees a full complement of games
in the premier and a few matches in some of the other divisions.
Top fixture in the premier is at Augusta
Street , where Grimsby
Town
Millennium 2nds have unfortunately withdrawn from division
five on the eve of the season, due to team-raising difficulties.
Division five clubs, and umpires, are asked to amend their
fixture lists accordingly.
Millennium's first team, in division one, is unaffected.
This being the first full weekend of the Lincolnshire League
season, clubs are reminded that there is now a new league official, Nigel
Fisher receiving results and scoresheets.
The number to ring with scores is (01652) 655134.
Teams wishing to fax their scoresheets - rather than post
them - should do so to (01724) 273101.
Premier league games are scheduled to start at 1.30; matches
in all other divisions at 2pm .
A HAUL of four wickets for Karl Walton and a defiant,
undefeated 69 from a limping Colin
Willerton were not enough to save Cleethorpes 2nd XI from slumping to a 21-run
defeat at Bracebridge Heath in the Lincolnshire League premier division on
Saturday.
That win was the Lincoln
side's second of the season, and they are already setting a hot pace.
Cleethorpes won the toss and elected to field, a decision
which looked a sound one when Peter Thompson took an early wicket.
But South African-born Jerrard Van der Venter dug in and
became the foundation of the innings as his teamates batted around him.
Cleethorpes gave plenty of assistance, dropping him no fewer
than five times, but this should not detract from the one-man show he gave,
eventually compiling a magnificent 124.
The Bracebridge innings finished on 196 for nine after the
50 overs with no other player passing 20.
Walton took four for 38 off 10 overs, helped by a
magnificent one-handed catch by Mark Bellamy for his first wicket.
Peter Thompson took 3-39 during a 12-over spell, but
catching woes from 2001 continue to haunt Paul Hewstone's team.
The Cleethorpes reply got off to a bad and slow start, which
left them far too much to do as the game panned out.
After 27 overs, the reply stood at 65 for four and it was
only at this point that the innings gained any momentum with Willerton and
Hewstone at the crease.
They put together a half-century stand but when Hewstone was
dismissed, the lower order could not stay with Willerton to keep up with the
increasing run rate.
Willerton was undefeated on 60 when last man Bellamy was
given out leg before as Cleethorpes were bowled out for 175.
Matthew Bradley finished with five for 47 for Bracebridge,
while Paul Thacker bagged four for 35.
Normanby Park Works and Louth - both newly promoted to the
premier division, met at London Road ,
with the Steelmen claiming a three-wicket victory.
Louth took first use of the wicket and progressed to 120 for
three, with Jones, at No. 3, contributing 56 and opener Parker 21.
But the middle and late order offered little resistance, as
they had to be content with 156 all out.
Wright (19) and Irving (18) were the only other
double-figure contributors, apart from extras.
Paul Farrell took for for 38 in 19 accurate overs for the Scunthorpe
side, with Nigel Forster and Mark Bray managing two apiece and veteran Mick
Finch the other wicket to fall.
After a useful 36 from opener Andy Cook, the Steelmen's
reply fell away until all-rounders Forster (31) and Mark Bray (24 not out)
turned things round and victory was secured for the loss of seven wickets.
Louth's bowling was steady, with Rankin claiming three for
21, and Dixon and Irving
two wickets each.
In divison two, Hartsholme 2nds enjoyed a 45-run victory at
Market Rasen 2nds.
The Lincoln
visitors were given a fine start by Geoff Sewell and Behan who shared an opening stand of 85
before the latter was caught behind for exactly 50.
Just a run short of his own half-century, Sewell was next to
go, with the score on 126 - another victim for wicketkeeper Bishop.
But No. 3 Nick Wilkinson continued to dominate the bowling
and was unbeaten on 73 when the innings closed after 45 overs.
Hartsholme could feel pleased with their total of 219 for
five, Phil Bodsworth being the most successful of the Rasen bowlers, in terms
of wickets, with two for 76 from 13 overs.
Rasen recovered the from the loss of Bishop for a duck,
Bates and David Allenson adding 90 before Bates became the first of Barry
Porter's victims - bowled for 25.
Johnson and Waller did not stay long at the crease and the
departure of Allenson.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 4
Premier division: Hartsholme v Alkborough, Nettleham v
Scunthorpe, Louth v Grimsby Town, Normanby Park Works v Skegness, Owmby v
Cleethorpes.
Division one: Cherry Willingham v Messingham, South Kelsey v
Rustons, Alford v Holton-le-Clay, Cleethorpes v Hykeham.
Division two: Caistor v Keelby, Grimsby Town v Barton Town,
Appleby-Frodingham v Horncastle, Bottesford v Hartsholme, Broughton v Market
Rasen.
Division three: Outcasts v Caistor, Immingham Blossom Way
Police v Louth, Haxey v South Kelsey, Alkborough v Brigg Town, Hykeham v
Littlefields.
Division four: Keelby v Nettleham, Littlefields v Broughton,
Scunthorpe Town
Division five: North Thoresby v Hibaldstow,
South Bank v Hainton, Brigg Town
SUNDAY, MAY 5
George Marshall Trophy: Alkborough v Holton-le-Clay.
Bob Welton Cup: Scunthorpe
Town
Barry Fenton Memorial Trophy: Allied Labs v Tetney, Brigg
Town
MONDAY, MAY 6
Premier division: Louth v Nettleham, Hartsholme v Normanby
Park Works, Haxey v Alkborough, Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes, Owmby v
Skegness, Grimsby Town v Bracebridge Heath.
Division one: Messingham v Outcasts.
Division two: Caistor v Appleby-Frodingham.
Division four: Nettleham v Rustons, Broughton v Cherry
Willingham.
THE Lincolnshire County Cricket League got into full swing
with matches in all six divisions on Saturday.
Some clubs were also involved in preliminary round ties in
the league's three cup competitions on Sunday.
Cleethorpes 2nds pulled off the top performance of the day
in the premier division, recording a two-wicket victory when they visited
reigning champions Owmby.
Top individual performance from a batsman in the premier
division was Paul Cook's 67 for Normanby Park Works in their defeat of Skegness.
His colleague Mark Jackson's figures of six for 35 were
matched exactly by Scunthorpe Town
In division one, Holton-le-Clay's Adrian Portus claimed five
wickets to help his side defeat Alford and there was a 'five for' return by
South Kelsey spinner Laurence Waghorn in a comfortable win over Rustons.
In division two, Mike Devereux had a fine all-round match
for Horncastle, scoring an unbeaten 61 and taking five wickets, but finished on
the losing side against Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, for whom veteran Mick Powell
bagged six wickets.
Terry Lawrence was in form with 71 during Caistor's victory
over Keelby.
And a six for 35 haul by Udi Sheik helped Littlefield 2nds
to defeat Broughton 2nds in division four.
But the best figures of the day came in division five where North
Thoresby 's Rob Bain bagged six for 13 against Hibaldstow.
And the weekend's top batting performance was reserved for
Sunday when Scunthorpe Town
RESULTS
Premier division: Alkborough 124 (Thompson 5-52), Hartsholme 93 for eight (S.
Clay 6-43); Owmby 144 for nine, Cleethorpes 145 for eight; Normanby Park Works
159 (P. Cook 67, S. O'Dare 5-61), Skegness 115 (Jackson 6-35); Nettleham 90
(Danson 6-35), Scunthorpe Town 93 for one (K. Bansal 50 not out); Grimsby Town
130 for nine (Dixon 4-42), Louth 131 for four (Parker 65 not out).
Division one: Rustons 86 (Waghorn 5-18), South Kelsey 88 for
two; Alford 116 (Portus 5-39), Holton-le-Clay 117 for seven; Cherry Willingham
v Messingham (result not yet received); Cleethorpes v Hykeham (result not yet
received).
Division two: Appleby-Frodingham 185 (P. Morland 64,
Devereux 5-20), Horncastle 165 (Devereux 60 not out, Powell 6-30); Caistor 200
for eight (Lawrence 71, D. Gowshall 51), Keelby 122 for six (Skipworth 57);
Market Rasen 112 for eight (Clixby 5-60), Broughton 115 for four (Clark 52 not
out); Grimsby Town v Barton Town (result not yet received); Bottesford v
Hartsholme (result not yet received)
Division three: Littlefields 217 for nine (M. Donovan 61 not
out), Hykeham 96 for six; Outcasts 120 for nine (Hobson 63), Caistor 121 for
five; Haxey 222 for four (Stanser 56, Mumby 53), South Kelsey 123 for seven;
Alkborough 120 (Sharp 5-20), Brigg Town 111;
Immingham Blossom Way Police v Louth (result not yet received)
Division four: Nettleham 142 for nine (Connor 58), Keelby 66
(Plummer 6-30); Broughton 111 (Sheik 6-35), Littlefields 113 for four; Scunthorpe
Town
Division five: North Thoresby 80,
Hibaldstow 36 (Bain 6-13); South Bank 145 (Roberts 6-48), Hainton 146 for three
(Castle 61 not out, Freeman 52 not out).
George Marshall Trophy: Holton-le-Clay 112 for five,
Alkborough 113 for four.
Bob Welton Cup: Alford 102, Scunthorpe Town 106 for five
(Kiddle 80). Double-header also counting as league match; Nettleham defeated
Rustons (unable to raise a team) on a walkover.
PREMIER
NEWLY-promoted to the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division, Normanby Park Works had a mixed Bank Holiday weekend, defeating Skegness but then losing to Hartsholme.
Saturday saw the Scunthorpe Steelmen entertain Skegness and record a 44-run victory.
Opener Paul Cook led the way with 67 as NPW were bowled out for 159, Paul Rocks lending good middle-order support with 24.
Pick of the visitors' bowling was Steve O'Dare with five for 61, although Nuttall and McCall took a brace apiece.
McCall then scored 42 but found little support as Skegness were bowled out for 115, Mark Jackson bagging six for 35 and Paul Farrell three for 33.
Monday's match at Hartsholme was in complete contrast, with Roberts and Nick Wilkinson both making 58 as the Lincoln team totalled 178 for six(Perry three for 27).
The Steelmen had no answer to veteran George Thompson, once of Cleethorpes, who returned the miserly figures of five for 29 in 21.1 overs.
Barker almost matched him with five for 31, and the visitors were skittled for 83.
Nettleham went down by nine wickets on Saturday when they entertained Scunthorpe Town.
Hutchinson (25) and Hickingbotham (21) played the only innings of note as Nettleham were bowled out for 90, John Danson returning the fine figures of six for 35.
Openers Todd (37) and Bansal (50 not out) took Town to within sight of victory before Smith trapped the former lbw. But it was a case of too little, too late.
On Monday, Scunthorpe Town entertained Cleethorpes and were beaten by eight wickets.
Taking the field after winning the toss, Peter Thompson and Paul Nilsson gave little away and nipped out batsmen at regular intervals to reduce the home side to 26 for six.
Scunthorpe batted stubbornly and were only dismissed in the final over, having crawled to 67.
Nilsson recorded the remarkable analysis of three for five in 13 overs, 10 of which were maidens, and Paul Hewstone claimed five victims behind the stumps.
The Meggies were reduced to 18 for two but those were the only wickets to fall as Inderjit Hayre and Colin Willerton put on 52 to see them home in the 19th over.
Saturday's low-scoring match at Hartsholme, where last season's runners-up Alkborough were the visitors, saw the Scunthorpe area side record a 31-run victory, although it brought them only 14 points.
Jon Bramhill top scored with 45 for Alkborough who were bowled out for 124, George Thompson taking five for 52.
Hartsholme were reduced to 93 for eight, in which Wilkinson contributed 26.
Most of the damage was done by Steve Clay, who took six for 43 in 23 overs.
It was a disappointing bank holiday for reigning champions Owmby who lost twice.
Saturday's game with Cleethorpes saw the West Lindsey side take first use of the wicket and total 144 for nine, principal contributors being Chander-Nair with 33 and Bowring (29 not out).
Lowery was the most successful of the Meggies bowlers with three for 42.
Cleethorpes just reached their target with three wickets in hand, Hayre leading the way with 43.
Owmby were bowled out for 85 on Monday by Skegness, for whom West took six for 31 in 18 overs, and Steve O'Dare two for 17 in 12.
The Seasiders had no problem reaching their target, losing just one wicket - to a run-out.
DIVISION ONE
Alex Osmond, just 15, and left-arm seamer Paul Nilsson, were the stars of the show as Cleethorpes routed Hykeham by 168 runs at Chichester Road on Saturday.
The Meggies posted an impressive 223 for seven, with Osmond making a fine 117, well supported by experienced former Lincolnshire batsman Bob Leafe, who made 59.
Pilkington and Smith took three wickets apiece for the visitors in what turned out to be a day of toil.
Hykeham had no answer to the new ball duo of Nilsson (six for 27) and Jamie Pickles (three for 16), being bowled out for 55 in 23 overs.
Mark Daley played a real captain's innings for Rustons but his side went down by eight wickets at South Kelsey on Saturday.
He opened the batting and made 49 out of a total of 86, no-one else reaching double figures, as spinner Laurence Waghorn claimed five for 18.
A couple of early wickets by Fowler gave the Lincoln side some hope but Andy Heath and Dave Metheringham saw Kelsey to a comfortable victory.
Opener John Casswell used all his experience to compile a fine 70 as Messingham 2nds enjoyed an 80-wicket home victory over Outcasts, from Crowle.
He was the mainstay of a useful 179 for nine, Watson claiming three for 43 and in-form keeper Wills holding three catches and effecting two stumpings.
Tom Lane, just 14, took four for 28, and Dave Dawson held three catches, as Outcasts were bowled out for 96, Simon Lewis top-scoring with 30.
Cherry Willingham secured a 49-run home win over Messingham on Saturday.
Pick of the Cherry innings was opener Beattie, with 46, although Wilkinson (28) chipped in usefully down the order, and 30 extras helped bolster the total to 159 for seven.
Lane and Dales each took two wickets for the visitors who were then contained to 110 for seven, Langford being unbeaten on 49, as Kettleborough bagged three for 32.
Alford went down by three wickets to Holton-le-Clay on Saturday.
The home side were bowled out for 116, to which opener Nickson impressed with 34.
Ady Portus (five for 39) and Haith (three for 20) were the main destroyers.
An opening stand of 45 between Campbell and Farrow set Holton-le-Clay on their way, and Borum's 28 meant that, despite the tumble of middle-order wickets, the visitors won comfortably enough.
DIVISION TWO
Appleby-Frodingham opened their division two campaign in fine style with a 20-run victory over Horncastle on Saturday.
Frod began well with Paul Morland making 64 as the score progressed to 119 for three after 25 overs, and a formidable target looked on the cards.
But Mike Devereux, the visiting captain, had other ideas, taking five for 20 to restrict the Steelmen to 185 all out.
Sreedharran led the reply with a fine 50 before he fell to Mick Powell, and at 91 for six Frod appeared to be home and dry once again.
But that man Devereux battled back to round off an excellent individual perormance with a superb, unbeaten 60.
However, it was not quite to be his day as new Frod skipper Powell took six for 36 to see his team home with two overs to spare.
The Steelmen came down to earth with a bump on Monday, however, when they returned empty-handed from Caistor.
Steve McIntosh opened and made 27 but Tom Tear and Mick Powell were the only other double-figure scores in a disappointing 70 all-out, Thompson and Percival both taking three wickets.
Mellors (36) eased Caistor to an eight-wicket win, despite Hilton claiming both openers.
Caistor's weekend began in a fine style when they inflicted a 78-run Saturday defeat on visitors Keelby.
Terry Lawrence (71 not out) and Dave Gowshall (51) ensured Caistor reached the dizzy heights of 200 for nine, although bowler No. 7, Dick Papps, had creditable figures of three for 14.
Keelby replied with 122 for six, Skipworth making an unbeaten 51.
DIVISION THREE
Teenager opener Peter Mumby - a new addition to the Haxey ranks - scored 53 as his side enjoyed a big 99-run victory over visiting South Kelsey in division three.
Runs also flowed for Stanser (56), veteran Peter Drew (32 not out), Smith (28 not out)and Gary Mann (22) and a total of 222 for four always looked a tough target.
Having lost the usually quick-scoring Karl Dixon with just a run on the board, nine-strong Kelsey never threatened, although Harker (34) and Pearson (32) could feel pleased with their efforts in a score of 123 all out.
A similar game was played out at Hykeham where Littlefields enjoyed a 121-run triumph on Saturday.
After useful knocks of 43 and 34 respectively for the Grimsby team from Bould and Toyne, the scene was set for Donovan, at No. 8, to contribute an invaluable 61 not out.
In Littlefields' innings of 217 for nine, Townsend claimed three wickets, and there were two each for Smith, Poundall and Warner.
An opening stand of 54 gave the Lincoln side a solid base but after Warner had departed for 40, they batted out the overs to finish on 96 for six, King claiming four for 24.
Caistor again showed good early-season form to secure a five-win win from Saturday's visit to Outcasts.
Opener Dave Hobson, with 63, scored more than half the Isle of Axholme side's 120 for nine, as Freeman and Bob Welton both bagged four wickets.
Caistor did not make the best of starts, losing Ben Jacob retired hurt, Melville bowled by Simon Lewis and two men to run-outs.
But Mason (31 not out), aided by Will Jacob and McKitton, turned things back Caistor's way.
In a close encounter of the Alkborough kind, the villagers inched home by nine runs against Brigg Town, new to the division after suffering relegation.
Left-armer Stu Sharp, opening the Brigg attack, should have been no surprise to the home team, as his early career was spent at Alkborough.
But they were 'spaced out' in the early part of the innings, and with Sharp taking five for 20 Alkborough looked dead and buried at 21 for six.
In a spirited fightback, Fenner (45, including some lusty blows), Andy Clay (18) and Standerline (32) took the score to 111, the latter falling to a particularly good catch by veteran Col Mumby.
Chasing 120, Brigg made a steady start before all-rounders Fenner (four for 35) and Clay (three for 29) got to work and they ended up nine runs short, despite 31 from Paddy Kenny and an unbeaten 23 from Adam Dunderdale.
Bottesford Town secured a 21-run win over Hartsholme at Birch Park.
Former Scunthorpe United footballer Vince Grimes was on the ball at the top of the home order, making 28, but the mainstays of an innings of 148 were keeper Fowler (53) and Andy Proctor (31).
Barry Porter bagged six for 55 in 20 overs, and there were two wickets apiece for Turner and Boothwright, in supporting roles.
Bartle (35) and Boothwright (28) gave the Lincoln side some hope, but four-wicket returns by Andy Prendergast and Rudi Proctor, and a wicket each for Roger Gray and Dave Harvey, saw them bowled out for 127.
DIVISION FOUR
Udi Sheik's all-round value to Littlefields was there for all to see as he played a major part in their six-wicket division four victory over Broughton.
Captain Shaun Roper led Broughton's quest for runs with 35, receiving solid backing from Lumley-Holmes (30) and Hillyard (22) in the middle order.
But the tail failed to wag and the visitors were dismissed for the dreaded cricketer's Nelson (111), Sheik finishing with six for 35 and Greetham two for 18.
Jarvis, with 35, gave Littlefields a good base, built upon by John McLellan (19) and Sheikh (26 not out).
Experienced seamer Dave Atkinson took two of the wickets to fall as the home team eased home on 113 for four.
Rustons failed to overcome team-raising problems and were forced to forfeit Saturday's game at Scunthorpe Town, who therefore, under league rules, won on a walkover.
Scunthorpe had to work a little harder for victory on Sunday when they notched up a five-wicket home win over Alford in a 'double-header' also counting as a Bob Welton Cup encounter.
