The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Another battling performance saw Pinchbeck come out on top in both the match and the South Lincs Border League Division Two in the meeting between its two unbeaten sides.
Despite only having eight players, Boston 3rd proved a tough nut to crack for captain Danny Jackson’s Pinchbeck promotion pushers.
But crack it they did, winning by 42 runs in a game largely dominated by the bowlers at Spalding Grammar School.
Pinchbeck won the toss looking to take advantage of the gaps in the field though the home side’s 12th man provided Boston with an extra fielder.
And the visitors all bowled impressively to a tight line and made things difficult for the home side.
Pinchbeck lost both Matt Kidd (4) and Mark Ramsden (1) early on but opener Nick Crook provided a steady 34.
Harry Wilkinson-Roberts (12), Danny Jackson (10) and James Langford (11) were among the middle-order to make starts and valuable contributions, but they were unable to go on and provide a big score.
The tail needed to wag, and wag it did in what proved to be effectively match-winning fashion.
Robert Goulding batting at nine (15) and number 11 Andrew Beeston (13) were in excellent fettle with the bat, but the star of the show was Mike Knight.
His 39 not out from number 10 went a long way to help his side to 192 before they were all out in 38 overs.
Six of Boston’s eight players enjoyed a spell with the ball, Shaun Moore being the most prolific taking 4-36 from his 12 overs while Ian Morris claimed 3-39 from 12 amid an impressive bowling display.
Boston made a good start to the reply with openers Rowan Evans (31) and Cameron McCullum (16) setting their stall out. But Pinchbeck persevered to pick up the wickets.
Danny Jackson made the breakthrough having McCullum caught by Knight.
James Langford (2-28) struck twice in succession dismissing Steve Bagley (5) and Eli Coonan (11) while Langford also took the catch to dismiss the visiting skipper Evans from the bowling of Beeson (1-22).
A counter-attack from Shaun Moore threatened to put Boston back in the driving seat.
He hit six fours in his 39, but once again it was Knight who came to the fore.
After Moore had progressed to 39, Knight had him caught behind by keeper Ramsden and also bowled Ian Morris (7).
To go with his top score with the bat, he finished with 2 for 36 from 11 overs.
It left Pinchbeck needing one more wicket, and Jackson delivered bowling Coonan (1) to leave Boston 150 all out and seal the victory for Pinchbeck in the 37th over.
They’re now nine points clear of Boston and also have a game in hand on their nearest title challengers.
Pinchbeck will be looking to keep the unbeaten run going as they head to third placed Long Sutton 2nd this Saturday who were without a game last weekend after Uffington were unable to raise a side.
