Spalding Town 3rd fall short in run chase on weekend of cricket wrecked by weather

A weekend hit badly by the rain saw just one South Holland team complete a game of cricket.

With the top sides rained off, it was Spalding 3rd who took centre stage in South Lincs and Border League Inter Two as they made the trip to Newborough 2nd.

They managed to collect four points from the clash, depite suffering a 107-run defeat at St Martin’s Road.

After losing the toss, Town were forced to bowl first in a match that was reduced to just 30 overs per side.

Openers Justin Marchant (25) and Chester Hercock (17) both got starts for the hosts, but both fell to the bowling of Spalding’s Stanley Watson (2-30) to leave the score at 56-2.

Matt Simpson (0) was also bowled by H Lawson (1-10), but Newborough’s innings was anchored by number three Joe Mills – who made an amazing unbeaten 106.

George Woods (13) was bowled by William Gardner (1-41) as Town took another wicket with the score on 100, but Mills and Andy Walker (14 not out) added an unbeaten 101 together to steer the hosts to 201-4 at the close.

The Spalding reply got off to a stuttering start, with Amelia Gardner (1) and Watson (0) both dismissed cheaply.

The rebuild began with Nigel Gardner (32) and Will Gardner (49 not out) getting the visitors back in the game.

However, Gardner was forced to retire from his innings – and that triggered something of a collapse.

Sophie Smith went for a duck, while Dave Waterfield (1) was bowled by George Woods (1-8) as youthful Spalding had to settle for a score of 94-5.

  • A small amount of play was possible in the much-anticipated derby showdown between Moulton Harrox and Long Sutton in South Lincs and Border League East One.

Table-topping Harrox won the toss and put Sutton into bat, with the away side making 140-5 from 30 overs.

But no more play was possible at Harrox Field, meaning Moulton stay top and Sutton sit fourth.

Spalding are fifth after their game at Skegness was abandoned.

  • Saturday’s action in SLBL East One sees leaders Moulton Harrox visit Boston 2nd (12.30pm).

Spalding are at home, albeit at Seas End Hall, against Woodhall Spa 2nd in a game that starts at 1pm.

In SLBL East Two, bottom-of-the-table Spalding 3rd make the trip to Baston on Saturday (12.30pm) and Moulton Harrox 2nd welcome Heckington (also 12.30pm).

Long Sutton 1st, meanwhile, are scheduled to visit Newborough 1st in SLBL Inter One on Saturday (12.30pm).

Likewise, Long Sutton 2nd make the trip to Castor & Ailsworth (2nd) in SLBL Inter Two.

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