Geoff Allen, batting at No. 8, top scored with 31 as Alford were dismissed for 102, John Danson taking three for 13.
Allen's off-spin then brought him three for 18 but there was no stopping Scunthorpe's Simon Kiddle who opened and was still there with 80 to his name when victory was secured.
Nettleham visited Keelby and returned home with the full 20 points after a workmanlike display.
Connor, batting at No. 5, helped the Lincoln area side to a useful 142 for nine, aided late in the innings by Bunn's 23.
Diable - the sixth bowler tried by Keelby - took three for 21, with Lowe managing two for 26.
Jeremy Slater and Johnson both reached the teens in a disappointing reply of 54 all out, Plummer taking six for 30 in 12.1 overs and Childs three for 13.
Cherry Willingham wrapped up a six-wicket win at Broughton on Monday.
Dave Robinson (57) and Paul Clark (38 not out) dominated the home team's effort of 144 for seven, spinner Spikings claiming three for 26.
Clark then nipped out both openers only for Coupland (60 not out) and Shooter (44) to share a match-winning stand.
Rustons beat Nettleham by 10 runs in the Lincoln derby on Monday, batting first and getting away to a flying start with an opening stand of 92 between Fowler (45) and Hamnett (43 not out).
A score of 166 for five set up an interesting game, Nettleham replying with 156 for nine, of which opener Young made 33.
Hamnett showed that his bowling can be an useful as his batting with six for 32, aided by Phipps (three for 46).
DIVISION FIVE
Rob Bain fully demonstrated the old cricketing adage about getting rewards for bowling straight as he starred in North Thoresby's 44-run win at Hibaldstow in division five.
The visitors, with only nine players, batted first and were bowled out for 80 just three men getting into double figures - Jacklin (30), opener Eadie (17) and Marfleet (16 not out).
Gary Dixon and Jon Taylor both bagged two wickets, while the support bowlers gave little away, old campaigner George Filby taking one for eight in five overs, three of which were maidens.
However, Hibaldstow found runs even harder to come by, Steve Bell's 18 being the only innings of note, with six ducks among a dismal scorecard of 36 all out.
Bain took six for 13, clean bowling five of his victims and having one leg-before, while Marfleet snapped up three wickets, again taken without the need for any fielder's intervention.
A stand of 114 between Keith Castle (61 not out) and Terry Freeman (52 not out) was the highlight of Hainton's seven-wicket win at South Bank on Saturday.
Dan Healy (41) and Tony Potter (30) boosted the Bankers' total to 145, helped by 29 extras, with Bruce Roberts claiming six for 48 and Ed Bromley four for 42.
Hainton lost both openers for ducks, then Ern Bromley for 10, before Castle and Freeman saw them home.
CUP GAMES
Dave White made the weekend's only century, as Allied Labs cruised through to the next round of the Barry Fenton Cup at the expense of Tetney.
Going in at the fall of the first wicket, and with just one run on the board, he made 121.
With I. Taylor (45 not out) also in good form, the home team totalled 251 for eight.
The Tetney bowling figures were obviously on the expensive side but Laird claimed three for 57.
The visitors reached 104 for nine in reply, opener Carter hitting 30 and Bray 22, while Dye bagged three for 18 in his allocation of nine overs.
In the George Marshall Trophy on Sunday, Alkborough defeated Holton-le-Clay by six wickets.
Chamberlin (48 not out) and Haith (25) were the significant scorers in a Holton-le-Clay score of 112 for five.
Bell (47 not out) and Standerline (36) then ensured that there was no shock result.
A SUPER innings of 121 by Dave White of Allied Labs was the top score of the Bank Holiday Monday programme in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League.
Dave's century came for Grimsby team Allied Labs in a Barry Fenton Trophy preliminary round tie against Tetney in a big score of 251 for eight.
Generally, however, the ball dominated the bat, with a number of fairly low scores.
In the premier division, there was a six-wicket haul for Alkborough's Steve Clay in a convincing win over Haxey, while a five-wicket return by veteran George Thompson was a feature of a convincing win by Hartsholme over Normanby Park Works.
Reigning champions Owmby suffered a nine-wicket defeat against Skegness, while Cleethorpes collected maximum points at the expense of Scunthorpe Town.
In division one, Messingham's experienced campaigner John Casswell hit 70 in their victory over Outcasts, from the Isle of Axholme.
The division four Lincoln derby saw Rustons defeat Nettleham by 10 runs, helped by a fine all-round performance from Hamnett who took six wickets and scored 43.
MONDAY
Premier division: Haxey 94 (S. Clay 6-15), Alkborough 95 for one (Bramhill 50 not out); Hartsholme 178 for six (Roberts 58, Wilkinson 58), Normanby Park Works 83 (Thompson 5-29, Barker 5-31); Owmby 85 (West 6-31), Skegness 87 for one; Scunthorpe Town 67, Cleethorpes 70 for two.
Division one: Messingham 179 for nine (Casswell 70), Outcasts 96.
Division two: Appleby-Frodingham 70, Caistor 71 for two.
Division four: Broughton 144 for eight (Robinson 57), Cherry Willingham 145 for four (Coupland 60 not out); Rustons 166 for five, Nettleham 156 for nine (Hamnett 6-32).
Barry Fenton Trophy: Allied Labs 251 for eight (White 121), Tetney 104 for nine.
SATURDAY
(Additional Scores)
Division one: Cleethorpes 223 for seven (Osmond 117, Leafe 59), Hykeham 55 (Nilsson 6-27).
Division three: Bottesford 148 (Fowler 53, Porter 6-55), Hartsholme 127.
PREMIER division match of the day in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League tomorrow (Saturday) is at Chichester Road, Cleethorpes, where Bracebridge are the visitors.
NEWLY-promoted to the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division, Normanby Park Works had a mixed Bank Holiday weekend, defeating Skegness but then losing to Hartsholme.
Saturday saw the Scunthorpe Steelmen entertain Skegness and record a 44-run victory.
Opener Paul Cook led the way with 67 as NPW were bowled out for 159, Paul Rocks lending good middle-order support with 24.
Pick of the visitors' bowling was Steve O'Dare with five for 61, although Nuttall and McCall took a brace apiece.
McCall then scored 42 but found little support as Skegness were bowled out for 115, Mark Jackson bagging six for 35 and Paul Farrell three for 33.
Monday's match at Hartsholme was in complete contrast, with Roberts and Nick Wilkinson both making 58 as the Lincoln team totalled 178 for six(Perry three for 27).
The Steelmen had no answer to veteran George Thompson, once of Cleethorpes, who returned the miserly figures of five for 29 in 21.1 overs.
Barker almost matched him with five for 31, and the visitors were skittled for 83.
Nettleham went down by nine wickets on Saturday when they entertained Scunthorpe Town.
Hutchinson (25) and Hickingbotham (21) played the only innings of note as Nettleham were bowled out for 90, John Danson returning the fine figures of six for 35.
Openers Todd (37) and Bansal (50 not out) took Town to within sight of victory before Smith trapped the former lbw. But it was a case of too little, too late.
On Monday, Scunthorpe Town entertained Cleethorpes and were beaten by eight wickets.
Taking the field after winning the toss, Peter Thompson and Paul Nilsson gave little away and nipped out batsmen at regular intervals to reduce the home side to 26 for six.
Scunthorpe batted stubbornly and were only dismissed in the final over, having crawled to 67.
Nilsson recorded the remarkable analysis of three for five in 13 overs, 10 of which were maidens, and Paul Hewstone claimed five victims behind the stumps.
The Meggies were reduced to 18 for two but those were the only wickets to fall as Inderjit Hayre and Colin Willerton put on 52 to see them home in the 19th over.
Saturday's low-scoring match at Hartsholme, where last season's runners-up Alkborough were the visitors, saw the Scunthorpe area side record a 31-run victory, although it brought them only 14 points.
Jon Bramhill top scored with 45 for Alkborough who were bowled out for 124, George Thompson taking five for 52.
Hartsholme were reduced to 93 for eight, in which Wilkinson contributed 26.
Most of the damage was done by Steve Clay, who took six for 43 in 23 overs.
It was a disappointing bank holiday for reigning champions Owmby who lost twice.
Saturday's game with Cleethorpes saw the West Lindsey side take first use of the wicket and total 144 for nine, principal contributors being Chander-Nair with 33 and Bowring (29 not out).
Lowery was the most successful of the Meggies bowlers with three for 42.
Cleethorpes just reached their target with three wickets in hand, Hayre leading the way with 43.
Owmby were bowled out for 85 on Monday by Skegness, for whom West took six for 31 in 18 overs, and Steve O'Dare two for 17 in 12.
The Seasiders had no problem reaching their target, losing just one wicket - to a run-out.
DIVISION ONE
Alex Osmond, just 15, and left-arm seamer Paul Nilsson, were the stars of the show as Cleethorpes routed Hykeham by 168 runs at Chichester Road on Saturday.
The Meggies posted an impressive 223 for seven, with Osmond making a fine 117, well supported by experienced former Lincolnshire batsman Bob Leafe, who made 59.
Pilkington and Smith took three wickets apiece for the visitors in what turned out to be a day of toil.
Hykeham had no answer to the new ball duo of Nilsson (six for 27) and Jamie Pickles (three for 16), being bowled out for 55 in 23 overs.
Mark Daley played a real captain's innings for Rustons but his side went down by eight wickets at South Kelsey on Saturday.
He opened the batting and made 49 out of a total of 86, no-one else reaching double figures, as spinner Laurence Waghorn claimed five for 18.
A couple of early wickets by Fowler gave the Lincoln side some hope but Andy Heath and Dave Metheringham saw Kelsey to a comfortable victory.
Opener John Casswell used all his experience to compile a fine 70 as Messingham 2nds enjoyed an 80-wicket home victory over Outcasts, from Crowle.
He was the mainstay of a useful 179 for nine, Watson claiming three for 43 and in-form keeper Wills holding three catches and effecting two stumpings.
Tom Lane, just 14, took four for 28, and Dave Dawson held three catches, as Outcasts were bowled out for 96, Simon Lewis top-scoring with 30.
Cherry Willingham secured a 49-run home win over Messingham on Saturday.
Pick of the Cherry innings was opener Beattie, with 46, although Wilkinson (28) chipped in usefully down the order, and 30 extras helped bolster the total to 159 for seven.
Lane and Dales each took two wickets for the visitors who were then contained to 110 for seven, Langford being unbeaten on 49, as Kettleborough bagged three for 32.
Alford went down by three wickets to Holton-le-Clay on Saturday.
The home side were bowled out for 116, to which opener Nickson impressed with 34.
Ady Portus (five for 39) and Haith (three for 20) were the main destroyers.
An opening stand of 45 between Campbell and Farrow set Holton-le-Clay on their way, and Borum's 28 meant that, despite the tumble of middle-order wickets, the visitors won comfortably enough.
DIVISION TWO
Appleby-Frodingham opened their division two campaign in fine style with a 20-run victory over Horncastle on Saturday.
Frod began well with Paul Morland making 64 as the score progressed to 119 for three after 25 overs, and a formidable target looked on the cards.
But Mike Devereux, the visiting captain, had other ideas, taking five for 20 to restrict the Steelmen to 185 all out.
Sreedharran led the reply with a fine 50 before he fell to Mick Powell, and at 91 for six Frod appeared to be home and dry once again.
But that man Devereux battled back to round off an excellent individual perormance with a superb, unbeaten 60.
However, it was not quite to be his day as new Frod skipper Powell took six for 36 to see his team home with two overs to spare.
The Steelmen came down to earth with a bump on Monday, however, when they returned empty-handed from Caistor.
Steve McIntosh opened and made 27 but Tom Tear and Mick Powell were the only other double-figure scores in a disappointing 70 all-out, Thompson and Percival both taking three wickets.
Mellors (36) eased Caistor to an eight-wicket win, despite Hilton claiming both openers.
Caistor's weekend began in a fine style when they inflicted a 78-run Saturday defeat on visitors Keelby.
Terry Lawrence (71 not out) and Dave Gowshall (51) ensured Caistor reached the dizzy heights of 200 for nine, although bowler No. 7, Dick Papps, had creditable figures of three for 14.
Keelby replied with 122 for six, Skipworth making an unbeaten 51.
DIVISION THREE
Teenager opener Peter Mumby - a new addition to the Haxey ranks - scored 53 as his side enjoyed a big 99-run victory over visiting South Kelsey in division three.
Runs also flowed for Stanser (56), veteran Peter Drew (32 not out), Smith (28 not out)and Gary Mann (22) and a total of 222 for four always looked a tough target.
Having lost the usually quick-scoring Karl Dixon with just a run on the board, nine-strong Kelsey never threatened, although Harker (34) and Pearson (32) could feel pleased with their efforts in a score of 123 all out.
A similar game was played out at Hykeham where Littlefields enjoyed a 121-run triumph on Saturday.
After useful knocks of 43 and 34 respectively for the Grimsby team from Bould and Toyne, the scene was set for Donovan, at No. 8, to contribute an invaluable 61 not out.
In Littlefields' innings of 217 for nine, Townsend claimed three wickets, and there were two each for Smith, Poundall and Warner.
An opening stand of 54 gave the Lincoln side a solid base but after Warner had departed for 40, they batted out the overs to finish on 96 for six, King claiming four for 24.
Caistor again showed good early-season form to secure a five-win win from Saturday's visit to Outcasts.
Opener Dave Hobson, with 63, scored more than half the Isle of Axholme side's 120 for nine, as Freeman and Bob Welton both bagged four wickets.
Caistor did not make the best of starts, losing Ben Jacob retired hurt, Melville bowled by Simon Lewis and two men to run-outs.
But Mason (31 not out), aided by Will Jacob and McKitton, turned things back Caistor's way.
In a close encounter of the Alkborough kind, the villagers inched home by nine runs against Brigg Town, new to the division after suffering relegation.
Left-armer Stu Sharp, opening the Brigg attack, should have been no surprise to the home team, as his early career was spent at Alkborough.
But they were 'spaced out' in the early part of the innings, and with Sharp taking five for 20 Alkborough looked dead and buried at 21 for six.
In a spirited fightback, Fenner (45, including some lusty blows), Andy Clay (18) and Standerline (32) took the score to 111, the latter falling to a particularly good catch by veteran Col Mumby.
Chasing 120, Brigg made a steady start before all-rounders Fenner (four for 35) and Clay (three for 29) got to work and they ended up nine runs short, despite 31 from Paddy Kenny and an unbeaten 23 from Adam Dunderdale.
Bottesford Town secured a 21-run win over Hartsholme at Birch Park.
Former Scunthorpe United footballer Vince Grimes was on the ball at the top of the home order, making 28, but the mainstays of an innings of 148 were keeper Fowler (53) and Andy Proctor (31).
Barry Porter bagged six for 55 in 20 overs, and there were two wickets apiece for Turner and Boothwright, in supporting roles.
Bartle (35) and Boothwright (28) gave the Lincoln side some hope, but four-wicket returns by Andy Prendergast and Rudi Proctor, and a wicket each for Roger Gray and Dave Harvey, saw them bowled out for 127.
DIVISION FOUR
Udi Sheik's all-round value to Littlefields was there for all to see as he played a major part in their six-wicket division four victory over Broughton.
Captain Shaun Roper led Broughton's quest for runs with 35, receiving solid backing from Lumley-Holmes (30) and Hillyard (22) in the middle order.
But the tail failed to wag and the visitors were dismissed for the dreaded cricketer's Nelson (111), Sheik finishing with six for 35 and Greetham two for 18.
Jarvis, with 35, gave Littlefields a good base, built upon by John McLellan (19) and Sheikh (26 not out).
Experienced seamer Dave Atkinson took two of the wickets to fall as the home team eased home on 113 for four.
Rustons failed to overcome team-raising problems and were forced to forfeit Saturday's game at Scunthorpe Town, who therefore, under league rules, won on a walkover.
Scunthorpe had to work a little harder for victory on Sunday when they notched up a five-wicket home win over Alford in a 'double-header' also counting as a Bob Welton Cup encounter.
Geoff Allen, batting at No. 8, top scored with 31 as Alford were dismissed for 102, John Danson taking three for 13.
Allen's off-spin then brought him three for 18 but there was no stopping Scunthorpe's Simon Kiddle who opened and was still there with 80 to his name when victory was secured.
Nettleham visited Keelby and returned home with the full 20 points after a workmanlike display.
Connor, batting at No. 5, helped the Lincoln area side to a useful 142 for nine, aided late in the innings by Bunn's 23.
Diable - the sixth bowler tried by Keelby - took three for 21, with Lowe managing two for 26.
Jeremy Slater and Johnson both reached the teens in a disappointing reply of 54 all out, Plummer taking six for 30 in 12.1 overs and Childs three for 13.
Cherry Willingham wrapped up a six-wicket win at Broughton on Monday.
Dave Robinson (57) and Paul Clark (38 not out) dominated the home team's effort of 144 for seven, spinner Spikings claiming three for 26.
Clark then nipped out both openers only for Coupland (60 not out) and Shooter (44) to share a match-winning stand.
Rustons beat Nettleham by 10 runs in the Lincoln derby on Monday, batting first and getting away to a flying start with an opening stand of 92 between Fowler (45) and Hamnett (43 not out).
A score of 166 for five set up an interesting game, Nettleham replying with 156 for nine, of which opener Young made 33.
Hamnett showed that his bowling can be an useful as his batting with six for 32, aided by Phipps (three for 46).
DIVISION FIVE
Rob Bain fully demonstrated the old cricketing adage about getting rewards for bowling straight as he starred in North Thoresby's 44-run win at Hibaldstow in division five.
The visitors, with only nine players, batted first and were bowled out for 80 just three men getting into double figures - Jacklin (30), opener Eadie (17) and Marfleet (16 not out).
Gary Dixon and Jon Taylor both bagged two wickets, while the support bowlers gave little away, old campaigner George Filby taking one for eight in five overs, three of which were maidens.
However, Hibaldstow found runs even harder to come by, Steve Bell's 18 being the only innings of note, with six ducks among a dismal scorecard of 36 all out.
Bain took six for 13, clean bowling five of his victims and having one leg-before, while Marfleet snapped up three wickets, again taken without the need for any fielder's intervention.
A stand of 114 between Keith Castle (61 not out) and Terry Freeman (52 not out) was the highlight of Hainton's seven-wicket win at South Bank on Saturday.
Dan Healy (41) and Tony Potter (30) boosted the Bankers' total to 145, helped by 29 extras, with Bruce Roberts claiming six for 48 and Ed Bromley four for 42.
Hainton lost both openers for ducks, then Ern Bromley for 10, before Castle and Freeman saw them home.
CUP GAMES
Dave White made the weekend's only century, as Allied Labs cruised through to the next round of the Barry Fenton Cup at the expense of Tetney.
Going in at the fall of the first wicket, and with just one run on the board, he made 121.
With I. Taylor (45 not out) also in good form, the home team totalled 251 for eight.
The Tetney bowling figures were obviously on the expensive side but Laird claimed three for 57.
The visitors reached 104 for nine in reply, opener Carter hitting 30 and Bray 22, while Dye bagged three for 18 in his allocation of nine overs.
In the George Marshall Trophy on Sunday, Alkborough defeated Holton-le-Clay by six wickets.
Chamberlin (48 not out) and Haith (25) were the significant scorers in a Holton-le-Clay score of 112 for five.
Bell (47 not out) and Standerline (36) then ensured that there was no shock result.
A SUPER innings of 121 by Dave White of Allied Labs was the top score of the Bank Holiday Monday programme in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League.
Dave's century came for Grimsby team Allied Labs in a Barry Fenton Trophy preliminary round tie against Tetney in a big score of 251 for eight.
