Long Sutton relegated from top flight as Spalding Town 2nd miss out on promotion

A dramatic final weekend of the South Lincs and Border League season ended in disappointment for Long Sutton and Spalding 2nd.

Sutton were relegated from the Premier Division after losing their finale at Bourne 2nd while Spalding’s Division One championship dream was dashed after being overtaken on the last day by Freiston who defeated Moulton Harrox.

Just four points separated the bottom three Premier Division teams at the end of the day with Billingborough beating the drop as Sutton finished in the bottom two along with Belton Park.

Sutton had restricted Bourne 2nd to 177-8 from their 45 overs with Barry Stanway claiming three wickets.

Tom Bentley led the Bourne charge as he smashed 11 fours and two sixes to hit the highest score of 89.

Sutton, in reply, saw significant contributions from Dan Oldfield (38), Phil Barnes (31) and Aaron John (22), but finished 22 runs shy of the target on 154-9 from 45 overs.

Billingborough’s bowlers had helped make their side safe with maximum bowling points as they dismissed Sleaford 2nd for 161, Matt Cox taking five wickets.

The visitors’ final score of 140 all out then brought them another two points and safety from relegation.

Moulton were no match for rampant Freiston whose victory confined Spalding 2nd to the runners-up spot.

Harrox were dismissed for 101 despite Matthew Barnett hitting 47 for the visitors.

Freiston lost four wickets in their reply – three of which were taken by Darren Hibbert – to secure enough points to overhaul long-time leaders Spalding 2nd.

• Long Sutton’s Rutland League side were unable to wreck Burghley Park’s promotion party in their Division Three clash on Sunday.

The Stamford side needed to beat Sutton to secure the second promotion place and they recorded an emphatic nine-wicket victory.

Sutton were bowled out for 90 with Phil Oldfield (30) and Matt Bull (21) their main run scorers.