Ambrose lauds Nel partnership as Spalding Town show what they’re capable of

Skipper Rob Ambrose smashed his best score in recent years as Spalding Town raced to an impressive eight-wicket win over Woodhall Spa 2nd on Saturday.

The wicket-keeper batsman top scored with 79 as Town chased down Spa’s 191-7 at Jubilee Park in South Lincs and Border League Premier Division to secure their maiden win of the campaign.

Jimmy Hook had earlier taken four wickets to ensure that the home side didn’t make it past the 200 mark, with Dan Millgate and Cameron Roy also amongst the wickets.

Ambrose and fellow opener Warren Nel (71) then made the run chase look easy, with Hook (25 not out) and Josh Newton (8 not out) finishing the job as Town closed on 192-2 to take 17 match points.

Veteran captain Ambrose, who has played down the order in recent years, feels that he and close friend Nel complement each other perfectly at the top of the order and was happy to secure the win.

He said: “We had them at 20-odd for four, so I did feel we perhaps let them get 70 more than they should have.

“But it was a good pitch, which only got better as they day went on.

“In the end it was comfortable for us, but I think we caught Woodhall on a good day – they were missing a few players.

“Personally, I very much enjoyed it. In recent years I’ve perhaps sacrificed myself by playing down the order, but now I’ve decided to play my natural game.

“I get on well with Warren and we make a good pair. I’m happy to be aggressive, while he’ll look to bat through.

“I enjoyed it out there, I think it’s my first 50 for four or five years. But getting that first win is the most important thing – it’s vital to get points on the board early on.”

Ambrose knows that his side face a tougher challenge this Saturday (1pm), as they welcome defending champions Market Deeping 2nd to Spalding Grammar School.

Deeping didn’t lose a single game en-route to the title last season, leaving the Town skipper to accept that this will be one of their toughest games of the entire season.

“They’ve got a great mix of youth and experience,” admitted Ambrose. “To play them so early on is tough.

“But we’ll treat it like every other game – we will go out and try to win the match.”

Key man Newton misses the clash, but Jack Barratt is expected to return.