Generally, however, the ball dominated the bat, with a number of fairly low scores.
In the premier division, there was a six-wicket haul for Alkborough's Steve Clay in a convincing win over Haxey, while a five-wicket return by veteran George Thompson was a feature of a convincing win by Hartsholme over Normanby Park Works.
Reigning champions Owmby suffered a nine-wicket defeat against Skegness, while Cleethorpes collected maximum points at the expense of Scunthorpe Town.
In division one, Messingham's experienced campaigner John Casswell hit 70 in their victory over Outcasts, from the Isle of Axholme.
The division four Lincoln derby saw Rustons defeat Nettleham by 10 runs, helped by a fine all-round performance from Hamnett who took six wickets and scored 43.
MONDAY
Premier division: Haxey 94 (S. Clay 6-15), Alkborough 95 for one (Bramhill 50 not out); Hartsholme 178 for six (Roberts 58, Wilkinson 58), Normanby Park Works 83 (Thompson 5-29, Barker 5-31); Owmby 85 (West 6-31), Skegness 87 for one; Scunthorpe Town 67, Cleethorpes 70 for two.
Division one: Messingham 179 for nine (Casswell 70), Outcasts 96.
Division two: Appleby-Frodingham 70, Caistor 71 for two.
Division four: Broughton 144 for eight (Robinson 57), Cherry Willingham 145 for four (Coupland 60 not out); Rustons 166 for five, Nettleham 156 for nine (Hamnett 6-32).
Barry Fenton Trophy: Allied Labs 251 for eight (White 121), Tetney 104 for nine.
SATURDAY
(Additional Scores)
Division one: Cleethorpes 223 for seven (Osmond 117, Leafe 59), Hykeham 55 (Nilsson 6-27).
Division three: Bottesford 148 (Fowler 53, Porter 6-55), Hartsholme 127.
Both teams have already turned in some impressive displays and will be keen to give little away, although home advantage may count in the Meggies' favour.
Just up the road, at Augusta Street, Grimsby Town entertain Haxey, while, in the Scunthorpe area, last season's runners-up, Alkborough, host Nettleham in another interesting encounter.
Reigning champions Owmby have not made the best of starts but will be looking to put that behind them when they entertain Normanby Park Works.
Most divisions are already underway but some clubs from the basement section, division five, will be making their first appearances of the season this weekend - on either Saturday or Sunday.
All clubs are reminded that they must telephone their result on Saturday evening or Sunday morning to (01652) 655134, even though they may be intending to fax their scoresheet to (01724) 273101.
This is to enable all the results to be collected, and reports prepared, by Sunday evening.
Fixtures
SATURDAY
Premier division: Hartsholme v Scunthorpe Town, Alkborough v Nettleham, Louth v Skegness, Owmby v Normanby Park Works, Cleethorpes v Bracebridge Heath, Grimsby Town v Haxey.
Division one: Cherry Willingham v Millennium, Alford v Rustons, Messingham v Holton-le-Clay, Hykeham v South Kelsey, Outcasts v Cleethorpes.
Division two: Barton Town v Caistor, Horncastle v Hartsholme, Broughton v Appleby-Frodingham, Market Rasen v Keelby.
Division three: Haxey v Brigg, Immingham Blossom Way Police v Alkborough, South Kelsey v Hykeham, Littlefields v Outcasts.
Division four: Nettleham v Cherry Willingham, Rustons v Alford, Bottesford v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Scunthorpe Town v Broughton.
Barry Fenton Cup preliminary round: Brigg Town v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
Division two: Market Rasen v Broughton.
Division three: Caistor v Louth.
Division five: Allied Labs v Hibaldstow, Bentley St James v Tetney, Hainton v Lucarlys.
* Games in the premier league are scheduled to start at 1.30pm; matches in all other divisions at 2pm.
TEAMS from all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League are in cup action tomorrow (SAT MAY 18) in three competitions.
In the George Marshall Trophy, aimed at first teams, Alkborough, who saw off Holton-le-Clay in the only preliminary round tie on May 5, are rewarded with a home tie against fellow premier leaguers Scunthorpe Town, while reigning premier league champions Owmby host Hartsholme.
Among the lower division teams hoping for giant-killing performances against premier league opposition are Bottesford who journey to Bracebridge Heath , Littlefields who travel to Skegness and Horncastle who enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe side Normanby Park Works.
All 16 George Marshall Trophy ties are scheduled for tomorrow, with the exception of Barton Town v Hykeham, to be played at Marsh Lane on Sunday.
The Bob Welton Cup is mainly for second teams and holders Grimsby Town journey to Hykeham, while an interesting tie is in prospect at Heslam Park where Scunthorpe Town host Clethorpes.
The former Humberside Alliance teams, from division five, are in action in the Barry Fenton Cup, with holders North Thoresby drawn at home to South Bank.
Allied Labs, who were one of the four clubs unlucky enough to have to contest preliminary round ties, are rewarded for a convincing victory over Tetney with a walkover tomorrow, scheduled opponents Millennium 2nds having dropped out of the league, due to team-raising problems.
That puts Allied Labs straight through to the semi-finals on July 7.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 18
George Marshall Trophy round one: Alkborough v Scunthorpe Town, Outcasts v Cleethorpes, Horncastle v Normanby Park Works, Market Rasen v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Caistor v Messingham, Rustons v Haxey, Bracebridge Heath v Bottesford, Nettleham v Alford, Immingham Blossom Way v Brigg Town, Grimsby Town v South Kelsey, Millennium v Broughton, Owmby v Hartsholme, Cherry Willingham v Louth, Keelby v Appleby-Frodingham, Skegness v Littlefields.
Bob Welton Cup round one: Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes, Alkborough v Outcasts (venue may change), Bottesford v Hartsholme, Louth v Keelby, Haxey v Caistor, Cherry Willingham v South Kelsey, Hykeham v Grimsby Town, Littlefields v Nettleham.
Barry Fenton Cup round one: Hainton v Hibaldstow, North Thoresby v South Bank, Lucarlys v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
George Marshall Trophy round one: Barton Town v Hykeham.
THE arrival of a Test player has been all the talk of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League this week - on and off the field.
Scunthorpe Town's new international overseas star, Doddanarasiah "Dodda" Ganesh, stepped straight off the plane from India and made his mark in his very first game in the UK, helping secure a five-wicket win at Hartsholme in the premier division.
The 28-year-old right-arm seamer, with four Tests and a One Day International under his belt, opened the Town attack, rapping the Lincoln openers on the pads several times before getting his first wicket in the seventh over.
Sorby, who had struggled against the pace and swing, was deceived by a slower ball and spooned a high chance to mid-off, which was comfortably taken by young Kunwardeep Singh Bansil.
Keeping the runs down at the other end was the ever-accurate Jon Jacklin.
Ganesh removed two more batsmen, caught by keeper Simon Kiddle, before a stand of 53 between Sewell (35) and Bunn (19).
But once they had gone to catches off the Indian international the innings started to crumble.
Ganesh grabbed a couple more wickets to finish with six for 51 from 21 overs, and young Neil Patrick took three - all bowled - to end the Hartsholme innings on 117.
When Scunthorpe replied, Lincolnshire under-17 players Robert Todd and Bansil took 20 from the first 10 overs before falling victim to the experienced George Thompson.
Only 12 runs came in the next 16 overs as the visitors consolidated, but by the time skipper Ken Wardman departed the score had moved on to 54.
Thompson, the veteran performer, was again the star of the Hartsholme attack, claiming thee for 38 in 23 accurate overs, 11 of which were maidens.
After a cautious start, all-rounder Jacklin let rip with three fours in the same over to swing the odds back in Scunthorpe's favour.
Kiddle was next to go after a patient 34, leaving the target at 25 from seven overs.
Ganesh then joined Jacklin and although the latter was run out for 29 after falling badly with a muscle strain, Patrick joined his Test colleague who finished the match with a big four over square leg.
It was a great debut for the Indian star, currently living in Goole, although the Hartsholme ground was a little different to Cape Town, where he made his Test debut during the 1996/7 series against South Africa.
Ganesh also played Test cricket on the 1996/7 West Indies tour.
His solitary One Day International, to date, was against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo that same year.
In first class cricket the Bangalore-born player has taken 271 wickets and scored 1,118 runs with a highest score of 76.
His domestic cricket in India has been with Karnataka, which boasts other internationals like Srinath, Prasad and Joshi.
Cleethorpes 2nds went to the top of the premier division after a crushing nine-wicket victory over Normanby Park Works at Chichester Road on Sunday.
The visitors won the toss and took first use of a beautiful batting surface prepared by Howard Swain.
But they were rocked by a new ball burst from Mark Bellamy which brought him three wickets and left the Steelmen on 33 for four.
Kev Bray stood firm at No. 4 and, with Nigel Forster, added 32 for the
fifth wicket before both were dismissed by Karl Walton - Bray for 31 and his partner for 20.
The only other NPW resistance came from No. 9 Mark Jackson who was undefeated on 23 when the innings crawled to a halt at 125 for nine after 50 overs.
This was at least 100 runs short of a par score for the quality of the batting surface and quick outfield.
Bellamy finished with three for 20 from a 15-over spell and Walton four for 33 from 12.
Visiting hopes of victory were quickly dashed as John Hood and Colin Willerton compiled a superb opening partnership of 120.
Hood was dismissed by Paul Farrell for 48 but Willerton remained unbeaten on 69 as the Meggies romped home in the 24th over.
Saturday saw Cleethorpes take maximum points from Bracebridge Heath at Chichester Road, the 125-run victory avenging an opening day defeat against the Lincoln side.
The Meggies were asked to bat first and a 49-run opening stand, in even time, got them off to a flier before James Osmond was caught for 34.
Willerton failed for once, caught behind for three, but Inderjit Hayre took centre stage with a dominating, undefeated 89 - full of powerful drives and cuts and containing 11 fours and a six.
He put on 30 with Walton and 73 with Paul Hewstone as the home side finished on 205 for five, Stuart Gunthorpe taking two for 49 and South African-born Gerard van der Venter two for 80.
Bracebridge made a bad start, losing van der Venter for three to Peter Thompson, and Mark Bellamy picked up the wicket of Graves to make it 19 for two.
A partnership of 32 between McDowell and Australian Marslin steadied the ship but, with the score on 51, Walton and Paul Nilsson were introduced to the attack and proceeded to run through the visiting batting.
Only McDowell (24) and Marslin (19) made double figures as the innings crashed to 80 all out, Nilsson picking up three for 17 and Walton four for 14.
Owmby, reigning premier champions, returned to form with a convincing home win over Normanby Park Works.
Afer the early departure of Leek, snapped up by Mick Finch, the Chands - Ramesh and Garmesh - shared a century stand.
The former was finally dismissed caught behind for 70 off Nigel Forster, but Garmesh stayed unbeaten on 72 as the West Lindsey side reached 189 for five.
Pick of the NPW bowlers in terms of wickets was Paul Rocks, who claimed three for 28, albeit from five overs, while Forster had to be content with one for 88 from a marathon stint of 25.
The Cooks gave their side a fair start with an initial stand of 30 but one they had departed the middle-order fell away badly.
Nigel Barnes, batting at No. 8, steadied things with 27 but the visitors were finally bowled out for 118 in the penultimate over.
McGowan claimed three for 22, and there were two wickets apiece for Ramesh Chand, Wilson Jnr and Lawson.
There was a high-scoring thriller at Augusta Street, Haxey inching to a five-run victory over Grimsby Town 2nds.
An opening stand of 72 for the Isle of Axholme visitors set the scene for the rest of the day.
They totalled 210 for six, opener John Green leading the way with 52 and other good contributions coming from Bayliss (41), Stanser (38), Andy Torr (25) and Fleet (27 not out).
Dennis took two for 30 to record the best figures for Town who proceeded to go literally one better than Haxey, with an opening stand of 73.
Grimsby tried to build on the base given them by Ian Hallam (62) and Lee Stephens (41) but could not quite up the tempo sufficiently and finished on 205 for eight.
Robinson took five for 94 in a 24-over marathon, with Torr (three for 56)in the supporting role.
Mark Irving's unbeaten 93 helped Louth secure a two-wicket win over Skegness.
The Seasiders had batted first and reached 152 for eight, McCall leading the way with 52.
DIVISION ONE
In division one, Cherry Willingham's Tim Shooter hit the top score of the day as his side recorded the biggest victory of the weekend.
His superb 149 dominated a score of 256 for five, and Millennium were bowled out for just 35 in reply.
Cleethorpes 3rds continued to excel with a 105-run victory at Outcasts.
The Meggies batted first and young Alex Osmond again posted a big score with 71 to add to his century the previous week.
He found plenty of suport from new boy Matt Casey, who made 44, and fellow youngster Joe Victory, with a well-constructed 80.
Some lusty blows from Graham Hackney helped towards a huge total of 249 for six at the end of 45 overs.
Whiteley was the chief strike bowler for the Crowle team with four for 87 in 18 overs.
Outcasts lost three quick wickets to Victory and Jamie Pickles - all caught behind by Hackney - but no-one could top Swinbourne's 33 as the innings petered out on 144 for nine.
Victory completed a fine match, taking three for 46, while Paul Ridley snapped up three for 21.
Messingham 2nds secured a comfortable home win over Holton-le-Clay in a game devoid of big scores and major contributions with the ball.
Andy Langford (40) and Watson (34) led the way as Messingham totalled 166 for seven, Portus, Grice and Clark each claiming two wickets.
Clark, Campbell and Portus reached the 20s as the visitors replied with 105 for seven, Lane and Stu Langford claiming two wickets apiece.
South Kelsey raced to a 10-wicket victory at Hykeham and are looking to bounce straight back into the premier.
The home side were bowled out for 100, of which Mitchell contributed 23 in the middle order.
The destroyer-in-chief was spinner Laurence Waghorn (five for 12).
The visitors had no problems, openers Dave Everatt (67 not out) and Ben Taylor (31 not out) making quick work of the target as Hykeham tried seven bowlers in an attempt to break a century opening stand.
Having gone all last term without a win in the premier, relegated Alford tasted the sweet scent of victory when they entertained Rustons.
Useful scores from the Whites (27 and 32) and Calvert (47) made possible a score of 168 for seven, Phipps and Clark taking two wickets apiece.
Rustons' innings was pretty much a one-man show, Fowler making 97 in a total of 156.
He was one of Freeman's six match-winning victims at a cost of 43 runs.
DIVISION TWO
Horncastle wrapped up an easy division two home win over Horncastle 2nds, helped by runs at the very top of the order from Sreedharan (35) and Hall (36) which proved to be the highest of the game.
Barry Porter (for for 32) and Boothright (three for 68) helped restrict the home team to 135 for eight.
But Gordon's unbeaten 28 was the only double-figue score in a dismal reply of 68, Whiting and Jackson both taking three wickets.
Also sadly short of runs were Barton Town 2nds when they met Caistor 2nds at Marsh Lane, being bowled out for 54 - an innings in which Mr Extras led the way with 11!
Foster (five for 15) and Bob Welton (three for seven) were on form with the ball, leaving Caistor's batsmen a meagre target which they reached for the loss of three wickets (Mellors 27).
Market Rasen 2nds are rightly proud of their crop of up-and-coming youngsters, blended with a touch of experience, and this heady mixture was enough to secure a five-wicket home win against Keelby.
Six of the Rasen side were under 16.
The visitors' innings of 155 for seven was built around a century partnership between Parker (62) and Dick Papps (55).
Opening bowler Spensley stuck to his task, claiming six for 56 from 23 overs of honest toil, while Phil Bodsworth chipped in with the important wicket of Papps - one of three men to fall leg-before.
Dave Allenson (76) and Carlton (32) helped secure Rasen's win, Marland - the seventh bowler tried - taking two for 11.
Sunday saw Market Rasen 2nds in action again, but this time they slipped to a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Broughton.
All went well for the home team at the beginning, Carlton (49) and Bishop (35) adding 66 for the first wicket.
But a score of 157 for four proved not nearly enough as visiting openers Hammond (54) and Crawford (44) put on 91, and Dave Robinson gave the innings the necessary uplift with an unbeaten 38.
Broughton came off distinctly second bet on Saturday when they hosted Appleby-Frodingham 2nds.
K. Ali, batting at No. 4, starred in the early part of the Steelmen's innings with 60 but no-one else reached 20 in a final total of 135.
Phil Glentworth took three for 27, including Alis wicket, and Joe Wiley three for 45.
Glentworth opened and made 33 in Broughton's reply but there were no other double-figure contributions in a total of 74.
Dylan Hildreth, who seems to like performing on this Scawby Road ground, was the fourth man used in the attack but helped himself to six for 15, assisted by skipper Mick Powell with two for nine.
DIVISION THREE
Run-hungry Alkborough 2nds returned from Immingham with a huge division three victory over Blossom Way under their belts.
Neil Gray (89 not out) batted right through the visitors' innings of 245 for six, Standerline falling one run short of his half-century and Bell chipping in usefully with 37.
Taylor was the most successful home bowler with two for 51.
Andy Clay was soon among the wickets when Immingham replied, claiming five for 15 as the innings folded at 67, of which Gary Donoghue made 21.
Littlefields enjoyed a run feast against visiting Outcasts 2nds, rattling up 248 for six.
Alan Bould (70) led the way, closely followed by John Toyne (62 not out) and there was a more than useful 43 from King.
C. McAnaney (four for 54) was the most effective bowler on display.
Outcasts replied with 107 for six, Buttrick making an unbeaten 36 and Preston Wallhead 31, as P. Klug finished with four for 17 from 13 accurate overs.
South Kelsey 2nds sewed up a six-wicket home win over Hykeham 2nds.
The Lincoln area side were contained to 84 for nine by some particularly tight village bowling, Nigel Cristofaro bagging three for 19 in 16 overs and Buffham (34) making the only telling contribution with the bat.
Harker (30) and Andy Walton (21) shared a second wicket stand which put Kelsey well on the way to victory, although Smith (three for 28) made them work hard for their runs.
Brigg Town secured their first win of the season - by 13 runs at Haxey 2nds.
Batting first, Brigg were given a good start by captain Lee Fielden (28) and Gary Smith (20) who built a platform on which Matt Mosey built successfully with a well-constructed, unbeaten 80 in a score of 184 for seven.
Michael Roche, bowling against his old club, claimed two for 40.
And when Haxey replied their second Brigg 'old boy,' Peter Mumby, was the first wicket to fall.
Gary Mann (42) gave Haxey real hope but once he departed at 143 for five the rest of the innings fell away as Mick Wescott cleaned up with seven for 80 from 21.4 overs.
DIVISION FOUR
In division four, Immingham Blossom Way Police inched home by two wickets when they visited Birch Park to take on Bottesford 2nds.
Phil Dodge, with 37, and Andy Prendergast (22) were the mainstays of Bottesford's 123 for nine.
Miller (four for 54) and Keith Dent (five for 60) bowled unchanged for the visitors, whose reply was a real 'bits and pieces' affair, but enough to see them home.
Prendergast and Dodge demonstrated their all-round talents, adding to the earlier runs with three and two wickets respectively.
Experience outshone youth when Scunthorpe Town 2nds and Broughton 2nds met on a green wicket at Heslam Park, the visitors emerging the victors by 34 runs.
First to demonstrate that being the wrong side of 40 has done little to diminish his skills was Broughton strokemaker Dave "Boots" Robinson, whose 38 was the dominant knock in a total of 116.
Skipper Harry Bansal (four for 43) and the evergreen Willie McVey (six for 43) led the way in the Scunthorpe attack.
