The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
An excellent bowling performance from Pinchbeck steered them to an unlikely victory over Boston 3rd at Spalding Grammar School on Saturday.
Defending a modest total of 126, the hosts looked up against it – but took advantage of decent bowling conditions to dismiss their opponents for 85 to move up to fourth South Lincs and Border League Division Two.
On a slow wicket and with plenty of cloud cover, Pinchbeck captain James Langford surprisingly chose to bat first – a debatable decision that was further questioned when Lee Eyett fell LBW in the first over of the match.
Danny Jackson (21) and Sam Smith (30) settled any nerves with a brisk stand of 36, before Jackson was adjudged caught behind.
Turning to spin at both ends, Boston began to stamp their authority and had Pinchbeck in some trouble. Harry Laidlow was the pick of bowlers with an excellent eight over spell that yielded 4-10 including a brilliant caught and bowled to remove Smith.
At 77-6, a competitive total appeared distant. Fortunately for Pinchbeck, Andrew Beeston rallied and with some positive strokes moved the total past three figures.
Beeston notched up seven boundaries in an excellent knock of 38, before succumbing to Morris (3-10) who then mopped up the tail with Pinchbeck all out in the 37th over.
With early wickets required, skipper Langford delivered for the hosts as he removed both openers to leave Boston 20-2 after 12 overs. With the lack of pace in the wicket, Pinchbeck then turned to spin twins Smith and Eyett, who further hassled the visitors with nagging line and length.
After several tight overs the frustration told and both struck twice in successive overs to heap the pressure on Boston as they slumped to 36-6.
But with the victory line in sight, Laidlow took on the challenge and with some aggressive stroke play halted Pinchbeck’s charge.
Langford hauled himself back into the attack and it proved a wise move as he and Eyett (4-27) struck the crucial final blows to close out the match.
Both shared the remaining wickets to finish with four apiece, Langford (4-17) claimed the final scalp by bowling Laidlow for 31.
