In the final two matches of the South Lincolnshire and Border League season, Stamford celebrated their division three championship with victory in an excellent game against second placed Billingborough 2nd while Grantham 2nd went out on a high note with an unexpected win over Boston 3rd. Stamford made 218 for nine, Billingborough replying with 185 for seven. And Grantham held Boston to 154 for nine, going on to win by four wickets with Lewis Dann making 69. This pushed Boston down to fourth in the table with Spalding 2nd moving up to third.

Round-up for September 19 and 20

Woodhall Spa’s Steve Hughes finished his South Lincolnshire & Border League season in style with an innings of 103 as his side claimed fifth place in the Division One table with a victory over Grantham. Matt Haslam chipped in with 59 and Rob Bee took five wickets as the last four matches finalised the top division’s positions. Boston confirmed their supremacy as champions with a win over Belton Park while Billingborough stayed second despite going down to Sleaford 2nd. And Oakham just failed to make it into third above Lindum Ramblers despite beating bottom placed Bourne 2nd by five wickets.

Only one match remained in Division Two where Skegness 2nd missed their chance to go fourth when they went down to Heckington by three wickets. The seasiders finish fifth while their opponents are sixth, a good result for both teams who were only promoted last year.

Division Three matches go into another weekend, finishing with a top of the table clash between Stamford and Billingborough 2nd who are unable to catch the runaway leaders who beat Moulton Harrox by 10 wickets. But Billingborough will be keen to cling on to second place and the possibility of promotion. With four new applicants to the league, Boston 3rd, who are in third place also have a lot to play for when they visit Grantham 2nd, having beaten fellow promotion hopefuls Spalding 2nd on Saturday. Niall Young hit 93 in this match which has left Spalding safe in fourth place. And Baston went out on a high note, finishing seventh in the table, their highest position for several years, after a slender one wicket win over Blankney.

Round-up for September 12 and 13

With a game still to play, Boston clinched the South Lincolnshire and Border League championship with a convincing win over close rivals Billingborough and are now set to re-join the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League. This in turn opens the door for Boston 2nds to move into Division One after their victory over Heckington consolidated their runners-up slot in Division Two. And should Boston 3rds win their final two Division Three games, this team could also be in line for promotion. Billingborough succumbed for just 49 runs after the champions had set them a target of 187 for nine while Lindum Ramblers moved back into third with a five wicket victory over Moulton Harrox. Woodhall Spa pulled off the biggest victory of the day after Oakham had reached a high score of 250 for four, Sam Wills with 129. Woodhall then knocked off this total without losing a wicket, Matt Sergeant making 180 not out while Matt Haslam gave good support at the other end with an unbeaten 58. Bottom team Bourne 2nd continued their good run with a five wicket win over Sleaford, while Grantham overcame Belton Park.

Sleaford Sunday defeated Welby to take the Division Two championship. Elsewhere, a close fought game at Oakham in Division Two saw the home side fail to catch Market Deeping 2nd’s total of 200 by just 18 runs. And Skegness 2nd hit the division’s highest total of a massive 290 for two, Reece Brant with 110 and Alistair Ainsworth making an unbeaten 133. Steve O’Dare then took five for 16 as Cavaliers were all out for 113.

Division Three leaders Stamford had to fight hard for their victory over Claypole who bowled them out for 159 but lost their last wicket just five runs short of that total. Simon Godby hit a century in Billingborough 2nd total of 235 for eight before Timberland were bowled out for 85. This keeps Billingborough in second place and Spalding stay third after chasing Blankney’s score of 226 for four – of which Simon Behan made 111 – to win by two wickets.

Round-up for September 5 and 6

The battle for the South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One championship hotted up still further after Boston and Billingborough scored convincing victories over Woodhall Spa 2^nd and Grantham respectively to pick up maximum points. Boston won by 102 runs after Jonathan Cheer’s innings of 80 helped them to 256 for nine while for Woodhall Ben Percival made 83. And Jon Lamyman took six for 13 for Billingborough who bowled Grantham out for 48 and went on to win by 10 wickets. Both sides have two games left – and next week play each other at Billingborough in what will undoubtedly be the championship decider. Oakham moved up to third after Lindum Ramblers were unable to match the modest target of 110 set by bottom placed Bourne 2^nd for whom Tom Dixon took five for seven.

Sleaford Sunday stay top of Division Two after a double header saw them beat Heckington by six wickets and the following day overcome Market Deeping 2^nd despite half centuries for Deeping’s John McDougall and Karl Green. On Saturday, Josh Green made his first league 50 in Deeping’s four-wicket victory over Cavaliers which kept them fourth in the table while Spalding got their challenge for promotion back on track with a win over Thomas Cook. And Ropsley’s Andrew Jones made the day’s highest score of 94 in his side’s victory over Welby.