But that just set the scene for another veteran - Broughton's Dave Atkinson - to return the amazing figures of five for eight in 11 overs as Town were bowled out for 82.
The top order collapsed and only Brian McVey and David McKee showed any resistance, leaving Scunthorpe to reflect on all the catches they had put down earlier in the day.
Cherry Willingham 2nds secured an eight-wicket win in their derby clash with Nettleham at the latter's ground.
Young and Plummer reached the 20s for the home side in a disappointing total of 107, as Topliss claimed four for 12 at Matt Dobson three for 18.
Dobson then shone with the bat, opening the innings and seeing Cherry home with an unbeaten 54, partner Singleton departing for 49 and Wild for a duck with the scores level.
Hickingbotham took both the wickets to fall.
Things are looking a little more optimistic for Rustons 2nds, who have failed to fulfil two of their opening league fixtures and a cup-tie, due to team-raising problems. They hope to be back in action next week.
DIVISION FIVE
In division five, Bentley St James secured a six-wicket victory when they entertained Tetney on Sunday.
Tetney's innings of 152 was dominated by opener Walmsley's 89.
He was the last man out, becoming Abbas Ali's final victim in a haul of five for 63.
The promising young all-rounder then showed form with the bat, top scoring with 28 as the Grimsby side made sure of the full 20 points.
Hainton eased their way to a 31-run home victory over Lucarlys in a match described as very sporting.
Bruce Roberts (37) and Ed Bromley (32) were the major contributors to a Hainton total of 128, as Jamie Fountain bagged seven for 56 and the dependable Denis Parker three for 15.
The visitors replied with 97 (Fountain 20) as Paul Bromley finished with four for 23, and Ed Bromley and Roberts with two each.
Veteran Al Porritt was hit on the arm while fielding and was unable to bat, weakening the visitors' hopes of victory.
The match between Allied Labs and Hibaldstow - listed in the league handbook to be played last Sunday - did not take place. Both clubs have been asked to supply a statement to the league so a ruling can be made.
BARRY FENTON CUP
Four wickets in the same over by Abbas Ali helped Bentley St James to a five-wicket victory when they visited Brigg 2nds in the Barry Fenton Cup on Saturday.
Only two home batsmen - Adam Harris and Stu Sharp - reached double figures in a disappointing total of 75, as Ali claimed five for 27.
In what turned out to be his final over he took three wickets in four balls, and then added a fourth scalp, to finish with five for 27.
At the other end, Steve Laister gave very little away, taking two for 14 in nine overs.
Bentley's reply tottered slightly with Tom Brock taking four for 24 and Sharp one for 21, but opener Kev Laister (27) helped steer them into the next round.
AFTER one of two gremlins over the first full weekend of the Lincolnshire League season, almost all clubs phoned through their results in good time last weekend.
Thanks to all concerned from the league's fixture department!
This helped ensure that scores from every game made Monday's papers.
Just a reminder to team captains, vice-captains and secretaries, in anticipation of another trouble-free weekend: results should be telephoned to (01652) 655134 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (01652) 655134 end_of_the_skype_highlighting on Saturday evening or, failing that, Sunday morning.
Scoresheets can then be faxed on (01724) 273101 or posted to Nigel Fisher, 4-5 Park Square, Laneham Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6JH.
Match reports and comments on notable performances are welcome by post, fax or e-mail to
nigel.fisher@scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk
Club photographs for inclusion with reports are also welcome by post or e-mail (JPEG format, please.
Now to clarify the position about team captains' reports on umpires.
These forms need only be completed by captains in the premier division and should be posted, or faxed, to Nigel Fisher.
Clubs in ALL divisions are reminded that ALL their players need to be registered with the ECB, using the standard form.
Players who have registered with their club in seasons gone by do NOT need to complete a new form.
But anyone who has joined a Lincolnshire League club this season must do so, whether a newcomer to the game at senior level or a player transferring from another club.
Forms should be sent to Nigel Fisher.
USE WITH LEAGUE TABLES, AS SUPPLIED BY E-MAIL
LEAGUE tables are being compiled by fixture secretary Glen Sands, from Luddington, and here's the first list of the season...
FRIDAY NIGHT WEEKEND MATCH PREVIEW
TEAMS from all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League are in cup action tomorrow (SAT MAY 18) in three competitions.
In the George Marshall Trophy, aimed at first teams, Alkborough, who saw off Holton-le-Clay in the only preliminary round tie on May 5, are rewarded with a home tie against fellow premier leaguers Scunthorpe Town, while reigning premier league champions Owmby host Hartsholme.
Among the lower division teams hoping for giant-killing performances against premier league opposition are Bottesford who journey to Bracebridge Heath , Littlefields who travel to Skegness and Horncastle who enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe side Normanby Park Works.
All 16 George Marshall Trophy ties are scheduled for tomorrow, with the exception of Barton Town v Hykeham, to be played at Marsh Lane on Sunday.
The Bob Welton Cup is mainly for second teams and holders Grimsby Town journey to Hykeham, while an interesting tie is in prospect at Heslam Park where Scunthorpe Town host Clethorpes.
The former Humberside Alliance teams, from division five, are in action in the Barry Fenton Cup, with holders North Thoresby drawn at home to South Bank.
Allied Labs, who were one of the four clubs unlucky enough to have to contest preliminary round ties, are rewarded for a convincing victory over Tetney with a walkover tomorrow, scheduled opponents Millennium 2nds having dropped out of the league, due to team-raising problems.
That puts Allied Labs straight through to the semi-finals on July 7.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 18
George Marshall Trophy round one: Alkborough v Scunthorpe Town, Outcasts v Cleethorpes, Horncastle v Normanby Park Works, Market Rasen v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Caistor v Messingham, Rustons v Haxey, Bracebridge Heath v Bottesford, Nettleham v Alford, Immingham Blossom Way v Brigg Town, Grimsby Town v South Kelsey, Millennium v Broughton, Owmby v Hartsholme, Cherry Willingham v Louth, Keelby v Appleby-Frodingham, Skegness v Littlefields.
Bob Welton Cup round one: Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes, Alkborough v Outcasts (venue may change), Bottesford v Hartsholme, Louth v Keelby, Haxey v Caistor, Cherry Willingham v South Kelsey, Hykeham v Grimsby Town, Littlefields v Nettleham.
Barry Fenton Cup round one: Hainton v Hibaldstow, North Thoresby v South Bank, Lucarlys v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
George Marshall Trophy round one: Barton Town v Hykeham.
AN Indian international made a surprise appearance in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division on Saturday.
"Dodda" Ganesh, who has played Tests and One-day Internationals, helped Scunthorpe Town defeat Hartsholme by five wickets.
Exacting plenty of swing, he took six for 51 in 21 overs, three of his victims falling to very deceptive slower balls.
The Test star only arrived in this country at the end of last week and is understood to be staying with one of the Scunthorpe Town officials.
The Chand brothers got reigning premier division champions Owmby back to winning ways at the expense of Normanby Park Works, Garmesh making an unbeaten 72 and Ramesh 70.
One of the most exciting games of the weekend was at Augusta Street where Grimsby Town finished five runs adrift of Haxey's 210 for six.
Another premier league close encounter saw Louth (Mark Irving 93 not out) inch home by two wickets at the expense of Skegness.
Cleethorpes 2nds turned in an excellent team performance at Chichester Road to secure a 125-run win over Bracebridge Heath, Inderjit Singh Hayre making an undefeated 89 for the Meggies.
Alkborough's Steve Clay continued his fine early season form, with a five-wicket haul in the victory over Nettleham.
After-match celebrations were held at Alford when the first team won its first Lincs League game for more than a year.
Relegated from the premier division without tasting victory in any of their 22 games last season, Alford won their second match of the new division one campaign, defeating Rustons by 12 runs, despite a defiant 97 from Fowler for the Lincoln side.
Top individual and team scores and the biggest winning margin of the day were all posted by Cherry Willingham, for whom Tim Shooter stroked a boundary-laden 149 in a huge total of 256 for six against Millennium, who were then skittled for 35.
Cleethorpes 3rds found the country air and wicket at Hirst Priory, Crowle, very much to their liking, compiling 249 for six against Outcasts.
In division two, Dave Allenson was again among the runs for Market Rasen 2nds, with a telling 76 in their five-wicket victory over Keelby, while Dylan Hildreth bagged six for 15 to help Appleby-Frodingham 2nds defeat Broughton.
In division three, Brigg Town's Matt Mosey stroked 80 and Mick Wescott took seven wickets, in a 13-run win at Haxey 2nds.
Division three's top scorers were Littlefields who rattled up 248 for six in beating Outcasts 2nds.
Alkborough 2nds were not far behind with 245 for five in a 178-run triumph over Immingham Blossom Way.
In division four, Cherry Willingham 2nds, helped by a half-century from Matt Dobson, easily won their derby clash with Nettleham's second string, while a fine five for eight return by veteran Dave Atkinson helped Broughton 2nds defeat Scunthorpe 2nds.
Ali took three wickets in four balls - and four wickets in the over - for Bentley St James in their five-wicket victory over Brigg 2nds in the Barry Fenton Cup for division five teams.
Yesterday's handful of matches also produced some fine cricket.
In the premier division, Cleethorpes 2nds made it a great weekend, Colin Willerton's undefeated 69 helping secure a nine-wicket victory over Normanby Park Works.
MATCH DETAILS
SATURDAY
Premier division: Haxey 210 for six (Green 52, Robinson 5-94), Grimsby Town 2nds 205 for seven (Hallam 62); Alkborough 118 (Blake 6-49), Nettleham 73 (S. Clay 5-26); Owmby 189 for five (Garmesh Chand 72 not out, Ramesh Chand 70), Normanby Park Works 118; Skegness 152 for eight (McCall 52), Louth 156 for eight (M. Irving 93 not out); Cleethorpes 2nds 205 for five (Hayre 89 not out), Bracebridge 80; Hartsholme 117 (Ganesh 6-51), Scunthorpe Town 118 for five.
Division one: Cleethorpes 3rds 249 for six (Victory 80, Osmond 72, Whiteley 4-87), Outcasts 143 for nine; Alford 168 for seven, Rustons 156 (Fowler 97, Freeman 6-43); Messingham 2nds 166 for seven, Holton-le-Clay 105 for seven; Cherry Willingham 256 for five (Shooter 149), Millennium 35; Hykeham 100 (Waghorn 5-12) South Kelsey 101 for none (Everatt 67 not out).
Division two: Keelby 2nds 155 for seven (Parker 62, Papps 55, Spensley 6-56), Market Rasen 2nds 156 for five (Allenson 76); Barton Town 2nds 54 (Foster 5-15), Caistor 2nds 58 for three; Horncastle 135 for eight, Hartsholme 2nds 68; Appleby-Frodingham 2nds 130 (Ali 60), Broughton 74 (Hildreth 6-15).
Division three: Littlefields 248 for six (Bould 70, Toyne 61 not out), Outcasts 2nds 107 for six; Hykeham 2nds 84 for nine, South Kelsey 2nds 85 for four; Brigg Town 184 for seven (Mosey 80 not out), Haxey 171 (Wescott 7-80); Alkborough 2nds 245 for five (Gray 89 not out), Immingham Blossom Way 67 (A. Clay 5-15).
Division four: Nettleham 2nds 107, Cherry Willingham 2nds 111 for two (Dobson 54 not out); Bottesford 2nds 123 for nine (Dent 5-60), Immingham Blossom Way Police 124 for eight; Rustons 2nds v Alford 2nds - Rustons unable to raise team, match awarded to Alford; Broughton 2nds 116 (McVey 6-43), Scunthorpe Town 2nds 82 (Atkinson 5-8).
Barry Fenton Cup preliminary round: Brigg Town 2nds 76 (Ali 5-27), Bentley St James 77 for five;
SUNDAY
Premier division: Normanby Park Works 125 for nine, Cleethorpes 2nds 126 for one (Willerton 69 not out).
Division two: Market Rasen 2nds 157 for four, Broughton 158 for three (Hammond 54).
Division three: Caistor 3rds 131, Louth 133 for eight (Scarth 51).
Division five: Tetney 152 (Womersley 89, Ali 5-63), Bentley St James 153 for six; Hainton 128 (Fountain 7-56), Lucarlys 97.
CAISTOR 2nds' James Kendall scored a superb, unbeaten 126 as his side enjoyed a comfortable victory over Messingham 2nds in the Lincolnshire Cricket League's George Marshall Trophy on Saturday.
Indian Test seamer Dodda Ganesh was in form with the bat, making a half-century for Scunthorpe Town in their victory over Alkborough.
Dave Robinson, who has been in good early season form, scored 59 as Broughton defeated Grimsby side Millennium, and there were half-centuries from Alford pair Buck and Culver, although they finished on the losing side against Nettleham.
In the Bob Welton Cup, Howard Pirie's five wickets helped Bottesford defeat Hartsholme.
The only Barry Fenton Cup tie to be completed, involving division five teams, saw Hainton triumph at the expense of Hibaldstow.
The wet weather affected ties in all three cup competitions, some failing to get underway and others being abandoned.
Clubs are asked to make every effort to get the uncompleted ties played as soon as possible, the date for the next round of games in all three knockout competions being Sunday, July 7.
In a re-arranged division five league encounter, Allied Labs inched home by one wicket in a thriller at Brigg Town 2nds.
SCORES
George Marshall Trophy: Caistor 2nds 202 for six (Kendall 126 not out), Messingham 2nds 93; Hykeham 110 (Askew 55), Barton Town 2nds 111 for seven; Cherry Willingham 28 for two v Louth - match abandoned due to rain (Louth won on the toss of a coin); Normanby Park Works 240 for seven, Horncastle 94; Brigg Town conceded to Immingham Blossom Way ; Broughton 199 for seven (Robinson 59), Millennium 90; Grimsby Town 2nds 9 for one v Hykeham - match abandoned, to be replayed; Hartsholme 143 for seven, Owmby 141 for seven; Alford 158 for seven (Buck 54, Culver 50), Nettleham 160 for four; Littlefields 70, Skegness 73 for two; Scunthorpe Town 195 for eight (Gamesh 50), Alkborough 107; Rustons 108 for six, Haxey 109 for three; Bottesford 42, Bracebridge Heath 43 for none;
Bob Welton Cup: Hartsholme 2nds 141 for seven (Pirie 5-25), Bottesford 2nds 142 for seven; Haxey 2nds 102, Caistor 3rds 105 for six; Keelby v Louth not played - Louth conceded;
Barry Fenton Cup: Hibaldstow 95, Hainton 96 for five; Lucaryls 85 for two v Bentley St James - abandoned (match to be replayed).
Division five: Brigg Town 143, Allied Labs 144 for nine (played Sunday).
INTRODUCTION
IT was cup Saturday for clubs in all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League with a full range of ties in the George Marshall Trophy (primarily for first teams), the Bob Welton Cup (mainly for second XIs) and the Barry Fenton Cup (for clubs in division five).
Unfortunately, wet weather played havoc, some ties failing to start, others being reduced in length, and some games starting but being abandoned as the heavens opened.
Many clubs have already re-arranged games and those that have yet to do so are urged to get outstanding ties played as soon as possible.
GEORGE MARSHALL TROPHY
WITH all-rounder Tim Bradford in top form, Hartsholme inched home by two runs at fellow premier leaguers Owmby in the closest George Marshall Trophy tie of the weekend.
The visitors posted a useful score of 143 for seven in their 45 overs, Bradford contributing 33 and Roberts 35, while Ram Chand and M. Wilson Jnr both took two wickets.
Opener Leak made 33, M. Wilson Jnr 24 and McGowan an unbeaten 34 as the West Lindsey side fell just short of their target at 141 for seven.
Bradford returned the fine figures of five for 22 in his nine-over stint.
James Kendall scored a superb, unbeaten 126 as Caistor saw off Messingham by 109 runs.
His 126, allied with 44 from Graham Dunlop, helped the home team to 202 for six, Dave Langford being the visitors' most successful bowler with two for 46.
Messingham's reply of 93 included 21 from Dannatt, batting at No. 8, Foster taking four for eight and Bob Welton and Ernie Allison bagging two wickets apiece.
Keeper Mitchell played his part with two catches and a stumping.
Premier division Normanby Park Works dispelled any giant-killing hopes Horncastle might have entertained by securing a 146-run victory.
The Steelmen got away to a solid start with an opening stand of 68 between Andy Cook, who made 48, and Paul Cook, who went on to top score with 62.
Paul Farrell (32), Skinner (54 not out) and Mark Jackson (26 not out) were also in the runs as the visitors totalled 240 for seven.
Mick Devereux and Lovely both returned figures of two for 38, and there was a wicket apiece for Clayton, Whiting and Barrs.
Horncastle lost three early wickets and were never really in the hunt, despite 31 from Devereux in the middle-order.
Paul Farrell took three for 12, Mark Bray three for 25 and Mick Finch two for 20 as the innings was brought to a close on 94.
Brigg conceded to Immingham Blossom Way after a misunderstanding about venues which resulted in both sides preparing a wicket and waiting for the other team to arrive. Blossom Way were drawn at home and it is they who go through to the next round.
Haxey secured a comfortable seven-wicket win at Rustons, in a match reduced to 25 overs a side.
Fowler (40), Mark Daley (38) and Clarke (21) were the mainstays of the Lincoln side's 108 for five, P.Johnson taking three for 15 in his five overs, and Andy Torr and Stanser also claiming a wicket.
An opening stand of 61 put the Isle of Axholme outfit well on their way and John Green was still there at the end with 41 not out.
Bayliss fell for 30 to Walker but opening batsman Daley must have been delighted to come on as the eighth bowler and claim the wickets of Torr and Smith.
A telling spell of three for six in 3.4 overs by Steve O'Dare, who clean bowled all his tail-end victims, helped premier side Skegness defeat visiting Littlefields by eight wickets.
Alan Bould's 16 was top score as the Grimsby side were dismissed for 70, Saddington (three for 12) almost matching O'Dare, while Elsome took two for 12 in nine very accurate overs.
Littlefields claimed a couple of early wickets but were seen off in quick time by McCall (34 not out).
Two Alford players made half-centuries but finished on the losing side at Nettleham.
The visitors reached 158 for seven, Calvert making exactly 50 and Buck 54, while Blake and Hutchinson both captured two wickets.
However, steady innings from Nettleham's top order saw them home by five wickets, Durrant leading the way with 35., despite a three wicket return for Kev White.
Dave Robinson, with 59, and Joe Wiley, with 43, helped Broughton total a match-winning score of 199 for seven on their visit to Millennium.
Alan West bagged two for 40 and Chris Warren two for 20.
Warren then took up the bat to good effect, top scoring with 32 in the Grimsby team's reply of 90, Hunt taking three for 22.
Grimsby Town 2nds visited South Kelsey's picturesque ground at Holton-le-Moor and had plenty of time to enjoy the fine views of the Wolds as rain halted their innings after 22 overs with the score on 55 for three.
Premier leaguers Bracebridge Heath had no problems seeing off visiting Bottesford Town in a match reduced to 30 overs a side, due to rain.
Indeed, the entire tie was over in just 22 overs.
Bottesford lost their first three wickets for the addition of just two runs, and were then 16 for five before Knight held the middle-order together with 19.
But the tail-enders could muster just a single between the four of them as Bottesford slumped to 42 all-out.
A. McDowall claimed four for 16 and Smith and Hughes two for one.
Cook (33 not out) and G. McDowall (six not out) saw Bracebridge through to the next round inside six overs.
Scunthorpe Town enjoyed a rare but comfortable win when they visited Alkborough.
Indian international Dodda Ganesh led the way with 50 but was well supported by Dheejar Kumar (48) and talented youngster Kunwardeep Singh Bansil (48).
