The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding Town 2nd got their South Lincs and Border League Division One campaign off to a flying start with a hard-fought four-wicket win at newly promoted Grantham 3rd.
On a bitterly cold and rain interrupted day, Spalding won the toss and put Grantham in to bat.
Simon Juckes quickly had Grantham danger man Max Everett, caught behind for a duck. However, the incoming Ian Robinson (75 not out) proved a harder prospect to dislodge – taking the home team to a respectable 161-4.
The pick of the Spalding bowlers was Jamie Juckes (12 overs, 12-0), who together with Jules Wilson and Ansar Hussain contained the batting well.
HAPPY CAPTAIN: Mike Kearns.
In reply, Town were soon well ahead of the run rate with a flamboyant display of stroke play from young Spalding opener Harry Wilko (31).
Grantham fought back well and, with Spalding at 100-6, looked on the cusp of victory until Spalding’s Simon Juckes (52no) and Mike Kearns (15no) came together.
Playing with a dogged determination, they got Spalding over the finishing line to take the spoils.
Spalding skipper Kearns said: “Grantham away first game of the season was always going to be a hard game. I’m delighted that we came away with a win.
“This will be an eye opener to our squad that we can’t take things lightly in this division.”