Division Three leaders Stamford marched on with a win over Grantham 2^nd while Billingborough consolidated their second place with a 21 run victory in a low scoring game against fellow challengers Spalding 2^nd. Boston 3^rd’s hopes of promotion took a knock as Baston won a close battle by just nine runs and Claypole bounced back from recent player shortages to beat Timberland by 118 runs. Chris Dobbie hit 81 for Claypole while Timberland’s Ben Tumilty took five wickets.

Round-up for August 29 and 30

Boston and Billingborough continue their battle at the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One, both gaining 20 points in low scoring matches. Colin Cheer took six wickets as Boston bowled Grantham out for 99 and Dan Milgate then hit an unbeaten 62 to take his side to a nine wicket win. And Billingborough dismissed Moulton Harrox for 95, going on to win by seven wickets. Lindum Ramblers hung on to third place despite going down by six wickets to Oakham who are now breathing down their opponents’ necks, just a fraction behind in fourth. Taimur Imran hit 119 for Ramblers but 77 from Sam Wills and 60 from John Mason – who had earlier taken four wickets – saw Oakham home. Matt Sergeant hit the division’s other century, making 120 for Woodhall Spa 2nd in a high scoring game against bottom side Bourne who reached 234 for five off their 45 overs a total Woodhall overtook for the loss of five wickets. Sleaford stay fifth, just ahead of Woodhall, after a six wicket win against Long Sutton.

Spalding’s hopes of promotion from Division Two suffered a further blow when they went down to Skegness 2nd after failing by 20 runs to chase their opponents modest score of 149. Sleaford Sunday are now clear at the top, having beaten Oakham 2nd by seven wickets, Giles Goddard taking five for nine to help bowl Oakham out for 120. Ropsley scored another good win when they defeated Heckington by 88 runs, Andrew Jones hitting an unbeaten 65, but Welby went down to Market Deeping by three wickets after Nick Andrews five for 14 had helped bowl them out for 90.

In Division Three Billingborough 2nd strengthened their promotion chances with a win over Baston while Timberland won a tight game against Long Sutton. Timberland could manage only 117 for nine after James Wright had taken six of their wickets for just 16 runs. But Liam Hargrave was also on good bowling form and took five for 39 as Long Sutton were all out for 102. Simon Behan scored the division’s only century – and the league’s highest total of the day – with 133 which helped Blankney to the top team total of 253 for three against Grantham 2nd, Andrew Foster contributing 67. Mark Donnellan then made an unbeaten 67 as Grantham held out to end on 152 for seven.

Preview for August 29 and 30

Third plays fourth in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League when Lindum Ramblers travel to Oakham, both sides having drifted away from the top two. Leaders Boston are at Grantham, who have slipped to sixth while challengers Billingborough go to Moulton Harrox whose recent improvement has seen them climb out of the bottom two. These places are occupied by Bourne, who entertain Woodhall Spa 2nd, and Long Sutton who play Sleaford 2nd at London Road.

Division Two leaders Spalding need a win at home to Skegness 2nd if they are to fight off the challenge of Sleaford Sunday who play Oakham 2nd. Sleaford are well placed with two games in hand on the leaders, while Boston 2nd, who are third but have only one game left to play can only hope that results go their way.

Billingborough 2nd are the only top three team with a match this weekend in Division Three. The second placed side play Baston, who are much improved this year and know that a win could push them into the top half of the table. Boston 3rd could improve on their fourth position if they beat Claypole and Timberland could also climb the table with the right result against Long Sutton 2nd.

Division One: Bourne 2nd v Woodhall Spa 2nd; Grantham v Boston; Moulton Harrox v Billingborough; Oakham v Ramblers; Sleaford 2nd v Long Sutton.

Division Two: Heckington v Ropsley; Spalding v Skegness 2nd; Welby v Market Deeping 2nd; Sunday August 30, Sleaford Sunday v Oakham 2nd.

Division Three: Billingborough 2nd v Baston; Blankney v Grantham 2nd; Boston 3rd v Claypole; Long Sutton 2nd v Timberlands.

Round-up for August 22 and 23

A slender eight run victory over third placed Lindum Ramblers was enough to keep Boston clear at the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One. But Billingborough are still in the chase, having beaten Oakham by eight wickets. Boston gained one point on their rivals after setting Ramblers a target of 184 and bowling them out for 176 while Billingborough successfully chased Oakham’s 181 for nine. Long Sutton hit the highest score of the day, notching up 300 for nine against Bourne who then hung on to their last wicket to finish 191 for nine. Dermot Spurrier made the division’s highest individual score with 74 as Woodhall Spa 2nd claimed a two wicket victory over Moulton Harrox for whom Colin Saville took the division’s only five-wicket haul.