The Test player had just hit a huge six and was looking very dangerous when he was bowled by John Knapton.
Scunthorpe finished on 195 for eight - a good score on what they described as a very green wicket and damp, lush outfield which held up many shots just short of the boundary.
Alkborough were restricted to only 15 runs from the first 10 overs as Scunthorpe fielded keenly, and then claimed the key wickets of John Bramhill, Clive Coulthurst and Knapton.
Barker (25) and Steve Clay (23)steadied the middle-order but the home team's hopes were dealt a terminal blow when young Robert Todd joined the attack, taking two for none after electing to bowl medium-pace rather than his usual leg-spin.
BOB WELTON CUP
A captain's performance by Howard Pirie, who claimed five wickets, was a significant factor as Bottesford 2nds eased to a three-wicket Bob Welton Cup win over Hartsholme 2nds at Birch Park.
Mainstays of the Lincoln side's batting were Pearse (23), Bailey (33) and King (35) in a total of 141 for seven, Pirie bagging five for 25 and Phil Dodge two for 26.
Andy Sharp gave Bottesford's innings an early boost with 40 before being stumped, and the efforts of Fowler (37), Andy Prendergast (19) and Ray Maltby (11 not out) saw them home with an over to spare.
Grimsby Town 3rds travelled all the way to Hykeham 2nds to engage in one of the shortest cup-ties on record - just 11deliveries being possible before things had to be abandoned, with Town on nine for one.
Market Rasen 2nds' home game with Immingham Blossom Way Police lasted a little longer - 20 overs - during which the visitors reached 92 for two, Dennett hitting 22 and Cook and unbeaten 35.
Caistor 2nds secured a four-wicket win at Haxey 2nds.
The home team just inched into three-figures at 102, Young making 31 and Mann 25.
Percival caused them problems at the beginning of the innings when he dismissed one of Haxey's steadiest run accumulators, Steve King, for just two and then polished off two of the tail-enders for ducks to finish with the impressive figures of three for nine in seven overs (three maidens).
Benbow (two for 25) was the other bowler to manage more than a solitary wicket.
Ben Jacob made 23 and Hanks 31 as Caistor replied with 105 for six, Mann and Metcalfe taking two wickets each.
There was one innings of note from each team as Barton Town 2nds saw off Hykeham 2nds by seven wickets at Marsh Lane.
Askew made 55 in the middle-order for Hykeham out of 110, while opener Leighton Brack scored 44 the visitors.
However, there were some good bowling displays in this low-scoring encounter, Rob Danson and S. Andrew both claiming three wickets for Barton and Douglas taking four for 18 for the Lincoln area team.
Perhaps if the latter had joined the attack earlier than he did - he was the sixth bowler tried - the situation might have been a shade different.
BARRY FENTON CUP
D. Healy scored a century as South Bank beat North Thoresby in the Barry Fenton Cup.
Batting first, South Bank lost T. Potter lbw to Marfleet for 13, but B. Potter (68 not out) and Healy (100 not out) took the score to 198 without further loss with a super partnership.
Only Shelton and Lond reached double figures when North Thoresby replied with 74, Walker taking three for 21, Dunn three for 19 and Horsfall two for 11.
Hainton pulled off a five-wicket home victory against Hibaldstow who fell foul of the Bromleys - three to be precise.
Barry Kay (26) and Ian Wilks (22) were the main contributors in the visitors' 95, Paul Bromley taking four for 27, Ed Bromley three for 24 and Tom Bromley one for none.
After losing Ern Bromley with just a single on the board, Hainton looked to be cruising home at 86 for one when Hibaldstow claimed five quick wickets before finally succumbing.
John Taylor and Foster both took a couple, the latter being the sixth bowler tried.
Lucarlys had reached 85 for two (Diable 35 not out) in the 35th over against Bentley St James when the conditions forced the game to be abandoned.
DIVISION FIVE
Down in division five there was a real thriller on Sunday as Allied Labs inched to a one-wicket victory at Brigg Town 2nds, who were having their first league outing of the season.
Brigg's innings of 143 was built around a 67-run partnership for the second wicket between John Fitzgerald (39) and big-hitting Phil Smith (43).
The opening Labs bowlers found wickets hard to come by, but the addition of Taylor (three for 14), White (two for 22) and Ian Dye (three for eight) to the equation provided the right chemistry and helped to turn the tables periodically!
Salt (32) and Schrimshaw (20) were solid when the visitors replied, but wickets tumbled at regular intervals and at 117 for eight, Brigg looked to be in the driving seat.
However, the arrival at the crease of a left-hander, in the shape of wicketkeeper Dewland, added a new dimension and his 12 not out, and an unbeaten 10 from last man Hargrave, inched Labs to victory with an over to spare, Dewland adding to his earlier good work behind the stumps where he held three catches and effected a run-out.
The experienced Stu Sharp toiled throughout the innings to bag six for 44, while his young colleagues Tom Brock and Phil Smith both claimed two wickets.
FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW - USE WITH TABLES COMPILED BY GLEN SANDS
INDIAN Test player Dodda Ganesh took six for 19 as Scunthorpe Town enjoyed a convincing Lincolnshire League premier division victory over Skegness at Heslam Park on Saturday.
Steve Leek's fine 83 helped Owmby rattle up a winning 235 for four against Louth, while the elements conspired to thwart Alkborough's victory bid against Grimsby Town who were hanging on with their last pair at the crease.
Rain also intervened when leaders Cleethorpes 2nds visited Lincoln to play Hartsholme.
The evergreen John Casswell stroked an unbeaten 72 as Messingham 2nds inched to a seven-run division one victory over Rustons.
Ian Cook's five-wicket haul helped leaders South Kelsey defeat Cherry Willingham. And half-centuries by youngsters Alex Osmond and Rob Griffin assisted Cleethorpes 3rds in a nine-wicket win over Alford.
The most exciting finish of the day was in divison two, Barton Town 2nds beating Appleby-Frodingham 2nds off the very last ball, Pete Rushby making an unbeaten 77 for the victors.
In division three, Alkborough 2nds' victory over Outcasts 2nds was doubly sweet for the match also counted as a Bob Welton Cup tie.
A five-wicket haul for veteran Dave Atkinson failed to save Broughton 2nds from defeat against Nettleham 2nds in division four, which will be playing the rest of the season a team short, Ruston 2nds having resigned due to team-raising problems.
The Lincoln side have managed only one outing this season and have been forced to concede their other scheduled fixtures.
All division four teams, and umpires, are ask to take special note; the league table will be adjusted accordingly.
In division five, Abbas Ali's seven for 18 was the star turn as Grimsby side Bentley St James won at Brigg Town 2nds.
DETAILS
Premier division: Hartsholme 65 for none v Cleethorpes 2nds (abandoned - rain ); Owmby 235 for four (Leek 83, Ram Chand 55, Gamesh Chand 51 not out), Louth 161 for nine; Scunthorpe Town 158, Skegness 63 (Ganesh 6-19); Alkborough 131, Grimsby Town 2nds 83 for nine (abandoned); Haxey v Nettleham, result not yet received; Normanby Park Works v Bracebridge Heath, result not yet received.
Division one: Messingham 2nds 136 for nine (Casswell 72 not out, Hickleton 5-25), Rustons 129 (D. Langford 5-28); Alford 132 for seven, Cleethorpes 3rds 133 for one (Osmond 54 not out, Griffin 55); Holton-le-Clay 168 for eight (Borum 60), Outcasts 111 for eight (Whiteley 56 not out) abandoned - rain; Cherry Willingham 104 (Cook 5-18), South Kelsey 2nds 106 for three; Millennium 120 (Turner 5-30), Hykeham 123 for eight.
Division two: Grimsby Town 3rds 130 for eight, Horncastle 131 for seven; Appleby-Frodingham 2nds 165 for seven, Barton Town 2nds 166 for six (Rushby 77 not out); Broughton 130 for eight, Caistor 2nds 132 for six (Hansford 57 not out).
Division three: Haxey 2nds 124 (Avison 8-49), Immingham Blossom Way 111 (Mann 5-34); South Kelsey 2nds 142 for nine v Louth 2nds (abandoned - rain); Alkborough 217 for seven (Elliott 50), Outcasts 197 for six ('double header' match also counting as Bob Welton Cup tie); Littlefields 162 (Donovan 54, Dunderdale 5-47), Brigg Town 163 for five (Fitzgerald 62);
Division four: Littlefields 2nds 107 for nine, Alford 2nds 108 for five; Nettleham 2nds 147 for seven (Atkinson 5-40), Broughton 65; Keelby 2nds 91 for nine, Bottesford 77; Cherry Willingham 2nds v Scunthorpe 2nds, result not yet received.
Division five: Brigg Town 2nds 39 (Abbas Ali 7-18), Bentley St James 40 or one; Bentley St James v Hibaldstow, not played on Sunday due to wet pitch - 5pts each; North Thoresby v Hainton, result not hyet received; Tetney 26 (Hargreaves 6-16), Allied Labs 27 for three.
George Marshall Trophy: Immingham Blossom Way Police v Market Rasen, not played due to wet conditions - Immingham won on the toss of a coin.
Bob Welton Cup: Hykeham 2nds v Grimsby 2nds, not played due to wet conditions - Grimsby won on the toss of a coin.
REIGNING champions Owmby hit the highest total of the day in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division, rattling up 235 for four at the expense of visitors Louth.
A superb opening stand of 123 between Ramesh Chand (55) and Steve Leak (83) set them on their way, and Gamesh Chand joined in with an unbeaten 51.
Dixon was the most penetrative member of the Louth attack, with three for 51.
The only significant contributions in a Louth reply of 161 for nine were 40 from Whiteley and 36 from Baxter.
McGowan (four for 67) and Chambers (three for 15) were the most impressive of the Owmby bowlers.
Haxey recorded a four-wicket home win over Nettleham.
The visitors batted first and managed 175, Growcott leading the way with 60, assisted by Binnington (33) and Wheatley (29), while Andy Torr took three for 18 and Johnson three for 52.
Haxey's reply of 175 for six was led by opener Bayliss with 52, but other telling contributions came from Wake (31 not out), Stanser (28) and Torr (21).
Growcott bowled well for Nettleham to finish with three for 49 from 15 overs.
Cleethorpes 2nds - for the second succesive weekend - were defeated by the weather when their fixture at Hartsholme was abandoned after 27 overs.
Heavy overnight rain had left the original pitch unplayable; a replacement was quickly prepared although very wet and barely playable.
All credit to home side who were 65 without loss, off 27 overs, thanks to some careful batting from Geoff Sewell and Tim Bradford when further rain caused the abandonment of the game with five points going to both sides.
Alkborough's home game with Allenby Stevenson Grimsby Town 2nds was a marathon in terms of time but the weather had the final say with both sides taking 10 points from an uncompleted fixture.
Jon Bramhill (40) and Steve Clay (29) helped the villagers to 131, as Pete Tillison bagged five for 17.
Grimsby found run-scoring even more difficult and were on 83 for nine when the game ground to an end, John Knapton finishing with five for 19 and Clay with three for 30.
Bracebridge Heath secured a comfortable home victory over Normanby Park Works.
Bradley (37) and McDowall (28 not out) were the mainstays of the home side's 117 for nine, Mick Finch taking three for 33, Mark Bray three for 34 and Paul Farrell two for 12.
But although the Cooks both reached the 20s, after opening the innings, the Steelmen were bowled out for 80 as Smith ran riot with figures of seven for 24 in 14 overs.
Scunthorpe Town Test star Dodda Ganesh made only six with the bat but completed a hat-trick to secure his side's first home win of the season at the expense of Skegness.
Put in, Scunthorpe totalled 158, having raced away with 39 runs from the first six overs.
Lincolnshire under-17 player Kunwardeep Singh Bansil made 24, Dheeraj Kumar (22), John Hernon (27) and captain Ken Wardman (40) to give Scunthorpe a reasonable total of 146 for seven.
Pick of the visitors' bowling were Steve O’Dare with five for 72 and McCall with four for 45.
Skegness were soon in trouble but McCall (31) led a revival only for Ganesh to turn things round with a hat-trick. The first was a catch for Darren Quibell at gully followed by an LBW and finally the bowling of youngster Buckley.
He finished with six for 19 and Jon Jacklin with three for 43.
Chairman of the Scunthorpe Academy, Jaz Bansil, said: "The introduction of Ganesh has given us the edge we had been lacking and the younger players are performing to their potential, especially in the field were they took some blistering catches today."
DIVISION ONE
Old campaigner John Casswell carried his bat for an unbeaten 72 as Messingham 2nds inched home by seven runs against visitors Rustons in division one.
Russ Dales (19) and Stu Langford (12 were the only other men into double figures in a score of 136 for nine, although extras made a telling contribution with 28.
Hickleton was easily the leading performer for the Lincoln side with five for 25, while Fowler took three for 26.
Mark Daley made 43 and Fowler 29 in Rustons' reply of 129, Dave Langford bagging five for 28.
South Kelsey continued their bid for a quick return to the top flight with a seven-wicket home win over Cherry Willingham.
Cherry picked off runs comfortably in the early stages through Tim Shooter (30) and Beattie (20. But Ian Cook,the fourth bowler tried, turned the game on its head with five for 18 as the innings closed on 104 for nine.
Priestley took three early wickets when Kelsey mounted their reply but Paul Lawson (48 not out) and Richardson (36 not out) saw Kelsey home.
Inclement conditions ended Holton-le-Clay's victory bid when they played host to Outcasts.
Chris Borum (60) dominated the home team's 168 for eight in the face of a three-man Crowle attack in which Singleton bowled throughout to finish with three for 61.
Outcasts were in big trouble as Adrian Portus grabbed four for 15. But Jason Whiteley, batting at No. 8, held firm with an unbeaten 56, assisted by some dogged batting from John Spittlehouse, and the game was saved at 111 for eight.
Cleethorpes 3rds maintained their 100 per cent record their latest victims being Alford.
The visitors' 132 for seven was never going to be enough on the batsmen-friendly surface at Chichester Road.
All the Meggies bowlers chipped in, only White, with 44, showing much fight for the visitors.
Cleethorpes' reply was built around an 104-run opening partnership between youngsters Alex Osmond (54 not out) and Robert Griffin, with 55.
Turner's five for 30 was the highlight for Hykeham as they bowled Millennium out for 120 and went on to win by two wickets.
DIVISION TWO
In-form Caistor 2nds gained a four-wicket success at Broughton, whose 130 for eight owed much to an unbeaten 49 from Gary Hunt and 21 from Hall in the middle-order.
Bob Welton, the Lincs League chairman, was the sixth bowler used by the visitors and took three for 20 in eight overs.
Gary Hansford (57 not out) led Caistor's reply, Clixby taking three for 31.
The closest game of the day was between Barton Town and Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, the former triumphing off the very last ball with four wickets in hand.
Chasing 166 for victory, they were indebted to Pete Rushby's unbeaten 77.
Horncastle secured a three-wicket win on their visit to Allenby Stevenson Grimsby Town 3rds, overtaking a total of 130, thanks to good knocks from Owen (41) and Lovely (29).
DIVISION THREE
Alkborough 2nds had every reason to feel pleased with their 20-run victory at Outcasts in division three, for it also counted as a Bob Welton Cup encounter.
Steady batting from the visitors saw them to 217 for seven, Elliott making exactly 50, Roden 43 not out and Russ Baker 32.
For Outcasts, young Tom Sharpe took three for 57 from his full allocation of nine overs.
Despite good knocks from Simon Lewis (64) and Wroot (55) the Isle of Axholme side were contained to 197 for six.
Avison took eight for 49 but finished on the losing side for Immingham Blossom Way when they entertained Haxey 2nds.
Pete Mumby (42) and Peter Drew (27) both fell to the in-form opener but Haxey's 124 proved just too many for the home team, despite 43 from Gary Donoghue.
Gary Mann finished with five for 34 and Ted Mimms with four for 17.
South Kelsey 2nds completed their innings of 144 for nine at Louth 2nds (Owen four for 58) when rain caused the game to be abandoned.
Brigg Town visited Littlefields, whose 162 included a telling 54 from Mick Donovan and a five for 47 return for Adam Dunderdale.
John Fitzgerald made 62 as Brigg reached their target with five wickets in hand.
DIVISION FOUR
Scunthorpe Town 2nds swept away the Cherry Willingham 2nds batsmen with ease to secure a 10-wicket division four win, thanks to a fine bowling display by Sarvinder Singh Mall and an aggressive batting performance from Steve Chapman.
Mall took five for 19, and the experienced Willie McVey terminated the Cherry innings, on 49, with a hat-trick in the 24th over.
C. Fullerton (20) made the only score of note.
Chapman (39) and Andy Fidell (12) overhauled the target inside six overs.
Veteran Dave Atkinson had to undertake an arduous 23-over spell for Broughton 2nds at Nettleham 2nds and returned the creditable figures of five for 40.
But the Nettleham total of 147 for seven was a useful one, Plummer making 48 and Woolfson 29.
Broughton's disappointing rely of 65 included only two scores of note - 23 from opener Simpson and 21 from Hillyard - with Hickingbotham bagging four for 14 and Williams, Plummer and Woolfson two wickets apiece.
Having contained Littlefield 2nds to 107 for nine, Alford 2nds reached their target for the loss of five wickets.
Keelby 2nds won a low-scoring game with Bottesford 2nds.
Keelby's 91 for nine included 35 from Ian Johnson, while Phil Dodge took four for seven. Bottesford were then dismissed for 77, with much after-match discussion over one of those very difficult to judge catches right on the boundary.
DIVISION FIVE
Promising young Bentley St James seamer Abbas Ali continued his domination of Brigg Town 2nds with a devastating burst of seven for 18 in division five.
Having taken four wickets in the same over against Brigg in a cup-tie a couple of weeks ago, he returned to the Sir John Nelthorpe School ground to carry on where he left off.
The Brigg innings of 39 included 12 from wicketkeeper Dave Barraclough but precious little else, and Bentley won in the 14th over for the loss of just one wicket.
Bentley St James' Sunday encounter with Hibaldstow was called off due to a waterlogged wicket.
Hainton's Ed Bromley took six for 21 to help dismiss North Thoresby for 90 and set up a nine-wicket win.
Baz Hargraves took six for 16 as Tetney were skittled for 26 by Allied Labs, who claimed victory by seven wickets.
CUP TIES
Heavy rain meant that the second attempt to settle some ties on Sunday again proved impossible.
With fixtures piling up, this left some clubs to take the sensible option of settling the issue by the toss of a coin.
Calling correctly were Immingham Blossom Way Police against Market Rasen in the George Marshall Trophy, Grimsby Town 2nds against Hykeham in the Bob Welton Cup, and Nettleham against Littlefields (also Welton Cup).
Just up the road, at Augusta Street, Grimsby Town entertain Haxey, while, in the Scunthorpe area, last season's runners-up, Alkborough, host Nettleham in another interesting encounter.
Reigning champions Owmby have not made the best of starts but will be looking to put that behind them when they entertain Normanby Park Works.
Most divisions are already underway but some clubs from the basement section, division five, will be making their first appearances of the season this weekend - on either Saturday or Sunday.
All clubs are reminded that they must telephone their result on Saturday evening or Sunday morning to (01652) 655134, even though they may be intending to fax their scoresheet to (01724) 273101.
This is to enable all the results to be collected, and reports prepared, by Sunday evening.
Fixtures
SATURDAY
Premier division: Hartsholme v Scunthorpe Town, Alkborough v Nettleham, Louth v Skegness, Owmby v Normanby Park Works, Cleethorpes v Bracebridge Heath, Grimsby Town v Haxey.
