Rob delighted as Nel inspires Town draw

Spalding Town CC 1st (258-8) drew with Market Deeping 1st (244-7)

HOW IS THAT?: Rob Ambrose (left) appeals on Saturday. Photo (NIKKI GRIFFIN): VNG190414-15

Impressed Spalding Town skipper Rob Ambrose has declared himself happy with Saturday’s derby draw against Market Deeping.

Town picked up 15 points in their Lincs ECB Premier League opener at Spalding Grammar School, with star man Warren Nel making an unbeaten 116.

The South African’s knock was the mainstay of Spalding’s 258-8, with Josh Newton (58) also passing 50.

Other contributions came from Charlie Kearns (25) and Tim Norris (20no), with Mehul Adatia (4-78) their chief tormentor.

Deeping’s run chase looked like being a successful one when top trio Chris Jones (53), Jamie Morgan (42) and Alex Wheatley (65no) gave them the perfect start.

Sri Lanka star Thivanka Rajaratne (2-57) and Charlie Kearns (2-32) hampered their progress, but when Tom Andrew (21) and Lee Peacock (32) came together an away win was back on.

However, some terrific death bowling from Wamanga Perera (1-45), another Sri Lankan debutant, ensured they closed on 244-7 – and gave Town a winning draw.

A delighted Ambrose said: “I’m really pleased with the lads, we looked very solid.

“Obviously Warren Nel was superb with the bat. I think the fact that we’ve strengthened the team has eased the pressure on him and he was able to play with a lot more freedom.

“Our bowling was pretty good too, with Perera particulary impressive at the death. Andrews and Peacock could really have taken the game away from us, but Charlie Kearns came back and did the trick.

“Make no mistake about it, Deeping are a very good side. So to take 15 points from the game is a really good start.”

Saturday’s Lincs ECB Premier League results: Sleaford 196, Lindum 183; Market Rasen 116, Woodhall Spa 119-2; Bracebridge Heath 249-9, Skegness 132; Bourne 303-8, Billingborough 162; Spalding 258-8, Market Deeping 244-7; Louth 227, Grimsby 161-9.