In Division Two, Sleaford Sunday dealt a blow to top team Spalding’s hopes of extending their lead, beating them by 31 runs while second placed Boston 2nd moved closer to the leaders with a seven wicket victory over Oakham 2nd. Sleaford then gave even more impetus to their own push for the top, beating Cavaliers by six wickets on Sunday. Welby pulled off the surprise result of the day, beating Skegness 2nd by just eight runs, Matthew Orrey taking five wickets. And Market Deeping stayed in touch with the top three when they overcame Heckington by 56 runs.

In Division Three, Spalding 2nd slipped to third place after going down to bottom side Grantham 2nd by five wickets allowing Billingborough 2nd to take over in second with a convincing victory over Moulton Harrox Sunday. Billingborough’s 308 for seven off 45 overs set a new club record, Harvey Page top scoring with 80 before Moulton were bowled out for 70. Timberland gave Stamford their tightest game of the season when, having bowled the home side out for 194, the runaway leaders lost nine wickets before claiming victory. Simon Behan hit the league’s only century of the weekend but his unbeaten 108 could not prevent Blankney going down to Long Sutton 2nd by five wickets.

Preview for August 22 and 23

All eyes will be on St Giles Avenue when South Lincolnshire and Border League leaders take on third placed Lindum Ramblers in a match that could go some way to deciding the league championship. Boston’s batting line-up has been strengthened by the arrival of Josh Newton who signed last month and is just getting into his stride for his new team with a half century last weekend. But it is Jonathan and Colin Cheer who are lifting Boston’s promotion hopes, the former in prolific batting form while his older brother is reeking havoc with the ball. However, Ramblers are enjoying their best season for some years and will be no pushover, having been in the top three for most of the season. Led by Matt Benson, who is himself in good batting form, the side still have their sights on the top spot. Aiming to stop their progress are Billingborough, who are currently second but will face a real challenge from fourth placed Oakham. Having been accepted into the Leicestershire league for next season, the Rutland side are determined to go out on a high note. There is another interesting clash at the foot of the table where Long Sutton, who have slipped to 10th, are at home to bottom placed Bourne.

Division Two leaders Spalding are at home to fourth placed Sleaford Sunday while second placed Boston 2nd take on Oakham 2nd at the Mayflower Ground and Heckington, who are third, are back in action with a visit to Market Deeping 2nd.

And in Division Three, Timberland are latest to face the might of leaders Stamford while Spalding 2nd need to beat Grantham 2nd if they are to remain in the hunt for honours.

Division One: Billingborough v Oakham; Ramblers v Boston; Long Sutton v Bourne 2nd; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Moulton Harrox.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Oakham 2nd; Market Deeping 2nd v Heckington; Skegness 2nd v Welby; Spalding v Sleaford Sunday; Thomas Cook v Ropsley; Sunday August 23, Cavaliers v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Blankney v Long Sutton 2nd; Claypole v Baston; Grantham 2nd v Spalding 2nd; Timberlands v Stamford; Sunday August 23, Moulton Harrox Sunday v Billingborough 2nd.

Round-up for August 15 and 16

Boston finally pulled ahead of rivals Billingborough and Lindum Ramblers at the top of the South Lincolnshire & Border League after beating Long Sutton by well over 200 runs.

The leaders are now three percentage points ahead of Billingborough who were without a game, while Ramblers trail the second placed team by a similar amount. Jonathan Cheer hit the day’s highest total with an unbeaten 131 with Dan Milgate and Josh Newton chipping in with half centuries as Boston declared on 275 for two. Colin Cheer then got in on the act with six for 17 as Long Sutton were bowled out for 54. Ramblers meanwhile were involved in a nailbiter against Grantham who set them a target of 157 for nine, the Lincoln side also losing nine wickets before claiming victory with just three balls of the game remaining. Ben Percival made 109 not out as Woodhall Spa ended Belton Park’s winning run with a seven wicket victory, while lower down the table, Moulton Harrox beat Bourne, only to go down to Sleaford 2nd on Sunday. On Saturday, John Mason hit the division’s third century to help Oakham to victory over Sleaford.

Spalding took a step nearer to being crowned Division Two champions when they beat Welby by six wickets and Thomas Cook won the bottom of the table clash against Cavaliers. But it was Ropsley who scored the surprise result of the day when they beat Market Deeping by four wickets. Brian Cooper of Oakham 2nd scored the only century in this division with an unbeaten 102 against Skegness.

