Super stand of 219 from Nel and Newton confirmed as Spalding Town record

Deadly opening duo Warren Nel and Josh Newton set a new Spalding Town club record as they inspired another impressive victory on Saturday.

The pair put on a 219 partnership for the first wicket as Town cruised to a 122-run victory over Belton Park at Spalding Grammar School to take 20 South Lincs and Border League Premier Division points.

Their stand represented a club record partnership, surpassing the previous best tally of 173 scored by Matt Hendry and Jim Clarke when playing for Spalding Social against Rutland Ducklings in 2008.

Nel finished on 100 not out, making it back-to-back league tons, while Newton fell for an agonising 98 after being bowled by Daniel Reynolds.

Having won the toss, Town were always going to bat first and attempt to score heavily.

That’s exactly what happened, with their eventual score of 246-1 the best score in all three divisions on Saturday.

As well as the heroics fron Nel and Newton, Hafiz Majeed chipped in with 17 not out on his home debut for Town.

ALMOST A TON: Josh Newton made 98.

Having failed to bowl Long Sutton out last week, it was imperative that Town finished off the job with the ball and collected maximum points.

There were perhaps a few jitters when Alan Ward (30) and James Moore (13) took the score to 52-1 after the visitors recovered from having Reynolds (11) bowled by Majeed.

But Spalding soon found their rhythm and began to take wickets at regular intervals.

Veteran Roy Tilley (4-45) and Aussie ace Dan Milgate (4-44) both bagged four wickets to blow away at the battling line-up, while a Ben Smith run-out completed the job.

Tom Ward (35) did offer resistance down the order, but Town finished off Belton for 124 in the 33rd over.

Now third in the table, Spalding are ten points behind leaders Deeping 2nd having played a game more.

They visit a struggling Grantham 2nd side on Saturday (1.30pm), bidding to make it three big wins on the bounce.

FIXTURES

SLBL Division One (Sat, 1.30pm)

Belton Park v Sleaford 2nd; Boston 2nd v Stamford; Bourne 2nd v Billingborough; Grantham 2nd v Spalding; Long Sutton v Woodhall Spa 2nd.