Division one: Cherry Willingham v Millennium, Alford v Rustons, Messingham v Holton-le-Clay, Hykeham v South Kelsey, Outcasts v Cleethorpes.
Division two: Barton Town v Caistor, Horncastle v Hartsholme, Broughton v Appleby-Frodingham, Market Rasen v Keelby.
Division three: Haxey v Brigg, Immingham Blossom Way Police v Alkborough, South Kelsey v Hykeham, Littlefields v Outcasts.
Division four: Nettleham v Cherry Willingham, Rustons v Alford, Bottesford v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Scunthorpe Town v Broughton.
Barry Fenton Cup preliminary round: Brigg Town v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
Division two: Market Rasen v Broughton.
Division three: Caistor v Louth.
Division five: Allied Labs v Hibaldstow, Bentley St James v Tetney, Hainton v Lucarlys.
* Games in the premier league are scheduled to start at 1.30pm; matches in all other divisions at 2pm.
TEAMS from all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League are in cup action tomorrow (SAT MAY 18) in three competitions.
In the George Marshall Trophy, aimed at first teams, Alkborough, who saw off Holton-le-Clay in the only preliminary round tie on May 5, are rewarded with a home tie against fellow premier leaguers Scunthorpe Town, while reigning premier league champions Owmby host Hartsholme.
Among the lower division teams hoping for giant-killing performances against premier league opposition are Bottesford who journey to Bracebridge Heath , Littlefields who travel to Skegness and Horncastle who enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe side Normanby Park Works.
All 16 George Marshall Trophy ties are scheduled for tomorrow, with the exception of Barton Town v Hykeham, to be played at Marsh Lane on Sunday.
The Bob Welton Cup is mainly for second teams and holders Grimsby Town journey to Hykeham, while an interesting tie is in prospect at Heslam Park where Scunthorpe Town host Clethorpes.
The former Humberside Alliance teams, from division five, are in action in the Barry Fenton Cup, with holders North Thoresby drawn at home to South Bank.
Allied Labs, who were one of the four clubs unlucky enough to have to contest preliminary round ties, are rewarded for a convincing victory over Tetney with a walkover tomorrow, scheduled opponents Millennium 2nds having dropped out of the league, due to team-raising problems.
That puts Allied Labs straight through to the semi-finals on July 7.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 18
George Marshall Trophy round one: Alkborough v Scunthorpe Town, Outcasts v Cleethorpes, Horncastle v Normanby Park Works, Market Rasen v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Caistor v Messingham, Rustons v Haxey, Bracebridge Heath v Bottesford, Nettleham v Alford, Immingham Blossom Way v Brigg Town, Grimsby Town v South Kelsey, Millennium v Broughton, Owmby v Hartsholme, Cherry Willingham v Louth, Keelby v Appleby-Frodingham, Skegness v Littlefields.
Bob Welton Cup round one: Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes, Alkborough v Outcasts (venue may change), Bottesford v Hartsholme, Louth v Keelby, Haxey v Caistor, Cherry Willingham v South Kelsey, Hykeham v Grimsby Town, Littlefields v Nettleham.
Barry Fenton Cup round one: Hainton v Hibaldstow, North Thoresby v South Bank, Lucarlys v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
George Marshall Trophy round one: Barton Town v Hykeham.
THE arrival of a Test player has been all the talk of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League this week - on and off the field.
Scunthorpe Town's new international overseas star, Doddanarasiah "Dodda" Ganesh, stepped straight off the plane from India and made his mark in his very first game in the UK, helping secure a five-wicket win at Hartsholme in the premier division.
The 28-year-old right-arm seamer, with four Tests and a One Day International under his belt, opened the Town attack, rapping the Lincoln openers on the pads several times before getting his first wicket in the seventh over.
Sorby, who had struggled against the pace and swing, was deceived by a slower ball and spooned a high chance to mid-off, which was comfortably taken by young Kunwardeep Singh Bansil.
Keeping the runs down at the other end was the ever-accurate Jon Jacklin.
Ganesh removed two more batsmen, caught by keeper Simon Kiddle, before a stand of 53 between Sewell (35) and Bunn (19).
But once they had gone to catches off the Indian international the innings started to crumble.
Ganesh grabbed a couple more wickets to finish with six for 51 from 21 overs, and young Neil Patrick took three - all bowled - to end the Hartsholme innings on 117.
When Scunthorpe replied, Lincolnshire under-17 players Robert Todd and Bansil took 20 from the first 10 overs before falling victim to the experienced George Thompson.
Only 12 runs came in the next 16 overs as the visitors consolidated, but by the time skipper Ken Wardman departed the score had moved on to 54.
Thompson, the veteran performer, was again the star of the Hartsholme attack, claiming thee for 38 in 23 accurate overs, 11 of which were maidens.
After a cautious start, all-rounder Jacklin let rip with three fours in the same over to swing the odds back in Scunthorpe's favour.
Kiddle was next to go after a patient 34, leaving the target at 25 from seven overs.
Ganesh then joined Jacklin and although the latter was run out for 29 after falling badly with a muscle strain, Patrick joined his Test colleague who finished the match with a big four over square leg.
It was a great debut for the Indian star, currently living in Goole, although the Hartsholme ground was a little different to Cape Town, where he made his Test debut during the 1996/7 series against South Africa.
Ganesh also played Test cricket on the 1996/7 West Indies tour.
His solitary One Day International, to date, was against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo that same year.
In first class cricket the Bangalore-born player has taken 271 wickets and scored 1,118 runs with a highest score of 76.
His domestic cricket in India has been with Karnataka, which boasts other internationals like Srinath, Prasad and Joshi.
Cleethorpes 2nds went to the top of the premier division after a crushing nine-wicket victory over Normanby Park Works at Chichester Road on Sunday.
The visitors won the toss and took first use of a beautiful batting surface prepared by Howard Swain.
But they were rocked by a new ball burst from Mark Bellamy which brought him three wickets and left the Steelmen on 33 for four.
Kev Bray stood firm at No. 4 and, with Nigel Forster, added 32 for the
fifth wicket before both were dismissed by Karl Walton - Bray for 31 and his partner for 20.
The only other NPW resistance came from No. 9 Mark Jackson who was undefeated on 23 when the innings crawled to a halt at 125 for nine after 50 overs.
This was at least 100 runs short of a par score for the quality of the batting surface and quick outfield.
Bellamy finished with three for 20 from a 15-over spell and Walton four for 33 from 12.
Visiting hopes of victory were quickly dashed as John Hood and Colin Willerton compiled a superb opening partnership of 120.
Hood was dismissed by Paul Farrell for 48 but Willerton remained unbeaten on 69 as the Meggies romped home in the 24th over.
Saturday saw Cleethorpes take maximum points from Bracebridge Heath at Chichester Road, the 125-run victory avenging an opening day defeat against the Lincoln side.
The Meggies were asked to bat first and a 49-run opening stand, in even time, got them off to a flier before James Osmond was caught for 34.
Willerton failed for once, caught behind for three, but Inderjit Hayre took centre stage with a dominating, undefeated 89 - full of powerful drives and cuts and containing 11 fours and a six.
He put on 30 with Walton and 73 with Paul Hewstone as the home side finished on 205 for five, Stuart Gunthorpe taking two for 49 and South African-born Gerard van der Venter two for 80.
Bracebridge made a bad start, losing van der Venter for three to Peter Thompson, and Mark Bellamy picked up the wicket of Graves to make it 19 for two.
A partnership of 32 between McDowell and Australian Marslin steadied the ship but, with the score on 51, Walton and Paul Nilsson were introduced to the attack and proceeded to run through the visiting batting.
Only McDowell (24) and Marslin (19) made double figures as the innings crashed to 80 all out, Nilsson picking up three for 17 and Walton four for 14.
Owmby, reigning premier champions, returned to form with a convincing home win over Normanby Park Works.
Afer the early departure of Leek, snapped up by Mick Finch, the Chands - Ramesh and Garmesh - shared a century stand.
The former was finally dismissed caught behind for 70 off Nigel Forster, but Garmesh stayed unbeaten on 72 as the West Lindsey side reached 189 for five.
Pick of the NPW bowlers in terms of wickets was Paul Rocks, who claimed three for 28, albeit from five overs, while Forster had to be content with one for 88 from a marathon stint of 25.
The Cooks gave their side a fair start with an initial stand of 30 but one they had departed the middle-order fell away badly.
Nigel Barnes, batting at No. 8, steadied things with 27 but the visitors were finally bowled out for 118 in the penultimate over.
McGowan claimed three for 22, and there were two wickets apiece for Ramesh Chand, Wilson Jnr and Lawson.
There was a high-scoring thriller at Augusta Street, Haxey inching to a five-run victory over Grimsby Town 2nds.
An opening stand of 72 for the Isle of Axholme visitors set the scene for the rest of the day.
They totalled 210 for six, opener John Green leading the way with 52 and other good contributions coming from Bayliss (41), Stanser (38), Andy Torr (25) and Fleet (27 not out).
Dennis took two for 30 to record the best figures for Town who proceeded to go literally one better than Haxey, with an opening stand of 73.
Grimsby tried to build on the base given them by Ian Hallam (62) and Lee Stephens (41) but could not quite up the tempo sufficiently and finished on 205 for eight.
Robinson took five for 94 in a 24-over marathon, with Torr (three for 56)in the supporting role.
Mark Irving's unbeaten 93 helped Louth secure a two-wicket win over Skegness.
The Seasiders had batted first and reached 152 for eight, McCall leading the way with 52.
DIVISION ONE
In division one, Cherry Willingham's Tim Shooter hit the top score of the day as his side recorded the biggest victory of the weekend.
His superb 149 dominated a score of 256 for five, and Millennium were bowled out for just 35 in reply.
Cleethorpes 3rds continued to excel with a 105-run victory at Outcasts.
The Meggies batted first and young Alex Osmond again posted a big score with 71 to add to his century the previous week.
He found plenty of suport from new boy Matt Casey, who made 44, and fellow youngster Joe Victory, with a well-constructed 80.
Some lusty blows from Graham Hackney helped towards a huge total of 249 for six at the end of 45 overs.
Whiteley was the chief strike bowler for the Crowle team with four for 87 in 18 overs.
Outcasts lost three quick wickets to Victory and Jamie Pickles - all caught behind by Hackney - but no-one could top Swinbourne's 33 as the innings petered out on 144 for nine.
Victory completed a fine match, taking three for 46, while Paul Ridley snapped up three for 21.
Messingham 2nds secured a comfortable home win over Holton-le-Clay in a game devoid of big scores and major contributions with the ball.
Andy Langford (40) and Watson (34) led the way as Messingham totalled 166 for seven, Portus, Grice and Clark each claiming two wickets.
Clark, Campbell and Portus reached the 20s as the visitors replied with 105 for seven, Lane and Stu Langford claiming two wickets apiece.
South Kelsey raced to a 10-wicket victory at Hykeham and are looking to bounce straight back into the premier.
The home side were bowled out for 100, of which Mitchell contributed 23 in the middle order.
The destroyer-in-chief was spinner Laurence Waghorn (five for 12).
The visitors had no problems, openers Dave Everatt (67 not out) and Ben Taylor (31 not out) making quick work of the target as Hykeham tried seven bowlers in an attempt to break a century opening stand.
Having gone all last term without a win in the premier, relegated Alford tasted the sweet scent of victory when they entertained Rustons.
Useful scores from the Whites (27 and 32) and Calvert (47) made possible a score of 168 for seven, Phipps and Clark taking two wickets apiece.
Rustons' innings was pretty much a one-man show, Fowler making 97 in a total of 156.
He was one of Freeman's six match-winning victims at a cost of 43 runs.
DIVISION TWO
Horncastle wrapped up an easy division two home win over Horncastle 2nds, helped by runs at the very top of the order from Sreedharan (35) and Hall (36) which proved to be the highest of the game.
Barry Porter (for for 32) and Boothright (three for 68) helped restrict the home team to 135 for eight.
But Gordon's unbeaten 28 was the only double-figue score in a dismal reply of 68, Whiting and Jackson both taking three wickets.
Also sadly short of runs were Barton Town 2nds when they met Caistor 2nds at Marsh Lane, being bowled out for 54 - an innings in which Mr Extras led the way with 11!
Foster (five for 15) and Bob Welton (three for seven) were on form with the ball, leaving Caistor's batsmen a meagre target which they reached for the loss of three wickets (Mellors 27).
Market Rasen 2nds are rightly proud of their crop of up-and-coming youngsters, blended with a touch of experience, and this heady mixture was enough to secure a five-wicket home win against Keelby.
Six of the Rasen side were under 16.
The visitors' innings of 155 for seven was built around a century partnership between Parker (62) and Dick Papps (55).
Opening bowler Spensley stuck to his task, claiming six for 56 from 23 overs of honest toil, while Phil Bodsworth chipped in with the important wicket of Papps - one of three men to fall leg-before.
Dave Allenson (76) and Carlton (32) helped secure Rasen's win, Marland - the seventh bowler tried - taking two for 11.
Sunday saw Market Rasen 2nds in action again, but this time they slipped to a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of Broughton.
All went well for the home team at the beginning, Carlton (49) and Bishop (35) adding 66 for the first wicket.
But a score of 157 for four proved not nearly enough as visiting openers Hammond (54) and Crawford (44) put on 91, and Dave Robinson gave the innings the necessary uplift with an unbeaten 38.
Broughton came off distinctly second bet on Saturday when they hosted Appleby-Frodingham 2nds.
K. Ali, batting at No. 4, starred in the early part of the Steelmen's innings with 60 but no-one else reached 20 in a final total of 135.
Phil Glentworth took three for 27, including Alis wicket, and Joe Wiley three for 45.
Glentworth opened and made 33 in Broughton's reply but there were no other double-figure contributions in a total of 74.
Dylan Hildreth, who seems to like performing on this Scawby Road ground, was the fourth man used in the attack but helped himself to six for 15, assisted by skipper Mick Powell with two for nine.
DIVISION THREE
Run-hungry Alkborough 2nds returned from Immingham with a huge division three victory over Blossom Way under their belts.
Neil Gray (89 not out) batted right through the visitors' innings of 245 for six, Standerline falling one run short of his half-century and Bell chipping in usefully with 37.
Taylor was the most successful home bowler with two for 51.
Andy Clay was soon among the wickets when Immingham replied, claiming five for 15 as the innings folded at 67, of which Gary Donoghue made 21.
Littlefields enjoyed a run feast against visiting Outcasts 2nds, rattling up 248 for six.
Alan Bould (70) led the way, closely followed by John Toyne (62 not out) and there was a more than useful 43 from King.
C. McAnaney (four for 54) was the most effective bowler on display.
Outcasts replied with 107 for six, Buttrick making an unbeaten 36 and Preston Wallhead 31, as P. Klug finished with four for 17 from 13 accurate overs.
South Kelsey 2nds sewed up a six-wicket home win over Hykeham 2nds.
The Lincoln area side were contained to 84 for nine by some particularly tight village bowling, Nigel Cristofaro bagging three for 19 in 16 overs and Buffham (34) making the only telling contribution with the bat.
Harker (30) and Andy Walton (21) shared a second wicket stand which put Kelsey well on the way to victory, although Smith (three for 28) made them work hard for their runs.
Brigg Town secured their first win of the season - by 13 runs at Haxey 2nds.
Batting first, Brigg were given a good start by captain Lee Fielden (28) and Gary Smith (20) who built a platform on which Matt Mosey built successfully with a well-constructed, unbeaten 80 in a score of 184 for seven.
Michael Roche, bowling against his old club, claimed two for 40.
And when Haxey replied their second Brigg 'old boy,' Peter Mumby, was the first wicket to fall.
Gary Mann (42) gave Haxey real hope but once he departed at 143 for five the rest of the innings fell away as Mick Wescott cleaned up with seven for 80 from 21.4 overs.
DIVISION FOUR
In division four, Immingham Blossom Way Police inched home by two wickets when they visited Birch Park to take on Bottesford 2nds.
Phil Dodge, with 37, and Andy Prendergast (22) were the mainstays of Bottesford's 123 for nine.
Miller (four for 54) and Keith Dent (five for 60) bowled unchanged for the visitors, whose reply was a real 'bits and pieces' affair, but enough to see them home.
Prendergast and Dodge demonstrated their all-round talents, adding to the earlier runs with three and two wickets respectively.
Experience outshone youth when Scunthorpe Town 2nds and Broughton 2nds met on a green wicket at Heslam Park, the visitors emerging the victors by 34 runs.
First to demonstrate that being the wrong side of 40 has done little to diminish his skills was Broughton strokemaker Dave "Boots" Robinson, whose 38 was the dominant knock in a total of 116.
Skipper Harry Bansal (four for 43) and the evergreen Willie McVey (six for 43) led the way in the Scunthorpe attack.
But that just set the scene for another veteran - Broughton's Dave Atkinson - to return the amazing figures of five for eight in 11 overs as Town were bowled out for 82.
The top order collapsed and only Brian McVey and David McKee showed any resistance, leaving Scunthorpe to reflect on all the catches they had put down earlier in the day.
Cherry Willingham 2nds secured an eight-wicket win in their derby clash with Nettleham at the latter's ground.
Young and Plummer reached the 20s for the home side in a disappointing total of 107, as Topliss claimed four for 12 at Matt Dobson three for 18.
Dobson then shone with the bat, opening the innings and seeing Cherry home with an unbeaten 54, partner Singleton departing for 49 and Wild for a duck with the scores level.
Hickingbotham took both the wickets to fall.
Things are looking a little more optimistic for Rustons 2nds, who have failed to fulfil two of their opening league fixtures and a cup-tie, due to team-raising problems. They hope to be back in action next week.
DIVISION FIVE
In division five, Bentley St James secured a six-wicket victory when they entertained Tetney on Sunday.
Tetney's innings of 152 was dominated by opener Walmsley's 89.
He was the last man out, becoming Abbas Ali's final victim in a haul of five for 63.
The promising young all-rounder then showed form with the bat, top scoring with 28 as the Grimsby side made sure of the full 20 points.
Hainton eased their way to a 31-run home victory over Lucarlys in a match described as very sporting.
Bruce Roberts (37) and Ed Bromley (32) were the major contributors to a Hainton total of 128, as Jamie Fountain bagged seven for 56 and the dependable Denis Parker three for 15.
The visitors replied with 97 (Fountain 20) as Paul Bromley finished with four for 23, and Ed Bromley and Roberts with two each.
Veteran Al Porritt was hit on the arm while fielding and was unable to bat, weakening the visitors' hopes of victory.
The match between Allied Labs and Hibaldstow - listed in the league handbook to be played last Sunday - did not take place. Both clubs have been asked to supply a statement to the league so a ruling can be made.
BARRY FENTON CUP
Four wickets in the same over by Abbas Ali helped Bentley St James to a five-wicket victory when they visited Brigg 2nds in the Barry Fenton Cup on Saturday.
Only two home batsmen - Adam Harris and Stu Sharp - reached double figures in a disappointing total of 75, as Ali claimed five for 27.
In what turned out to be his final over he took three wickets in four balls, and then added a fourth scalp, to finish with five for 27.
At the other end, Steve Laister gave very little away, taking two for 14 in nine overs.
Bentley's reply tottered slightly with Tom Brock taking four for 24 and Sharp one for 21, but opener Kev Laister (27) helped steer them into the next round.
AFTER one of two gremlins over the first full weekend of the Lincolnshire League season, almost all clubs phoned through their results in good time last weekend.
Thanks to all concerned from the league's fixture department!
This helped ensure that scores from every game made Monday's papers.