Division Three’s top of the table clash resulted in a comfortable victory for Stamford over Spalding 2nd who nevertheless remain second after Boston 3rd overcame third placed Billingborough 2nd by five wickets. Pick of the bowling in this division was Tim Dyer whose six for 22 helped Baston defend a meagre score of 88 against Timberland who were out for 66.

Preview for August 15 and 16

Boston entertain Long Sutton in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League knowing that a win would open up a gap over second placed Billingborough who are without a game. Third placed Lindum Ramblers will be looking to get their challenge back on track when they take on fifth placed Grantham at home while lower down the table Bourne 2nd will take on fellow strugglers Moulton Harrox, who have just begun to climb the table following some good results.

In Division Two, Skegness need to beat Oakham 2nd if they are to climb back into a promotion position while Spalding have the chance to open up the gap over second placed Boston 2nd, who have no game, if they can defeat Welby.

Division Three’s top side Stamford face what could be a promotion decider at second placed Spalding 2nd who need to peg back the runaway leaders to retain their position. Just behind Spalding are Billingborough 2nd who are home to fifth placed Boston 3rd while between these two, Timberlands are still in with a chance of catching the second placed side should they beat Baston.

Division One: Boston v Long Sutton; Bourne 2nd v Moulton Harrox; Ramblers v Grantham; Sleaford 2nd v Oakham; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Belton Park; Sunday August 16 (1pm start), Sleaford 2nd v Moulton Harrox.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Thomas Cook; Oakham 2nd v Skegness 2nd; Ropsley v Market Deeping 2nd; Welby v Spalding.

Division Three: Baston v Timberlands; Billingborough 2nd v Boston 3rd; Grantham 2nd v Blankney; Spalding 2nd v Stamford; Long Sutton 2nd v Claypole.

Round-up for August 8 and 9

Boston retained their slender lead at the top of Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League despite gaining only 15 points after failing to bowl out Sleaford 2nd. Chasing Sleaford’s 118 for eight, Boston overtook this total for the loss of five wickets. Their cause was helped by second placed Billingborough who picked up just 17 despite hitting the league’s highest total of 238 for five, Dave Newman making 101. In reply, Long Sutton denied their opponents full points, losing only four wickets as they closed on 195, Adam Wright unbeaten on 76. However, Lindum Ramblers’ championship hopes took a knock when they became the latest of the top teams to succumb to Belton Park. Pete Chalk took five wickets as Ramblers were all out for 153, Belton going on to win by five wickets with Glym Lumb adding another 83 to his runs total which is approaching the 600 mark for the season. Moulton Harrox pulled themselves further away from danger at the bottom of the table with an eight run win over Oakham, Jack Barnett putting in a man of the match performance with five wickets and an unbeaten 58. And Grantham added to Bourne’s woes with a 55 run win over the bottom side.

Division Two leaders Spalding dealt a blow to Skegness’ hopes of promotion with a convincing 75 run win despite a hat trick from Steve O’Dare, which dismissed all three of the Spalding top order. The innings ended on 165 for eight and Simon Juckes then took six for 19 as Skegness were bowled out for 90. Boston 2nd remain second after defeating bottom club Thomas Cook and Heckington stay in contention after a five wicket win over Ropsley. Geoff Church hit 58 to help Cavaliers to a respectable 172 for eight but a solid knock of 70 by opener Graham Cooper put Oakham 2nd on the road to a six wicket win.

Stamford marched on at the top of Division Three with a six wicket victory over Baston but Spalding 2nd suffered an unexpected set back to their fight for promotion when they failed by six runs to match Claypole’s modest 90 all out. Fellow contenders Billingborough 2nd and Timberland kept up their challenge, defeating Blankney and Grantham 2nd respectively.

Preview for August 8 and 9

After a washed out weekend, the top three will once again battle for dominance in South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One with top team Boston taking on fifth placed Sleaford 2nd at the Mayflower Ground. Billingborough are home to Long Sutton who have slipped to one off the bottom of the table after defeat in last weekend’s only completed game while third placed Lindum Ramblers face a tough match against a battling Belton Park side.

The match of the day in Division Two sees third placed Skegness 2nd entertain top team Spalding who suffered a shock defeat to Welby in their last match. Second placed Boston 2nd will look to close in on the leaders when they take on bottom team Thomas Cook.

An entertaining game is in prospect at Stamford where the Division Three leaders take on Baston who have moved up into seventh in the table, their highest position for many years. Challengers Spalding 2nd are away at Claypole while on Sunday, Moulton Harrox travel to Boston, having moved off the bottom of the table with a good win last week.

Division One: Belton Park v Ramblers; Billingborough v Long Sutton; Boston v Sleaford 2nd; Grantham v Bourne 2nd; Moulton Harrox v Oakham.

