The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Long Sutton extended their lead at the top of the South Lincs and Border League Championship with a five wicket win over Freiston.
Sutton skipper Jake Burton put Freiston in on winning the toss and Josh Baker (2 for 50) gave his side the perfect start, having Richard Paul out without a run being scored.
He also ended the second wicket partnership of 46 by having Taimur Mian (21) caught.
Freiston moved to 74 for 2 before the introduction of Barry Stanway caused all kinds of damage.
He claimed 4 for 51 from his nine overs as the home side lost 5 for 25 to be 99 for 7.
Freiston’s last seven batsmen only made six runs between them, the fact they reached 147 all out due to two things, the first being Sutton conceded 42 extras, including 28 wides.
The second was number three Connor Goodfellow hitting an excellent 66.
He was the last man out, stumped by Stanway off the bowling of Burton who took 2 for 1 from his seven balls.
There were two wickets too for Ricky Brown whose eight overs went for 2 for 32.
After the early loss of Nathan Oliver (2), Sutton started steadily but when Calvin Bird (14) fell followed by Jacob Gray (16) the game was in the balance at 46 for 3.
Much of the leg work in the successful chase came from Tim Norris and Dan Oldfield.
They put on 75 for the fourth wicket, Norris scoring 37 while Oldfield hit a quicker than a run a ball 47.
Both fell in quick succession giving Freiston hope, but Dom Clay scored 16 not out from 14 balls and Stanway 11 from eight, including a six to take Sutton to the win.
The result leaves them 37 points ahead of second placed Skegness.
Long Sutton 2nd XI are also sitting pretty atop Division Two after a nine wicket win at home to Freiston 2nd XI.
They bowled Freiston out for 109 after putting them in with Cal John taking 4 for 37 and Ed Barnes 3 for 20 as the visitors lost their last five wickets for the addition of just five runs.
Rob Simpson (1 for 13) and Daniel Plant (1 for 2) also picked up wickets and were economical.
Sutton then romped to their victory target in just 16 overs.
Aaron John was 41 not out from 38 balls and though Ed Munson was the only wicket to fall for a near run a ball 33, Jamie Taylor was 17 not out from 16 to earn a nine wicket win.
