GOOD KNOCK: Warren Nel made 65 before being the only man out. Photo by JAKE WHITELEY

Spalding Town and Long Sutton flying ahead of their top-of-the-table derby duel

Warren Nel scored a typical century as Spalding Town made it three wins from as many games in South Lincs and Border League Premier Division on Saturday.

The opener racked up 104 in Town’s 240-6 at Sleaford 2nd, before they bowled out the hosts for 221 in their reply.

Defending champions Spalding are now second in the early standings, narrowly behind South Holland rivals Long Sutton – who have played a game more.

Having been put in by their hosts, Town impressed with the bat. Although Jon Manton (9) and skipper Jonathan Miles (0) struggled to trouble the scorer, their other three big-hitters delivered the goods.

Nel led from the front with his typical ton, which was eventually ended by the bowling of the dangerous Conor Harbron (3-73).

Number three Josh Newton made 34 before being trapped LBW by Angus Youles, while Joseph Broomfield (44 not out) took over the mantle late on to push Town to an imperious score.

Both Rob Ambrose (12) and Ethan Lawrence (10) added runs down the order, but both fell to Harbron.

In reply, Sleaford gave it their best shot as they shared the runs between the entire team.

Charlie Roberts (54), Oliver Bean (38) and Dave Newman (28) were the leading scorers, but Town stuck to their task and eventually knocked them over in the 43rd over.

Brandon Andrews (3-53), Miles (2-49), Jon Garner (2-29) and Josh Lawrence (1-37) all got among the wickets for Spalding, who collected the maximum of 20 points from the clash.

This weekend sees Town welcome South Holland rivals Long Sutton to Spalding Grammar School (1pm) for a top-of-the-table clash.

Sutton warmed up for that clash with a routine six-wicket success over Belton Park at Paradise Field.

Having won the toss and put Park into bat, they set about skittling them out for just 82 in 36 overs.

That target proved easy for the hosts, who powered to 83-4 in just 25.2 overs in reply to claim the maximum 20 points and stay unbeaten.

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