Division Two: Oakham 2nd v Cavaliers; Ropsley v Heckington; Skegness 2nd v Spalding; Thomas Cook v Boston 2nd.

Division Three: Blankney v Billingborough 2nd; Claypole v Spalding 2nd; Stamford v Baston; Timberlands v Grantham 2nd; Sunday, Boston 3rd v Moulton Harrox Sun.

Round-up for August 1 and 2

Only one game was completed in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League, with the result boosting Woodhall Spa’s attempts to move up the table. Charles Wright took six wickets for six runs in five overs to help dismiss Long Sutton for 75 but Woodhall also found the going tough as they lost nine wickets chasing this modest total. Belton Park hit 270 for six at Bourne 2nd and Grantham scored 245 for eight against Sleaford 2nd but both matches were rained off early in the second innings. Belton had more luck on Sunday when they picked up 20 points in a low scoring game against Sleaford. Alan Ward took six for 11 as Sleaford were all out for 47, a total their opponents overtook for the loss of two wickets.

Division Two fared slightly better with two games completed, one of which produced a surprise result as Welby, who had been hovering just above the bottom two in the table, scored an eight wicket victory over leaders Spalding. David Curran took five wickets for seven runs for Welby who now move up to seventh. And at the bottom of the table, Cavaliers overcame Thomas Cook by seven wickets, Jamie Hayes taking five wickets and Dave Robinson hitting 56 for the winning side. Market Deeping had reached 72 for five chasing Boston 2nd’s 198 for nine when rain stopped play.

It was a similar situation for Boston 3rd in Division Three, who finished on 154 for nine while Long Sutton were 98 for three when the game was washed out. And Billingborough 2nd scored 187 for six, with Blankney 47 for one when the weather intervened. The only Sunday game in this division saw Moulton Harrox 2nd pick up welcome points with a four wicket win over Baston.

Round-up for July 25 and 26

Victories for the top three sides left the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League unaltered with Division One with leaders Boston welcoming back Dan Milgate who hit an unbeaten 70 in their 10 wicket win over bottom team Bourne. Two centuries were the highlights of Billingborough’s victory in a high scoring match over Belton Park who made 249 for four, Dan Turner hitting 106 while Dave Newman made an unbeaten 126 as Billingborough claimed a seven-wicket win. And Ramblers bowled Woodhall Spa out for 67 after setting them a total of 149. Oakham moved up to fourth, within striking distance of Rambers, beating Long Sutton and Moulton Harrox coasted to a very welcome eight wicket win over Grantham, John Mason making 96 for the Rutland side.

Division Two leaders Spalding kept up their challenge for promotion with a win over Cavaliers but second placed Skegness 2^nd, who were without a game, now have two games in hand on the leaders. Market Deeping made the division’s top score of the day with 241 for six, 14 year old Josh Bowers hitting 75. Richard Pickering then claimed a hat trick, taking the last three wickets in three balls as Thomas Cook were all out for 60.

Bryan Bennett added another 137 to his runs total which now stands at 704 for the season as Division Three leaders Stamford batted their way to 242 for two, a total that was too much for Boston 3^rd who finished on 142 for four. Spalding 2^nd stay second after beating Long Sutton by eight wickets with Billingborough 2^nd in third following victory over Claypole, And Baston continued their climb up the table, moving into sixth with a 10 wicket win over Grantham 2^nd.

Preview for July 25 and 26

Bourne 2nd will be looking to do the double over the top teams in Division One of the South Lincolnshire & Border League, despite languishing at the bottom of the table. After knocking Billingborough off the top spot last weekend, Bourne travel to Boston, who took over in first place. Billingborough entertain Belton Park who are enjoying a better run of results while third placed Ramblers are at Woodhall Spa 2nd who last week scored a tight victory over four placed Sleaford 2nd who are without a game.

Division Two leaders Spalding are away at Cavaliers, currently struggling one off the bottom of the table while bottom side Thomas Cook go to sixth placed Market Deeping. Welby and Ropsley occupy the two places above Cavaliers so this weekend’s clash at Welby is likely to be a close fought match.

Stamford, clear leaders in Division Three, travel to Boston while second placed Spalding entertain Long Sutton 2nd who are now fourth. Billingborough 2nd head the group of four that are bunching up behind Spalding and they will be looking to challenge the leaders when they visit Claypole. Long Sutton are in action again the following day when they are away to bottom side Moulton Harrox Sunday and two victories could see them move into the top three.

Fixtures – 1.30pm start

Division One: Billingborough v Belton Park; Boston v Bourne 2nd; Long Sutton v Oakham; Moulton Harrox v Grantham; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Ramblers.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Spalding; Market Deeping 2nd v Thomas Cook; Oakham 2nd v Boston 2nd; Welby v Ropsley.

