LINCS PREMIER DIVISION: Deeping’s reign was brief, Bourne warm-up for derby with easy win
Market Deeping’s reign at the top of the Lincs Premier Division lasted a week.
Deeping went down to a surprise defeat by nine runs at home to Boston yesterday (June 18) as their inability to make top order runs returned to haunt them.
The retirement of experienced opener Chris Jones hasn’t helped the Deeping cause. The deperture of captain David Gillett, who is still the best batsman in the team despite his position at number six, for 12 left Deeping at 63-7 chasing 147 at Outgang Road before 35 from just 25 balls (six fours) from Ashley Fisher and an unbeaten 21 from 16 balls (three fours and a six) from number 11 Lee Peacock threatened an unlikely win.
Sadly a third wicket for off-spinner Tom Baxter ended the Deeping innings on 138 enabling Sleaford to rise to the top of the table after their win at Woodhall Spa.
Deeping are second, seven points behind, but they will need to find more support for in-form bowlers Peacock and Meli Adatia if they are to stay there.
Peacock again bowled unchanged from the start of the innings to return excellent figures of 3-26 from 17 overs, while Adatia bagged 3-21 from 13 overs.
Boston were 72-7 before rallying, mainly through the efforts of number nine Riley Orr who struck three sixes in his unbeaten 42.
Bourne are 33 points and six places behind Deeping ahead of the derby clash at the Abbey Lawns next Saturday (June 25).
They did at least warm up for that local argument with a decisive five-wicket win at bottom club Nettleham.
The home side were shot out for just 90 with Tom Dixon (4-21), Ben Collins (2-16) and Colin Cheer (2-26) all chipping in.
An opening stand of 37 put the result in doubt even though Bourne lost half the team in getting home. Captain Pete Morgan was unbeaten on 28 when victory was assured.
RESULTS
MARKET DEEPING lost to BOSTON by 9 runs
Boston 147 (R. Orr 42no, J. Cheer 28, M. Adatia 3-21, L. Peacock 3-26. A. Fisher 2-24).
Market Deeping 138 (A. Fisher 35, L. Peacock 21no, T. Baxter 3-32, T. Bell 3-50, R. Orr 3-56).
NETTLEHAM lost to BOURNE by 5 wkts
Netleham 90 (J. Curtis 22, R. Bridgens 20, T. Dixon 4-21, B. Collins 2-16, C. Cheer 2-26).
Bourne 91-5 (P. Morgan 28no, B. Stroud 23, R. Bridgens 4-21).