Just a reminder to team captains, vice-captains and secretaries, in anticipation of another trouble-free weekend: results should be telephoned to (01652) 655134 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (01652) 655134 end_of_the_skype_highlighting on Saturday evening or, failing that, Sunday morning.
Scoresheets can then be faxed on (01724) 273101 or posted to Nigel Fisher, 4-5 Park Square, Laneham Street, Scunthorpe, DN15 6JH.
Match reports and comments on notable performances are welcome by post, fax or e-mail to
nigel.fisher@scunthorpetelegraph.co.uk
Club photographs for inclusion with reports are also welcome by post or e-mail (JPEG format, please.
Now to clarify the position about team captains' reports on umpires.
These forms need only be completed by captains in the premier division and should be posted, or faxed, to Nigel Fisher.
Clubs in ALL divisions are reminded that ALL their players need to be registered with the ECB, using the standard form.
Players who have registered with their club in seasons gone by do NOT need to complete a new form.
But anyone who has joined a Lincolnshire League club this season must do so, whether a newcomer to the game at senior level or a player transferring from another club.
Forms should be sent to Nigel Fisher.
USE WITH LEAGUE TABLES, AS SUPPLIED BY E-MAIL
LEAGUE tables are being compiled by fixture secretary Glen Sands, from Luddington, and here's the first list of the season...
FRIDAY NIGHT WEEKEND MATCH PREVIEW
TEAMS from all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League are in cup action tomorrow (SAT MAY 18) in three competitions.
In the George Marshall Trophy, aimed at first teams, Alkborough, who saw off Holton-le-Clay in the only preliminary round tie on May 5, are rewarded with a home tie against fellow premier leaguers Scunthorpe Town, while reigning premier league champions Owmby host Hartsholme.
Among the lower division teams hoping for giant-killing performances against premier league opposition are Bottesford who journey to Bracebridge Heath , Littlefields who travel to Skegness and Horncastle who enjoy home advantage against Scunthorpe side Normanby Park Works.
All 16 George Marshall Trophy ties are scheduled for tomorrow, with the exception of Barton Town v Hykeham, to be played at Marsh Lane on Sunday.
The Bob Welton Cup is mainly for second teams and holders Grimsby Town journey to Hykeham, while an interesting tie is in prospect at Heslam Park where Scunthorpe Town host Clethorpes.
The former Humberside Alliance teams, from division five, are in action in the Barry Fenton Cup, with holders North Thoresby drawn at home to South Bank.
Allied Labs, who were one of the four clubs unlucky enough to have to contest preliminary round ties, are rewarded for a convincing victory over Tetney with a walkover tomorrow, scheduled opponents Millennium 2nds having dropped out of the league, due to team-raising problems.
That puts Allied Labs straight through to the semi-finals on July 7.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 18
George Marshall Trophy round one: Alkborough v Scunthorpe Town, Outcasts v Cleethorpes, Horncastle v Normanby Park Works, Market Rasen v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Caistor v Messingham, Rustons v Haxey, Bracebridge Heath v Bottesford, Nettleham v Alford, Immingham Blossom Way v Brigg Town, Grimsby Town v South Kelsey, Millennium v Broughton, Owmby v Hartsholme, Cherry Willingham v Louth, Keelby v Appleby-Frodingham, Skegness v Littlefields.
Bob Welton Cup round one: Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes, Alkborough v Outcasts (venue may change), Bottesford v Hartsholme, Louth v Keelby, Haxey v Caistor, Cherry Willingham v South Kelsey, Hykeham v Grimsby Town, Littlefields v Nettleham.
Barry Fenton Cup round one: Hainton v Hibaldstow, North Thoresby v South Bank, Lucarlys v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY
George Marshall Trophy round one: Barton Town v Hykeham.
AN Indian international made a surprise appearance in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division on Saturday.
"Dodda" Ganesh, who has played Tests and One-day Internationals, helped Scunthorpe Town defeat Hartsholme by five wickets.
Exacting plenty of swing, he took six for 51 in 21 overs, three of his victims falling to very deceptive slower balls.
The Test star only arrived in this country at the end of last week and is understood to be staying with one of the Scunthorpe Town officials.
The Chand brothers got reigning premier division champions Owmby back to winning ways at the expense of Normanby Park Works, Garmesh making an unbeaten 72 and Ramesh 70.
One of the most exciting games of the weekend was at Augusta Street where Grimsby Town finished five runs adrift of Haxey's 210 for six.
Another premier league close encounter saw Louth (Mark Irving 93 not out) inch home by two wickets at the expense of Skegness.
Cleethorpes 2nds turned in an excellent team performance at Chichester Road to secure a 125-run win over Bracebridge Heath, Inderjit Singh Hayre making an undefeated 89 for the Meggies.
Alkborough's Steve Clay continued his fine early season form, with a five-wicket haul in the victory over Nettleham.
After-match celebrations were held at Alford when the first team won its first Lincs League game for more than a year.
Relegated from the premier division without tasting victory in any of their 22 games last season, Alford won their second match of the new division one campaign, defeating Rustons by 12 runs, despite a defiant 97 from Fowler for the Lincoln side.
Top individual and team scores and the biggest winning margin of the day were all posted by Cherry Willingham, for whom Tim Shooter stroked a boundary-laden 149 in a huge total of 256 for six against Millennium, who were then skittled for 35.
Cleethorpes 3rds found the country air and wicket at Hirst Priory, Crowle, very much to their liking, compiling 249 for six against Outcasts.
In division two, Dave Allenson was again among the runs for Market Rasen 2nds, with a telling 76 in their five-wicket victory over Keelby, while Dylan Hildreth bagged six for 15 to help Appleby-Frodingham 2nds defeat Broughton.
In division three, Brigg Town's Matt Mosey stroked 80 and Mick Wescott took seven wickets, in a 13-run win at Haxey 2nds.
Division three's top scorers were Littlefields who rattled up 248 for six in beating Outcasts 2nds.
Alkborough 2nds were not far behind with 245 for five in a 178-run triumph over Immingham Blossom Way.
In division four, Cherry Willingham 2nds, helped by a half-century from Matt Dobson, easily won their derby clash with Nettleham's second string, while a fine five for eight return by veteran Dave Atkinson helped Broughton 2nds defeat Scunthorpe 2nds.
Ali took three wickets in four balls - and four wickets in the over - for Bentley St James in their five-wicket victory over Brigg 2nds in the Barry Fenton Cup for division five teams.
Yesterday's handful of matches also produced some fine cricket.
In the premier division, Cleethorpes 2nds made it a great weekend, Colin Willerton's undefeated 69 helping secure a nine-wicket victory over Normanby Park Works.
MATCH DETAILS
SATURDAY
Premier division: Haxey 210 for six (Green 52, Robinson 5-94), Grimsby Town 2nds 205 for seven (Hallam 62); Alkborough 118 (Blake 6-49), Nettleham 73 (S. Clay 5-26); Owmby 189 for five (Garmesh Chand 72 not out, Ramesh Chand 70), Normanby Park Works 118; Skegness 152 for eight (McCall 52), Louth 156 for eight (M. Irving 93 not out); Cleethorpes 2nds 205 for five (Hayre 89 not out), Bracebridge 80; Hartsholme 117 (Ganesh 6-51), Scunthorpe Town 118 for five.
Division one: Cleethorpes 3rds 249 for six (Victory 80, Osmond 72, Whiteley 4-87), Outcasts 143 for nine; Alford 168 for seven, Rustons 156 (Fowler 97, Freeman 6-43); Messingham 2nds 166 for seven, Holton-le-Clay 105 for seven; Cherry Willingham 256 for five (Shooter 149), Millennium 35; Hykeham 100 (Waghorn 5-12) South Kelsey 101 for none (Everatt 67 not out).
Division two: Keelby 2nds 155 for seven (Parker 62, Papps 55, Spensley 6-56), Market Rasen 2nds 156 for five (Allenson 76); Barton Town 2nds 54 (Foster 5-15), Caistor 2nds 58 for three; Horncastle 135 for eight, Hartsholme 2nds 68; Appleby-Frodingham 2nds 130 (Ali 60), Broughton 74 (Hildreth 6-15).
Division three: Littlefields 248 for six (Bould 70, Toyne 61 not out), Outcasts 2nds 107 for six; Hykeham 2nds 84 for nine, South Kelsey 2nds 85 for four; Brigg Town 184 for seven (Mosey 80 not out), Haxey 171 (Wescott 7-80); Alkborough 2nds 245 for five (Gray 89 not out), Immingham Blossom Way 67 (A. Clay 5-15).
Division four: Nettleham 2nds 107, Cherry Willingham 2nds 111 for two (Dobson 54 not out); Bottesford 2nds 123 for nine (Dent 5-60), Immingham Blossom Way Police 124 for eight; Rustons 2nds v Alford 2nds - Rustons unable to raise team, match awarded to Alford; Broughton 2nds 116 (McVey 6-43), Scunthorpe Town 2nds 82 (Atkinson 5-8).
Barry Fenton Cup preliminary round: Brigg Town 2nds 76 (Ali 5-27), Bentley St James 77 for five;
SUNDAY
Premier division: Normanby Park Works 125 for nine, Cleethorpes 2nds 126 for one (Willerton 69 not out).
Division two: Market Rasen 2nds 157 for four, Broughton 158 for three (Hammond 54).
Division three: Caistor 3rds 131, Louth 133 for eight (Scarth 51).
Division five: Tetney 152 (Womersley 89, Ali 5-63), Bentley St James 153 for six; Hainton 128 (Fountain 7-56), Lucarlys 97.
CAISTOR 2nds' James Kendall scored a superb, unbeaten 126 as his side enjoyed a comfortable victory over Messingham 2nds in the Lincolnshire Cricket League's George Marshall Trophy on Saturday.
Indian Test seamer Dodda Ganesh was in form with the bat, making a half-century for Scunthorpe Town in their victory over Alkborough.
Dave Robinson, who has been in good early season form, scored 59 as Broughton defeated Grimsby side Millennium, and there were half-centuries from Alford pair Buck and Culver, although they finished on the losing side against Nettleham.
In the Bob Welton Cup, Howard Pirie's five wickets helped Bottesford defeat Hartsholme.
The only Barry Fenton Cup tie to be completed, involving division five teams, saw Hainton triumph at the expense of Hibaldstow.
The wet weather affected ties in all three cup competitions, some failing to get underway and others being abandoned.
Clubs are asked to make every effort to get the uncompleted ties played as soon as possible, the date for the next round of games in all three knockout competions being Sunday, July 7.
In a re-arranged division five league encounter, Allied Labs inched home by one wicket in a thriller at Brigg Town 2nds.
SCORES
George Marshall Trophy: Caistor 2nds 202 for six (Kendall 126 not out), Messingham 2nds 93; Hykeham 110 (Askew 55), Barton Town 2nds 111 for seven; Cherry Willingham 28 for two v Louth - match abandoned due to rain (Louth won on the toss of a coin); Normanby Park Works 240 for seven, Horncastle 94; Brigg Town conceded to Immingham Blossom Way ; Broughton 199 for seven (Robinson 59), Millennium 90; Grimsby Town 2nds 9 for one v Hykeham - match abandoned, to be replayed; Hartsholme 143 for seven, Owmby 141 for seven; Alford 158 for seven (Buck 54, Culver 50), Nettleham 160 for four; Littlefields 70, Skegness 73 for two; Scunthorpe Town 195 for eight (Gamesh 50), Alkborough 107; Rustons 108 for six, Haxey 109 for three; Bottesford 42, Bracebridge Heath 43 for none;
Bob Welton Cup: Hartsholme 2nds 141 for seven (Pirie 5-25), Bottesford 2nds 142 for seven; Haxey 2nds 102, Caistor 3rds 105 for six; Keelby v Louth not played - Louth conceded;
Barry Fenton Cup: Hibaldstow 95, Hainton 96 for five; Lucaryls 85 for two v Bentley St James - abandoned (match to be replayed).
Division five: Brigg Town 143, Allied Labs 144 for nine (played Sunday).
INTRODUCTION
IT was cup Saturday for clubs in all six divisions of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League with a full range of ties in the George Marshall Trophy (primarily for first teams), the Bob Welton Cup (mainly for second XIs) and the Barry Fenton Cup (for clubs in division five).
Unfortunately, wet weather played havoc, some ties failing to start, others being reduced in length, and some games starting but being abandoned as the heavens opened.
Many clubs have already re-arranged games and those that have yet to do so are urged to get outstanding ties played as soon as possible.
GEORGE MARSHALL TROPHY
WITH all-rounder Tim Bradford in top form, Hartsholme inched home by two runs at fellow premier leaguers Owmby in the closest George Marshall Trophy tie of the weekend.
The visitors posted a useful score of 143 for seven in their 45 overs, Bradford contributing 33 and Roberts 35, while Ram Chand and M. Wilson Jnr both took two wickets.
Opener Leak made 33, M. Wilson Jnr 24 and McGowan an unbeaten 34 as the West Lindsey side fell just short of their target at 141 for seven.
Bradford returned the fine figures of five for 22 in his nine-over stint.
James Kendall scored a superb, unbeaten 126 as Caistor saw off Messingham by 109 runs.
His 126, allied with 44 from Graham Dunlop, helped the home team to 202 for six, Dave Langford being the visitors' most successful bowler with two for 46.
Messingham's reply of 93 included 21 from Dannatt, batting at No. 8, Foster taking four for eight and Bob Welton and Ernie Allison bagging two wickets apiece.
Keeper Mitchell played his part with two catches and a stumping.
Premier division Normanby Park Works dispelled any giant-killing hopes Horncastle might have entertained by securing a 146-run victory.
The Steelmen got away to a solid start with an opening stand of 68 between Andy Cook, who made 48, and Paul Cook, who went on to top score with 62.
Paul Farrell (32), Skinner (54 not out) and Mark Jackson (26 not out) were also in the runs as the visitors totalled 240 for seven.
Mick Devereux and Lovely both returned figures of two for 38, and there was a wicket apiece for Clayton, Whiting and Barrs.
Horncastle lost three early wickets and were never really in the hunt, despite 31 from Devereux in the middle-order.
Paul Farrell took three for 12, Mark Bray three for 25 and Mick Finch two for 20 as the innings was brought to a close on 94.
Brigg conceded to Immingham Blossom Way after a misunderstanding about venues which resulted in both sides preparing a wicket and waiting for the other team to arrive. Blossom Way were drawn at home and it is they who go through to the next round.
Haxey secured a comfortable seven-wicket win at Rustons, in a match reduced to 25 overs a side.
Fowler (40), Mark Daley (38) and Clarke (21) were the mainstays of the Lincoln side's 108 for five, P.Johnson taking three for 15 in his five overs, and Andy Torr and Stanser also claiming a wicket.
An opening stand of 61 put the Isle of Axholme outfit well on their way and John Green was still there at the end with 41 not out.
Bayliss fell for 30 to Walker but opening batsman Daley must have been delighted to come on as the eighth bowler and claim the wickets of Torr and Smith.
A telling spell of three for six in 3.4 overs by Steve O'Dare, who clean bowled all his tail-end victims, helped premier side Skegness defeat visiting Littlefields by eight wickets.
Alan Bould's 16 was top score as the Grimsby side were dismissed for 70, Saddington (three for 12) almost matching O'Dare, while Elsome took two for 12 in nine very accurate overs.
Littlefields claimed a couple of early wickets but were seen off in quick time by McCall (34 not out).
Two Alford players made half-centuries but finished on the losing side at Nettleham.
The visitors reached 158 for seven, Calvert making exactly 50 and Buck 54, while Blake and Hutchinson both captured two wickets.
However, steady innings from Nettleham's top order saw them home by five wickets, Durrant leading the way with 35., despite a three wicket return for Kev White.
Dave Robinson, with 59, and Joe Wiley, with 43, helped Broughton total a match-winning score of 199 for seven on their visit to Millennium.
Alan West bagged two for 40 and Chris Warren two for 20.
Warren then took up the bat to good effect, top scoring with 32 in the Grimsby team's reply of 90, Hunt taking three for 22.
Grimsby Town 2nds visited South Kelsey's picturesque ground at Holton-le-Moor and had plenty of time to enjoy the fine views of the Wolds as rain halted their innings after 22 overs with the score on 55 for three.
Premier leaguers Bracebridge Heath had no problems seeing off visiting Bottesford Town in a match reduced to 30 overs a side, due to rain.
Indeed, the entire tie was over in just 22 overs.
Bottesford lost their first three wickets for the addition of just two runs, and were then 16 for five before Knight held the middle-order together with 19.
But the tail-enders could muster just a single between the four of them as Bottesford slumped to 42 all-out.
A. McDowall claimed four for 16 and Smith and Hughes two for one.
Cook (33 not out) and G. McDowall (six not out) saw Bracebridge through to the next round inside six overs.
Scunthorpe Town enjoyed a rare but comfortable win when they visited Alkborough.
Indian international Dodda Ganesh led the way with 50 but was well supported by Dheejar Kumar (48) and talented youngster Kunwardeep Singh Bansil (48).
The Test player had just hit a huge six and was looking very dangerous when he was bowled by John Knapton.
Scunthorpe finished on 195 for eight - a good score on what they described as a very green wicket and damp, lush outfield which held up many shots just short of the boundary.
Alkborough were restricted to only 15 runs from the first 10 overs as Scunthorpe fielded keenly, and then claimed the key wickets of John Bramhill, Clive Coulthurst and Knapton.
Barker (25) and Steve Clay (23)steadied the middle-order but the home team's hopes were dealt a terminal blow when young Robert Todd joined the attack, taking two for none after electing to bowl medium-pace rather than his usual leg-spin.
BOB WELTON CUP
A captain's performance by Howard Pirie, who claimed five wickets, was a significant factor as Bottesford 2nds eased to a three-wicket Bob Welton Cup win over Hartsholme 2nds at Birch Park.
Mainstays of the Lincoln side's batting were Pearse (23), Bailey (33) and King (35) in a total of 141 for seven, Pirie bagging five for 25 and Phil Dodge two for 26.
Andy Sharp gave Bottesford's innings an early boost with 40 before being stumped, and the efforts of Fowler (37), Andy Prendergast (19) and Ray Maltby (11 not out) saw them home with an over to spare.
Grimsby Town 3rds travelled all the way to Hykeham 2nds to engage in one of the shortest cup-ties on record - just 11deliveries being possible before things had to be abandoned, with Town on nine for one.
Market Rasen 2nds' home game with Immingham Blossom Way Police lasted a little longer - 20 overs - during which the visitors reached 92 for two, Dennett hitting 22 and Cook and unbeaten 35.
Caistor 2nds secured a four-wicket win at Haxey 2nds.
The home team just inched into three-figures at 102, Young making 31 and Mann 25.
Percival caused them problems at the beginning of the innings when he dismissed one of Haxey's steadiest run accumulators, Steve King, for just two and then polished off two of the tail-enders for ducks to finish with the impressive figures of three for nine in seven overs (three maidens).
Benbow (two for 25) was the other bowler to manage more than a solitary wicket.
Ben Jacob made 23 and Hanks 31 as Caistor replied with 105 for six, Mann and Metcalfe taking two wickets each.
There was one innings of note from each team as Barton Town 2nds saw off Hykeham 2nds by seven wickets at Marsh Lane.
Askew made 55 in the middle-order for Hykeham out of 110, while opener Leighton Brack scored 44 the visitors.
However, there were some good bowling displays in this low-scoring encounter, Rob Danson and S. Andrew both claiming three wickets for Barton and Douglas taking four for 18 for the Lincoln area team.
Perhaps if the latter had joined the attack earlier than he did - he was the sixth bowler tried - the situation might have been a shade different.