Division Three: Baston v Grantham 2nd; Blankney v Timberlands; Boston 3rd v Stamford; Claypole v Billingborough 2nd; Spalding 2nd v Long Sutton 2nd; Sunday July 26, Moulton Harrox Sun v Long Sutton 2nd.

Round-up for July 18 and 19

An eventful South Lincolnshire and Border League weekend – in which only two of Saturday’s matches fell foul of the weather – saw Bourne 2^nd pull off the surprise result of the day when they beat leaders Billingborough by eight wickets. This result pushed Boston, who were without a game, back to the top of the table while Ramblers victory over Long Sutton moved the Lindum side back into third, overtaking Sleaford 2nd who went down by just one wicket to Woodhall Spa 2^nd. However, the two most exciting games took place in mid table, one high scoring, one very low. At Belton Park, the home side were bowled out for a miserly 50 – only for Moulton Harrox to suffer the same fate for just 43, Andy Sheardown taking six wickets. And at Grantham, where the home side amassed 201 for nine, an amazing second innings saw John Mason hit an unbeaten 149 while wickets tumbled all around him until, off the last ball of the game with the last pair at the crease, Oakham finally claimed victory.

Oakham 2^nd were also involved in a nail-biter in Division Two after their innings ended on 147 for nine, David Curran taking five wickets. In reply, Welby fell just six short of this total despite a knock of 63 from Paul Frith. Ansar Hussain took five wickets for six runs for Spalding in their victory over Market Deeping to keep them at the top of the table after challengers Skegness were rained off. Heckington and Boston kept up their challenges with victories over Cavaliers and Ropsley respectively.

Top scorer in Division Three was Bryan Bennett who hit 143 for Division Three leaders Stamford in their victory over Blankney while second placed Spalding beat Baston by just two wickets.

Preview for July 18 and 19

Boston miss a game in this weekend’s South Lincolnshire and Border League programme, giving leaders Billingborough the chance to open up a gap at the top if they overcome bottom side Bourne 2nd. Chasing these two are Sleaford 2nd, who are home to Woodhall Spa 2nd and Ramblers who entertain Long Sutton. Lower down the table, Grantham play Oakham and Moulton Harrox, who are one above Bourne, face a tough game against an ever-improving Belton Park.

Division Two leaders Spalding will face a determined challenge from fourth placed Market Deeping who are only a fraction off third, the position held by Sleaford Sunday. Sleaford play Boston 2nd on Sunday, giving the Mayflower side a double header following their Saturday game away at Ropsley. Second placed Skegness take on bottom team Thomas Cook while Heckington will be looking to put the brake on the progress of Cavaliers who, after a year of defeats, now have two wins under their belts.

In Division Three, runaway leaders Stamford are home to Blankney while challengers Spalding 2nd visit a Baston team steadily climbing the table and third placed Billingborough are home to Moulton Harrox on Sunday.

Division One: Belton Park v Moulton Harrox; Bourne 2nd v Billingborough; Grantham v Oakham; Ramblers v Long Sutton; Sleaford 2nd v Woodhall Spa 2^nd.

Division Two: Heckington v Cavaliers; Oakham 2nd v Welby; Ropsley v Boston 2^nd; Spalding v Market Deeping 2^nd; Thomas Cook v Skegness 2^nd; Sunday July 19, Boston 2nd v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Baston v Spalding 2^nd; Claypole v Boston 3^rd; Long Sutton 2nd v Grantham 2^nd; Stamford v Blankney; Sunday July 19, Billingborough 2nd v Moulton Harrox Sun.

(Next updates on the Boston Buzz website will be featured over the weekend of August 1-2)

Round-up for July 11 and 12

Competition at the top of the South Lincolnshire and Border League table remains tight after Billingborough and Boston both won to stay top and second respectively, while Sleaford 2^nd beat Ramblers to take over third place from the Lindum side. But the closest – and highest scoring - game took place at Oakham where visitors Belton Park notched up 245 for five only to see the home side claim a three wicket victory in the final over.

Will Stuart-Jones hit the top individual total in this division with 84 while James Cameron-Clarke claimed the best bowling figures with six for 20 for Grantham in their victory over Long Sutton. And Jon Lamyman bowled 12 overs for Billingborough, the first 10 of which were maidens.

Spalding and Skegness continue to battle it out at the top of Division Two despite the seasiders defeat by Heckington which allowed Spalding – who beat Boston 2^nd – to widen the gap. Sleaford Sunday went into third after beating Thomas Cook but it is Market Deeping, who are in a good position to pose a threat to the top two, having moved into fourth following their victory over Oakham 2^nd but with two games in hand on Sleaford. And Cavaliers victory drought appears to have ended after they made it two wins in a row, beating Welby by 33 runs. Ben Smith’s unbeaten 83 for Spalding was the highest score of the day in this division while Richard Witt took five for 13 for Deeping.

