Spalding open new league with victory

A good all round performance saw Spalding start the South Lincs and Border League East One division with a comprehensive victory over Freiston.

Spalding made good use of the toss as they put the home side in and soon reduced them to 35-4.

Will Naylor was the pick of the bowlers throughout claiming 4-27 from 10 overs, including both Freiston openers.

Freiston recovered thanks to Usman Ahmed (58) and Abdul Moeed (45).

The pair put on 74 runs together taking the score to 109 before Brandon Andrews (3-41) claimed the second of his three wickets by bowling Moeed.

Ahmed was on 19 at that point and hauled his side up to a respectable 177-8 from the 40 overs.

It was a total that Spalding chased down comfortably with more than eight overs to spare as all their batsmen chipped in.

While Jon Manton (14) was more patient, his opening partner Chris Dring scored 38 from just 26 balls hitting five fours and a six.

Ollie Dring came in to replace him and he continued the quick up rate hitting a nearly a run a ball 33.

Ahead of the required run rate, it then fell to Ethan Lawrence (39 not out) and Nilantha Atapattu (42 not out) to see Spalding home for a seven wicket win in the 32nd over.

Spalding are the team that miss out on playing in the seven team East division this Saturday, so will instead play Belton Park at home in the Inter competition.

*Spalding’s 3rd XI endured a tough start to the East Two division as they were heavily beaten by Skegness 3rds.

A 52 from Skegness opener Chris Sheldon set his side on their way as they posted 144-7 from their 40 overs.

Spalding used a host of bowlers in the match with the pick of them being Michael Morris whose five overs went for just six runs, taking one wicket and running out Sheldon.

Eddie Seymour too was economical claiming 1-8 from six while there were also wickets for Dan Mulley, George Morris and Nicki Curran.

Spalding’s response didn’t get going however and they were bowled out for 61 in reply in 28 overs.

Only two batsmen made double figures as Spalding succumbed to the 80 run loss.

*Spalding’s Sunday XI were defeated at Oakham 2nd XI in the Rutland League Division Three in a closely fought game.

Oakham posted 190-4 from their 40 overs which proved to just be enough.
Spalding came within 14 runs of that total, but they were bowled out for 176 with three overs in hand.