The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Moulton Harrox won by six wickets away to Claypole on Saturday to go top of South Lincs and Border League Division One after 13 successive victories.
Skipper Simon Juckes lost the toss but was not overly concerned as the hosts opted to bat first on a used pitch that looked unpredictable.
Alex Baker (2-27) removed both Claypole opening batsmen with a fiery new ball spell, while Nohman Jarral (1-8) bowled with control at the other end.
Moulton took regular wickets throughout as Ansar Hussain (2-37) and Jack Barnett (2-35) were able to keep the scoring rate down and Claypole managed a competitive 166-9 from their 45 overs.
After tea, Claypole bowled well with the new ball and were assisted by some inconsistent bounce.
However, Harrox openers Mike Kearns and Chris Beale ground their way through the first ten overs to reach 30 without loss.
The pair took the score on to 55 before Kearns was dismissed LBW for 29, with Matt Barnett joining Beale at the crease and adding 52 for the second wicket.
Matt Barnett was bowled for 33 and Jack Barnett was dismissed cheaply in the same over, leaving the game in the balance at 107-3.
Beale and Juckes continued to chip away at the total before the former fell for a patient 50 with only 13 required for victory.
Still, Hussain (10 not out) and Juckes (33 not out) saw Moulton home with four overs to spare.
Moulton now face a title showdown at second-placed Market Deeping 2nd on Saturday (12.30pm) knowing that a victory would secure the title.
They are also nine points clear, so they will also be champions if the fixture is rained off.
- The SLBL Division One derby between Pinchbeck and Spalding 2nd was a very one-sided affair.
Pinchbeck scored 171 batting first with Danny Jackson (78) and Mark Ramsden (49) scoring well. Town 2nd were bowled out for 41 in reply, as Stephen Coles (6-19) and Mike Knight (4-12) produced devastating spells with the ball.