BARRY FENTON CUP
D. Healy scored a century as South Bank beat North Thoresby in the Barry Fenton Cup.
Batting first, South Bank lost T. Potter lbw to Marfleet for 13, but B. Potter (68 not out) and Healy (100 not out) took the score to 198 without further loss with a super partnership.
Only Shelton and Lond reached double figures when North Thoresby replied with 74, Walker taking three for 21, Dunn three for 19 and Horsfall two for 11.
Hainton pulled off a five-wicket home victory against Hibaldstow who fell foul of the Bromleys - three to be precise.
Barry Kay (26) and Ian Wilks (22) were the main contributors in the visitors' 95, Paul Bromley taking four for 27, Ed Bromley three for 24 and Tom Bromley one for none.
After losing Ern Bromley with just a single on the board, Hainton looked to be cruising home at 86 for one when Hibaldstow claimed five quick wickets before finally succumbing.
John Taylor and Foster both took a couple, the latter being the sixth bowler tried.
Lucarlys had reached 85 for two (Diable 35 not out) in the 35th over against Bentley St James when the conditions forced the game to be abandoned.
DIVISION FIVE
Down in division five there was a real thriller on Sunday as Allied Labs inched to a one-wicket victory at Brigg Town 2nds, who were having their first league outing of the season.
Brigg's innings of 143 was built around a 67-run partnership for the second wicket between John Fitzgerald (39) and big-hitting Phil Smith (43).
The opening Labs bowlers found wickets hard to come by, but the addition of Taylor (three for 14), White (two for 22) and Ian Dye (three for eight) to the equation provided the right chemistry and helped to turn the tables periodically!
Salt (32) and Schrimshaw (20) were solid when the visitors replied, but wickets tumbled at regular intervals and at 117 for eight, Brigg looked to be in the driving seat.
However, the arrival at the crease of a left-hander, in the shape of wicketkeeper Dewland, added a new dimension and his 12 not out, and an unbeaten 10 from last man Hargrave, inched Labs to victory with an over to spare, Dewland adding to his earlier good work behind the stumps where he held three catches and effected a run-out.
The experienced Stu Sharp toiled throughout the innings to bag six for 44, while his young colleagues Tom Brock and Phil Smith both claimed two wickets.
FRIDAY NIGHT PREVIEW - USE WITH TABLES COMPILED BY GLEN SANDS
AFTER a weekend in which all divisions contested cup-ties, Lincolnshire County Cricket League clubs return to the bread-and-butter task of battling for match and bonus points tomorrow.
Cleethorpes 2nds, who are enjoying a fine start to their premier division campaign, will be looking to carry that on when they journey to Lincoln to take on Hartsholme.
Top game in Scunthorpe could be the visit of Bracebridge Heath to Cemetery Road to take on Normanby Park Works, although if Indian Test star Dodda Ganesh makes his third appearance for Scunthorpe Town, that should put plenty on the crowd at Helsam Park where Skegness face a difficult fixture.
Out in the Isle of Axholme, Haxey entertain Nettleham.
Alkborough will be looking to put last week's cup reverse against Scunthorpe behind them when they play host to Grimsby Town 2nds, while reigning champions Owmby will be seeking to take points at the expense of Louth.
Two sides who have already hit the the headlines in division one, South Kelsey and Cherry Willingham, meet at the old Lysaght's ground in Holton-le-Moor, where the village side usual prove very difficult to beat.
An interesting division two encounter is in prospect at Marsh Lane where Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, now skippered by the vastly experienced Mick Powell, pay a visit.
In division three, Immingham Blossom Way entertain Haxey 2nds, both sides being an interesting blend of youth and experience.
Scunthorpe Town 2nds, in division four, journey to Cherry Willingham 2nds to play on one of the prettiest of all league grounds at this time of year.
In division five - dominated by teams from the Grimsby area - North Thoresby v Hainton promises some interesting cricket.
Games in all divisions start at 2pm.
Sunday sees some clubs attempting to resolve cup-ties washed out last weekend.
Clubs are reminded that the booking of umpires for these ties is their responsibility, not the league's.
Captains and secretaries are asked to keep up the good work by phoning the scores from their home matches to Nigel Fisher (tel 01652 655134 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 01652 655134 end_of_the_skype_highlighting) as soon as they can after the completion of each fixture.
This allows the highlights to be submitted for inclusion in Monday's sports pages.
FIXTURES
SATURDAY, MAY 25
Premier division: Haxey v Nettleham, Owmby v Louth, Hartsholme v Cleethorpes 2nds, Alkborough v Grimsby Town 2nds, Scunthorpe Town v Skegness, Normanby Park Works v Bracebridge Heath.
Division one: Hykeham v Millennium, South Kelsey v Cherry Willingham, Messingham 2nds v Rustons, Cleethorpes 3rds v Alford, Holton-le-Clay v Outcasts.
Divison two: Broughton v Caistor 2nds, Grimsby Town 3rds v Horncastle, Bottesford v Keelby, Barton Town v App-Frod 2nds.
Division three: Louth 2nds v South Kelsey 2nds, Immingham Blossom Way v Haxey 2nds, Littlefields v Brigg Town, Outcasts 2nds v Alkborough 2nds.
Division four: Nettleham 2nds v Broughton 2nds, Cherry Willingham 2nds v Scunthorpe Town 2nds, Alford 2nds v Littlefields 2nds, Keelby 2nds v Bottesford 2nds.
Division five: North Thoresby v Hainton, South Bank v Hibaldstow, Brigg Town 2nds v Bentley St James.
SUNDAY, MAY 26
George Marshall Trophy: Grimsby Town 2nds v South Kelsey,
Bob Welton Cup: Scunthorpe Town v Cleethorpes 2nds, Market Rasen 2nds v Immingham Blossom Way Police, Hykeham 2nds v Grimsby Town 3rds,
INDIAN Test player Dodda Ganesh took six for 19 as Scunthorpe Town enjoyed a convincing Lincolnshire League premier division victory over Skegness at Heslam Park on Saturday.
Steve Leek's fine 83 helped Owmby rattle up a winning 235 for four against Louth, while the elements conspired to thwart Alkborough's victory bid against Grimsby Town who were hanging on with their last pair at the crease.
Rain also intervened when leaders Cleethorpes 2nds visited Lincoln to play Hartsholme.
The evergreen John Casswell stroked an unbeaten 72 as Messingham 2nds inched to a seven-run division one victory over Rustons.
Ian Cook's five-wicket haul helped leaders South Kelsey defeat Cherry Willingham. And half-centuries by youngsters Alex Osmond and Rob Griffin assisted Cleethorpes 3rds in a nine-wicket win over Alford.
The most exciting finish of the day was in divison two, Barton Town 2nds beating Appleby-Frodingham 2nds off the very last ball, Pete Rushby making an unbeaten 77 for the victors.
In division three, Alkborough 2nds' victory over Outcasts 2nds was doubly sweet for the match also counted as a Bob Welton Cup tie.
A five-wicket haul for veteran Dave Atkinson failed to save Broughton 2nds from defeat against Nettleham 2nds in division four, which will be playing the rest of the season a team short, Ruston 2nds having resigned due to team-raising problems.
The Lincoln side have managed only one outing this season and have been forced to concede their other scheduled fixtures.
All division four teams, and umpires, are ask to take special note; the league table will be adjusted accordingly.
In division five, Abbas Ali's seven for 18 was the star turn as Grimsby side Bentley St James won at Brigg Town 2nds.
DETAILS
Premier division: Hartsholme 65 for none v Cleethorpes 2nds (abandoned - rain ); Owmby 235 for four (Leek 83, Ram Chand 55, Gamesh Chand 51 not out), Louth 161 for nine; Scunthorpe Town 158, Skegness 63 (Ganesh 6-19); Alkborough 131, Grimsby Town 2nds 83 for nine (abandoned); Haxey v Nettleham, result not yet received; Normanby Park Works v Bracebridge Heath, result not yet received.
Division one: Messingham 2nds 136 for nine (Casswell 72 not out, Hickleton 5-25), Rustons 129 (D. Langford 5-28); Alford 132 for seven, Cleethorpes 3rds 133 for one (Osmond 54 not out, Griffin 55); Holton-le-Clay 168 for eight (Borum 60), Outcasts 111 for eight (Whiteley 56 not out) abandoned - rain; Cherry Willingham 104 (Cook 5-18), South Kelsey 2nds 106 for three; Millennium 120 (Turner 5-30), Hykeham 123 for eight.
Division two: Grimsby Town 3rds 130 for eight, Horncastle 131 for seven; Appleby-Frodingham 2nds 165 for seven, Barton Town 2nds 166 for six (Rushby 77 not out); Broughton 130 for eight, Caistor 2nds 132 for six (Hansford 57 not out).
Division three: Haxey 2nds 124 (Avison 8-49), Immingham Blossom Way 111 (Mann 5-34); South Kelsey 2nds 142 for nine v Louth 2nds (abandoned - rain); Alkborough 217 for seven (Elliott 50), Outcasts 197 for six ('double header' match also counting as Bob Welton Cup tie); Littlefields 162 (Donovan 54, Dunderdale 5-47), Brigg Town 163 for five (Fitzgerald 62);
Division four: Littlefields 2nds 107 for nine, Alford 2nds 108 for five; Nettleham 2nds 147 for seven (Atkinson 5-40), Broughton 65; Keelby 2nds 91 for nine, Bottesford 77; Cherry Willingham 2nds v Scunthorpe 2nds, result not yet received.
Division five: Brigg Town 2nds 39 (Abbas Ali 7-18), Bentley St James 40 or one; Bentley St James v Hibaldstow, not played on Sunday due to wet pitch - 5pts each; North Thoresby v Hainton, result not hyet received; Tetney 26 (Hargreaves 6-16), Allied Labs 27 for three.
George Marshall Trophy: Immingham Blossom Way Police v Market Rasen, not played due to wet conditions - Immingham won on the toss of a coin.
Bob Welton Cup: Hykeham 2nds v Grimsby 2nds, not played due to wet conditions - Grimsby won on the toss of a coin.
REIGNING champions Owmby hit the highest total of the day in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division, rattling up 235 for four at the expense of visitors Louth.
A superb opening stand of 123 between Ramesh Chand (55) and Steve Leak (83) set them on their way, and Gamesh Chand joined in with an unbeaten 51.
Dixon was the most penetrative member of the Louth attack, with three for 51.
The only significant contributions in a Louth reply of 161 for nine were 40 from Whiteley and 36 from Baxter.
McGowan (four for 67) and Chambers (three for 15) were the most impressive of the Owmby bowlers.
Haxey recorded a four-wicket home win over Nettleham.
The visitors batted first and managed 175, Growcott leading the way with 60, assisted by Binnington (33) and Wheatley (29), while Andy Torr took three for 18 and Johnson three for 52.
Haxey's reply of 175 for six was led by opener Bayliss with 52, but other telling contributions came from Wake (31 not out), Stanser (28) and Torr (21).
Growcott bowled well for Nettleham to finish with three for 49 from 15 overs.
Cleethorpes 2nds - for the second succesive weekend - were defeated by the weather when their fixture at Hartsholme was abandoned after 27 overs.
Heavy overnight rain had left the original pitch unplayable; a replacement was quickly prepared although very wet and barely playable.
All credit to home side who were 65 without loss, off 27 overs, thanks to some careful batting from Geoff Sewell and Tim Bradford when further rain caused the abandonment of the game with five points going to both sides.
Alkborough's home game with Allenby Stevenson Grimsby Town 2nds was a marathon in terms of time but the weather had the final say with both sides taking 10 points from an uncompleted fixture.
Jon Bramhill (40) and Steve Clay (29) helped the villagers to 131, as Pete Tillison bagged five for 17.
Grimsby found run-scoring even more difficult and were on 83 for nine when the game ground to an end, John Knapton finishing with five for 19 and Clay with three for 30.
Bracebridge Heath secured a comfortable home victory over Normanby Park Works.
Bradley (37) and McDowall (28 not out) were the mainstays of the home side's 117 for nine, Mick Finch taking three for 33, Mark Bray three for 34 and Paul Farrell two for 12.
But although the Cooks both reached the 20s, after opening the innings, the Steelmen were bowled out for 80 as Smith ran riot with figures of seven for 24 in 14 overs.
Scunthorpe Town Test star Dodda Ganesh made only six with the bat but completed a hat-trick to secure his side's first home win of the season at the expense of Skegness.
Put in, Scunthorpe totalled 158, having raced away with 39 runs from the first six overs.
Lincolnshire under-17 player Kunwardeep Singh Bansil made 24, Dheeraj Kumar (22), John Hernon (27) and captain Ken Wardman (40) to give Scunthorpe a reasonable total of 146 for seven.
Pick of the visitors' bowling were Steve O’Dare with five for 72 and McCall with four for 45.
Skegness were soon in trouble but McCall (31) led a revival only for Ganesh to turn things round with a hat-trick. The first was a catch for Darren Quibell at gully followed by an LBW and finally the bowling of youngster Buckley.
He finished with six for 19 and Jon Jacklin with three for 43.
Chairman of the Scunthorpe Academy, Jaz Bansil, said: "The introduction of Ganesh has given us the edge we had been lacking and the younger players are performing to their potential, especially in the field were they took some blistering catches today."
DIVISION ONE
Old campaigner John Casswell carried his bat for an unbeaten 72 as Messingham 2nds inched home by seven runs against visitors Rustons in division one.
Russ Dales (19) and Stu Langford (12 were the only other men into double figures in a score of 136 for nine, although extras made a telling contribution with 28.
Hickleton was easily the leading performer for the Lincoln side with five for 25, while Fowler took three for 26.
Mark Daley made 43 and Fowler 29 in Rustons' reply of 129, Dave Langford bagging five for 28.
South Kelsey continued their bid for a quick return to the top flight with a seven-wicket home win over Cherry Willingham.
Cherry picked off runs comfortably in the early stages through Tim Shooter (30) and Beattie (20. But Ian Cook,the fourth bowler tried, turned the game on its head with five for 18 as the innings closed on 104 for nine.
Priestley took three early wickets when Kelsey mounted their reply but Paul Lawson (48 not out) and Richardson (36 not out) saw Kelsey home.
Inclement conditions ended Holton-le-Clay's victory bid when they played host to Outcasts.
Chris Borum (60) dominated the home team's 168 for eight in the face of a three-man Crowle attack in which Singleton bowled throughout to finish with three for 61.
Outcasts were in big trouble as Adrian Portus grabbed four for 15. But Jason Whiteley, batting at No. 8, held firm with an unbeaten 56, assisted by some dogged batting from John Spittlehouse, and the game was saved at 111 for eight.
Cleethorpes 3rds maintained their 100 per cent record their latest victims being Alford.
The visitors' 132 for seven was never going to be enough on the batsmen-friendly surface at Chichester Road.
All the Meggies bowlers chipped in, only White, with 44, showing much fight for the visitors.
Cleethorpes' reply was built around an 104-run opening partnership between youngsters Alex Osmond (54 not out) and Robert Griffin, with 55.
Turner's five for 30 was the highlight for Hykeham as they bowled Millennium out for 120 and went on to win by two wickets.
DIVISION TWO
In-form Caistor 2nds gained a four-wicket success at Broughton, whose 130 for eight owed much to an unbeaten 49 from Gary Hunt and 21 from Hall in the middle-order.
Bob Welton, the Lincs League chairman, was the sixth bowler used by the visitors and took three for 20 in eight overs.
Gary Hansford (57 not out) led Caistor's reply, Clixby taking three for 31.
The closest game of the day was between Barton Town and Appleby-Frodingham 2nds, the former triumphing off the very last ball with four wickets in hand.
Chasing 166 for victory, they were indebted to Pete Rushby's unbeaten 77.
Horncastle secured a three-wicket win on their visit to Allenby Stevenson Grimsby Town 3rds, overtaking a total of 130, thanks to good knocks from Owen (41) and Lovely (29).
DIVISION THREE
Alkborough 2nds had every reason to feel pleased with their 20-run victory at Outcasts in division three, for it also counted as a Bob Welton Cup encounter.
Steady batting from the visitors saw them to 217 for seven, Elliott making exactly 50, Roden 43 not out and Russ Baker 32.
For Outcasts, young Tom Sharpe took three for 57 from his full allocation of nine overs.
Despite good knocks from Simon Lewis (64) and Wroot (55) the Isle of Axholme side were contained to 197 for six.
Avison took eight for 49 but finished on the losing side for Immingham Blossom Way when they entertained Haxey 2nds.
Pete Mumby (42) and Peter Drew (27) both fell to the in-form opener but Haxey's 124 proved just too many for the home team, despite 43 from Gary Donoghue.
Gary Mann finished with five for 34 and Ted Mimms with four for 17.
South Kelsey 2nds completed their innings of 144 for nine at Louth 2nds (Owen four for 58) when rain caused the game to be abandoned.
Brigg Town visited Littlefields, whose 162 included a telling 54 from Mick Donovan and a five for 47 return for Adam Dunderdale.
John Fitzgerald made 62 as Brigg reached their target with five wickets in hand.
DIVISION FOUR
Scunthorpe Town 2nds swept away the Cherry Willingham 2nds batsmen with ease to secure a 10-wicket division four win, thanks to a fine bowling display by Sarvinder Singh Mall and an aggressive batting performance from Steve Chapman.
Mall took five for 19, and the experienced Willie McVey terminated the Cherry innings, on 49, with a hat-trick in the 24th over.
C. Fullerton (20) made the only score of note.
Chapman (39) and Andy Fidell (12) overhauled the target inside six overs.
Veteran Dave Atkinson had to undertake an arduous 23-over spell for Broughton 2nds at Nettleham 2nds and returned the creditable figures of five for 40.
But the Nettleham total of 147 for seven was a useful one, Plummer making 48 and Woolfson 29.
Broughton's disappointing rely of 65 included only two scores of note - 23 from opener Simpson and 21 from Hillyard - with Hickingbotham bagging four for 14 and Williams, Plummer and Woolfson two wickets apiece.
Having contained Littlefield 2nds to 107 for nine, Alford 2nds reached their target for the loss of five wickets.
Keelby 2nds won a low-scoring game with Bottesford 2nds.
Keelby's 91 for nine included 35 from Ian Johnson, while Phil Dodge took four for seven. Bottesford were then dismissed for 77, with much after-match discussion over one of those very difficult to judge catches right on the boundary.
DIVISION FIVE
Promising young Bentley St James seamer Abbas Ali continued his domination of Brigg Town 2nds with a devastating burst of seven for 18 in division five.
Having taken four wickets in the same over against Brigg in a cup-tie a couple of weeks ago, he returned to the Sir John Nelthorpe School ground to carry on where he left off.
The Brigg innings of 39 included 12 from wicketkeeper Dave Barraclough but precious little else, and Bentley won in the 14th over for the loss of just one wicket.
Bentley St James' Sunday encounter with Hibaldstow was called off due to a waterlogged wicket.
Hainton's Ed Bromley took six for 21 to help dismiss North Thoresby for 90 and set up a nine-wicket win.
Baz Hargraves took six for 16 as Tetney were skittled for 26 by Allied Labs, who claimed victory by seven wickets.
CUP TIES
Heavy rain meant that the second attempt to settle some ties on Sunday again proved impossible.
With fixtures piling up, this left some clubs to take the sensible option of settling the issue by the toss of a coin.
Calling correctly were Immingham Blossom Way Police against Market Rasen in the George Marshall Trophy, Grimsby Town 2nds against Hykeham in the Bob Welton Cup, and Nettleham against Littlefields (also Welton Cup).
Barry Fenton Memorial Trophy: Allied Labs v Tetney (result
not yet received).
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