The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding kept up the pressure on leaders Bourne 2nd at the top of the league by bowling Belton out for just 49 on Saturday.
On a low-scoring day throughout the South Lincs and Border League Premier Division in which every other side who batted first lost, Spalding bucked the trend and defended 132 – the highest total any side in the division managed.
Given recent damp weather, it was not a surprise that upon winning the toss, Belton put Spalding in.
And the home side were soon in trouble on the Grammar School greenery with both opener Jon Manton and Joseph Broomfield bowled for ducks.
Only number three Josh Newton (40) of the top or middle order got to grips with the conditions as a steady stream of wickets fell.
Jonathan Miles (2), Robert Ambrose (7), Ethan Lawrence (7) and William Barnes (2) all came and went while Newton patiently built a fine 40.
Numbers eight and nine Josh Lawrence (22) and Matt Gill (20) also had a vital role in Spalding reaching their total of 132 all out in the 43rd over.
The pick of the Belton bowlers was William Helliwell who took 4-38 from nine and
Thomas Ward claimed 3-39 before change bowlers Jonny Law (2-19 from 12) and Rohan Perera (1-23 from 12) put the squeeze on further.
Spalding’s total proved far too good for Belton though who were promptly bowled out for under 50.
None of their batsmen made double figures with opener Justin Helliwell top scoring with 9 before being caught behind off Will Naylor.
Fresh from his six wickets the previous week former Long Sutton paceman bowled brilliantly again taking 4 for 12 from his seven overs.
Brandon Andrews had kicked things off bowling opener Matthew Cocks (2) on his way to 2-14 from seven and captain Jonathan Miles’ seven overs went for just nine runs with one wicket to his name.
Joseph Broomfield then brushed aside the tail claiming 3 for 14 from his 6.4 overs including two caught and bowled chances as Belton were 49 all out in the 28th over.
After missing out on full batting points, Spalding are now three points behind leaders Bourne 2nd who had a maximum points win, but they’ve increased their advantage over Woodhall Spa 2nd who were soundly beaten by a Sleaford side previously in the relegation places.
lSpalding 3rds were themselves bowled out for 67 as they were thrashed at home by a struggling Freiston side.
It all started well for the Memorial Ground side as Macey Andrews (1-44) and Harry Birch (1-32) ousting the Freiston openers for a combined two runs.
That was as good as it got though as Usman Ahmed (68) and Waseen Ilyas (66 not out) took control and helped their side hit 222 for 5 from 45 overs.
Eddie Seymour (1-24 from 10) and William Gardner (1-41) took the two other wickets alongside a run out.
The reply lasted just 27.1 overs with opener Jack Sawyer (14) top scoring for Spalding as they were bowled out for 67.
Steve Appleyard (3-30) and Ahmed (3-28) bowled unchanged for the first 24 overs before the innings was wrapped up by Bonakeli Njovana taking 2-2 from seven balls.
