The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Relentless Spalding Town 2nd continued their unbeaten run in South Lincs and Border League Division One this season with a comfortable 173-run victory over Billingborough 2nd on Saturday.
Town’s second side are now a healthy 39 points clear at the top of the standings having registered their ninth win from 12 games, with the other three being abandoned.
Having been put into bat, Spalding made an impressive start as openers Matt Gill (31) and Mike Kearns (92 not out) pushed the score to 81 before the former was well caught by Callum Scott off the bowling of Mark Simpson (1-24).
Harry De Camos came and went for a duck, but flamboyant knocks from Jon Manton (17), Matt Sharpe (19) and Jamie Juckes 50 – playing round the experienced Kearns – took the Spalding tally to 225-4 off their 45 overs.
In reply, Billingborough had no answer to some fine Spalding bowling as Matt Sharpe (0-9) and debutant Brandon Andrews (1-9) restricted the visitors at the Memorial Field.
That, followed by the introduction of Carl Lamming (1-13) and a fine spell from Christian Green (4-10), soon had the visitors reeling.
The game was concluded as another debutant, Jonah Gill (2-3), cleaned up the tail, ably assisted by his father Matt Gill catching behind the stumps.
Billingborough were eventually all out for 52 off only 19 overs as Spalding took a maximum 20-point haul.
Spalding skipper Kearns said: “Injuries, holidays, a wedding and work commitments all effected team availability this week and, to be honest, before the game I was concerned as to our ability to cope without six regular players absent.
“My concern was unfounded, as each and every player stepped up to the plate to play a role with enthusiasm and ability.
“There were some super performances and attitudes from junior players that will make next weeks team selection very interesting.”
Spalding 2nd travel to rock-bottom Heckington this Saturday (1.30pm).
