Pinchbeck soundly beaten in South Lincs opener

Pinchbeck endured something of a difficult start to their South Lincs and Border League Division Two season as Lindum 3rd took the points with a five-wicket victory.

On an excellent wicket at Spalding Grammar School, Pinchbeck batted first but looked decidedly rusty with bat in hand.

Lindum’s young and disciplined bowling attack took full advantage and skittled them out for just 60 with debutant Lee Smith (13) the only player to make double figures.

There was some encouragement to take from the second half of the match as the hosts picked up five wickets, causing their opponents to stutter slightly over the line.

Skipper James Langford (3-25) claimed three scalps, while newcomer Nick Crook (1-23) picked up a wicket to add to a fine catch at gully.

This at least ensured that Pinchbeck picked up some points – but ultimately the visitors reached their target with time to spare.

•  Moulton Harrox CC suffered double defeat in the South Lincs and Border League over the weekend.

The first team were walloped by Boston in Division One as Tom Baxter smashed 127 not out in their 246-6.

Harrox were all out for just 95 in reply, Tom Wilson (38) top scoring.

The second side fared better in their Division Two tussle with Freiston on Sunday.

Jake Morton made 57no as Harrox posted 140 at Broad Lane, but the away side surpassed that with six wickets in hand.

Saturday’s South Lincs and Border League results: Premier Division: Boston 246-6 (Roberts 61, Tom Baxter 127no); Moulton Harrox 95 (Roberts 6-10); Sleaford 2^nd 155-9, Stamford 161-1 (Piggott 53no); Long Sutton v Grantham – rained off, no play; Welby v Skegness 2^nd – rained off, no play; Woodhall Spa 2^nd v Bourne 2nd – rained off, no play; Lindum Ramblers v Belton Park – rained off, no play.

Division One: Heckington 50, Market Deeping 2nd 53-3; Woodlands 67, Boston 2^nd 68-5; Cavaliers 80, Billingborough 2^nd 81-1 (King 60no); Friskney 147 (Griffiths 66), Spalding 2^nd 149-7 (Hussain 57no); Grantham 2^nd v Baston – rained off, no play.

Division Two: Belton Park 2^nd v Burgh & District – rained off, no play; Grantham 3^rd v Timberland – rained off, no play; Pinchbeck 60, Lindum 3^rd 61-5; Claypole 268-6 (Dobbie 78no, Endley 79), Boston 3^rd 73 (Endley 8-28); Moulton Harrox 140 (Jake Morton 57no); Freiston 142-4 (I Ilyas 65).

Saturday’s South Lincs and Border League fixtures (selected, 1pm): Premier Division: Long Sutton v Moulton Harrox.

Division One: Cavaliers v Spalding 2nd; Heckington v Long Sutton 2nd.

Division Three: Belton Park 2nd v Moulton Harrox 2nd; Pinchbeck v Claypole; Spalding 3rd v Boston 3rd.