In Division Three, Harry Barnett hit an unbeaten 111 for Moulton Harrox Sunday but Brian Bennett equalled that with 114 not out to give leaders Stamford victory. Spalding 2^nd kept up their challenge for promotion with a win over Claypole while Billingborough moved up to third after beating Long Sutton. Baston pushed their tally of victories to four in a low scoring match in which they were bowled out for 90, Dominic Brister taking six for 17 including four wickets in one over. But Tim Dyer also took six as Grantham were all out for 62.

Preview for July 11 and 12

The second half of the South Lincolnshire and Border League season begins with the Division One championship still there for the taking. Billingborough, Lindum Ramblers and Boston stay locked in battle with Billingborough taking over the lead last week. Ramblers are back in action this weekend but face a tough game against fourth placed Sleaford 2nd while Boston are away at Moulton Harrox who are one off the bottom and the leaders play Woodhall Spa 2nd who are one above Moulton.

First plays third in Division Two where Spalding entertain Boston 2nd while second placed Skegness 2nd are at home to Heckington who need a win to stay in touch with the top places. At the other end of the table, Cavaliers go into their home game against Welby with new confidence after last week’s first win of 2009. Thomas Cook, now bottom, travel to fourth placed Sleaford on Sunday.

Division Three leaders Stamford must also wait until Sunday for their game at Moulton Harrox while on Saturday, Spalding will be battling to reclaim second place when they entertain Claypole. Trying to stop them will be Boston 3rd, currently second and home to Timberland who will want to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat. Elsewhere, fourth plays fifth as Long Sutton 2nd travel to Billingborough.

Division One: Long Sutton v Grantham; Moulton Harrox v Boston; Oakham v Belton Park; Sleaford 2nd v Ramblers; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Billingborough.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Spalding; Cavaliers v Welby; Market Deeping 2nd v Oakham 2nd; Skegness 2nd v Heckington; Sunday July 12, Sleaford Sunday v Thomas Cook.

Division Three: Billingborough 2nd v Long Sutton 2nd; Boston 3rd v Timberlands; Grantham 2nd v Baston; Spalding 2nd v Claypole; Sunday July 12, Moulton Harrox Sun v Stamford.

Round-up for July 4 and 5

The biggest celebrations of the South Lincolnshire and Border League weekend were in Division Two at Splash Lane where Cavaliers achieve their first victory, not just this season but for 52 weeks! The Peterborough side last won a South Lincs and Border game on July 5, 2008 and for 2009 already had two unwanted records to their name – 16 matches without a win in any cricket and a 300-plus run tally against them. Ropsley were the team on the receiving end of the victory that moved Cavaliers above fellow strugglers Thomas Cook who went down to Welby.

It was a weekend of surprise results in all divisions as Belton Park continued their good run with a victory over Boston, pushing the leaders down to third place in the Division One table. Billingborough moved to the top following a tight 12 run win over Sleaford 2nd while the three bottom sides, Woodhall Spa, Moulton Harrox and Bourne, all won, Bourne also celebrating their first victory of the season when they overcame Oakham.

Lindum Rambers, who were without a game, stay second in the table, just a fraction above Boston.

The top teams in Division Two also lost, Spalding going down by just one wicket to Oakham 2nd and Skegness losing out to Market Deeping 2nd. And Heckington’s challenge for honours suffered a blow when they suffered a heavy defeat against Boston 2nd. The only Sunday match in this division saw Deeping go down to Sleaford Sunday by 103 runs.

It was much same story in Division Three where Stamford marched on at the top but challengers Boston 3rd and Spalding 2nd lost to Long Sutton 2nd and Blankney respectively and Baston celebrated their third win of the season with a five wicket victory over early-season high flyers Timberland. Boston’s Kevin Brooks took a hat trick in his five-wicket haul but 53 runs and figures of five for 21 from Gary Burton helped Long Sutton to a comfortable victory.

Preview for July 4 and 5

As the first half of the South Lincolnshire and Border League season draw to a close, the top of Division One remains tight, with Boston holding a slight lead over Billingborough and Ramblers. Ramblers are without a game this weekend while, on paper, Billingborough face the toughest match when they take on fourth placed Sleaford 2nd. But Boston’s opponents Belton Park come to their game fresh from a good win over previous high flyers Grantham and will be no pushover for the leaders.

