The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Opener Mike Kearns scored an amazing century to steer Moulton Harrox to a huge 247-run victory on Saturday.
The Harrox skipper scored 126 in Moulton’s huge total 315-6 against ten-man Skegness 2nd in South Lincs and Border League, before his side bowled the away side out for just 68 in reply.
Steven Rushworth (67) and Matt Barnett (74) also passed 50 for Harrox, who are now second in the standings after collecting 20 points.
On a hot day in South Holland, visitors Skegness 2nd won the toss at Harrox Field – but made the mistake of putting Moulton into bat.
Openers Kearns and Rushworth were in no mood to give up their wicket, piling on the runs and building a platform that the title-chasers could build up.
Rushworth was eventually first man out after passing his half-century, trapped LBW by Peter Blackmore (2-76).
It didn’t get any easier for the visitors, however, as Barnett joined his captain and took a fancy to the bowling.
He looked good for a century as he passed 50 and moved onto 74, only for Carly Rush (3-66) to eventually take his scalp.
Kearns, who used all of his experience to reach three figures, also fell to Blackmore later on in the innings for a wonderful century.
CENTURION: Skipper Mike Kearns scored 126 for Moulton.
There was also a useful 27 down the order from Lance Bettinson, but the damage had already been done by the top three.
After a long period in the field, Skegness folded when they were given their chance to bat.
And, while Moulton’s top three batsmen managed 267 between them, Skegness’ leading trio mustered a combined total of four runs in comparison.
They all came from Michael Simpson, who was bowled by Alex Baker (2-5).
Number two Nigel Underwood was bowled by Nohman Jarral (3-9) for a duck, while Baker shattered Jamie Atherton’s stumps before he could trouble the scorers.
Louis Greetham (3-16) then had Josh Noble caught for just nine, while also bowling Rush for a duck.
He dismissed Jack Delaney (0) to complete a quick three-wicket haul, too.
Drew Simmonds (15) and Blackmore (31) offered some brief resistance to push the score past 50, before Jarral bowled both of them.
Kevin Simmonds (4) was the last man out as John Barnett (1-12) had him caught, perhaps fittingly, by centurion Kearns to round off the win.
Moulton, who are now 25 points behind leaders Belton Park, are without a game this weekend and could be overtaken by third-placed Graves Park, who have two games in hand.
