Fantastic fourth for Pinchbeck despite defeat on final day

Pinchbeck ended their South Lincs and Border League Division Two season with a disappointing 21-run defeat against Burgh at Spalding Grammar School.

In cool, cloudy conditions the away side surprisingly chose to bat first and with Andrew Beeston picking up the early wicket of Nigel Underwood.

However, Burgh skipper Richard Underwood and Phil Sharp countered stubbornly with a second wicket stand of 72 that frustrated the home side who didn’t aid their cause well with a clutch of dropped catches and, with wickets in hand, Burgh were targeting an imposing total.

But having reached his half century Underwood fell for 53 to a well-judged catch by Matt Kidd. Pinchbeck were then able to peg back the visitors and bowled them out with an over to spare.

Carl Lamming (5-43), Alex Watkins (1-45) and skipper James Langford (3-28) all chipped in to bowl Burgh out for 158.

Pinchbeck’s reply lacked momentum and they were reduced to 48-4. It was Sam Smith who carried Pinchbeck’s chances as he continued his fine form with an excellent knock that stood in Burgh’s way of victory.

A fifth wicket stand of 32 with Beeston appeared to be giving the hosts some hope – but when Beeston was caught at square leg the visitors tightened their grip and Smith ran out of partners, thanks largely to medium pacer Beardsley (5-30).

With the onus firmly on Smith to see Pinchbeck over the line he was the last man to fall for a valiant 76 as the home side were bowled out for 137.

Despite the loss, Pinchbeck finish a fine fourth.

South Lincs & Border League Division Two results: p Results: Grantham 3rd 133, Claypole 137-7; Boston 3rd 166-9 (Azim 54, Gatta 5-20), Freiston 98 (Appleyard 5-30); Burgh & District 158 (Underwood 54, Lammin 5-43), Pinchbeck 137 (Smith 76, Beardsley 5-30); Belton Park 2nd 81, Lindum 3rd 82-5.

Champions: Lindum 3rd.

Promoted: Freiston L&L

Top run scorers: 501 – Sam Smith (Pinchbeck); 418 – Danny Jackson (Pinchbeck); 394 – Max Bauer (Lundum 3rd); 339 – Waseem Ilyas (Freiston);.

Most wickets: 34 – James Langford (Pinchbeck); 32 – Oliver Booth (Freiston); 29 – Harry Wells (Lindum 3rd); 27 – Matt Revill (Claypole).