The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Fast bowler Charlie Kearns admits that Spalding Town endured an afternoon to forget on Saturday as Market Deeping cruised to a Lincs ECB Premier League derby success.
Buoyed by their first victory of the campaign a week earlier, Town had hoped to make it back-to-back wins at Spalding Grammar School.
But they were bowled out for just 165 as an inspired Tom Andrews (7-43) ripped through their line-up.
Luke Hollingworth (25), Ben Smith (22) and Warren Nel (21) were the only three to make solid contributions, with Spalding managing just two batting points.
Kearns (1-45) got rid of opener Chris Jones for just three as Town began well with the ball. But Deeping debutant Ajaz Akhtar (71), skipper Dave Gillett (41) and Jamie Morgan (30 not out) all chipped in well to knock the runs off for the loss of just four wickets (168-4).
Nel (3-32) again starred with the ball for Town, but they remain bottom of the table having taken just three points from the clash.
Kearns said: “It was another one to forget. We had a few players missing and they made it count.
“There’s not really a lot to say about it, unfortunately.
“We needed to score more runs really to give us a better chance.
“With the score we had they could afford to come out and take some risks by playing more aggressively.
“Young Jonny Manton stepped in on Saturday morning as a late call-up, but showed with his batting and bowling that he is definitely one to watch.
“Deeping are a good, well rounded, team – but I don’t think they will win the league.”
Next up for Town is a trip to a Skegness side that are just 23 points ahead of them in the table.
It’s the start of a month that Spalding are targeting for a few wins – and Kearns is confident of starting that on Saturday (noon).
Kearns added: “Skegness have had a bumpy run of late so we are targeting this one as one to win.
“Having a few players back will be a big boost.
“There is still a good positive feel in the dressing room and in the club, so I am looking forward to it.”