The top of Division Two is also very close, with Spalding leading Skegness 2nd by just a fraction. The seasiders face an ever-improving Market Deeping 2nd who are now up to fourth and can improve still further if they win this game and their Sunday fixture against Sleaford. Spalding are away to Oakham 2nd while third placed Heckington entertain Boston 2nd who are fifth but trail Deeping by only a very small margin.

Stamford have built a sizeable lead at the top of Division Three and will be looking to extend this further when they travel to Grantham 2nd who have slipped into the bottom two. Boston 3rd and Spalding are neck and neck behind the leaders, the former travelling to Long Sutton 2nd and Spalding away at Blankney, both of these teams in mid-table.

Division One: Billingborough v Sleaford 2nd; Boston v Belton Park; Bourne 2nd v Oakham; Moulton Harrox v Long Sutton; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Grantham.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Ropsley; Heckington v Boston 2nd; Oakham 2nd v Spalding; Skegness 2nd v Market Deeping 2nd; Welby v Thomas Cook; Sunday July 5, Market Deeping 2nd v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Blankney v Spalding 2nd; Grantham 2nd v Stamford; Long Sutton 2nd v Boston 3rd; Timberlands v Baston; Sunday July 5, Claypole v Moulton Harrox Sunday.

Round-up for June 27 and 28

Only one the top five teams in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League emerged triumphant in a day of surprise results. Leaders Boston went down to Long Sutton, for whom Barry Stanway took six wickets, a result that put Lindum Ramblers back on top even though they lost by five runs to Moulton Harrox. Third placed Billingborough were without a game and Grantham in fifth place were comprehensively beaten by Belton Park. This left Sleaford as the only survivors when they beat Bourne by four wickets, Gareth Evison making a welcome return to the Bourne side with an innings of 81. The top three are once again separated by only a fraction of a percentage but Grantham have now slipped to sixth behind Oakham for whom Brian Cooper hit the division’s highest individual score of 93 to help Oakham notch up the highest team total of 249 for eight. Rory Brown then took five wickets to help bowl Woodhall Spa 2nd out for 175.

In Division Two, Boston achieved the rare feat of scoring more than 300 runs off 45 overs as Dave Gilding and Ross Don-Duncan each hit 104 to take the total to 318 for four. But Cavaliers denied their opponents an outright win, reaching 177 for seven at the close. Joanna Knell made her first appearance for Cavaliers, ending on 11 not out at the close. Leaders Skegness were without a game but Spalding, Heckington and Market Deeping kept up their push for promotion, beating Oakham 2nd, Thomas Cook and Welby respectively.

It was Stamford’s turn to miss a game in Division Three but Timberland failed to take their chance to close the gap on the leaders when they lost a tight game to Long Sutton 2nd by just seven runs. However, Boston and Spalding 2nd kept up their chase with victories over Grantham and Moulton Harrox respectively while Billingborough 2nd got back to winning ways with a 15-run victory over Baston.

Preview for June 27 and 28

Leaders Boston will be looking to extend their run of victories when they take on Long Sutton at Paradise Field in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League. But rivals Lindum Ramblers have what, on paper, should be an easier game against Moulton Harrox, who lie 11th and the Lincoln side could be challenging for the lead once again. Third placed Billingborough are without a game but Grantham, who have slipped to fifth are back in action, at home to Belton Park who will be aiming to open up a bigger gap over the bottom two. Sleaford 2nd are fourth and could threaten Billingborough’s position when they take on bottom team Bourne 2nd at London Road. And in mid-table, Oakham are home to Woodhall Spa 2nd.

With Division Two leaders Skegness without a game, Spalding have the opportunity to move back to the top if they can overcome Oakham 2nd but they, in turn, are under threat from Heckington who travel to Thomas Cook. Market Deeping 2nd entertain Welby and Boston 2nd are home to Cavaliers who, with Thomas Cook, are now well adrift at the foot of the table.

Stamford, who top Division Three, also miss a game this Saturday, allowing challengers Boston 3rd, Spalding 2nd and Timberlands to catch up their games in hand. Boston play Grantham 2nd who recorded only their second win of the season last week while Spalding play bottom team Moulton Harrox on Sunday. Timberlands have a home fixture against Long Sutton 2nd who lie two places below them while Baston, who have moved up to seventh, entertain Billingborough 2nd who are fifth.

Eighth plays ninth when Claypole host Blankney, only a small percentage of a point separating the two.

Division One: Grantham v Belton Park; Ramblers v Moulton Harrox; Long Sutton v Boston; Oakham v Woodhall Spa 2^nd; Sleaford 2nd v Bourne 2^nd.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Cavaliers; Market Deeping 2nd v Welby; Spalding v Oakham 2^nd; Thomas Cook v Heckington; Sunday June 28, Ropsley v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Baston v Billingborough 2^nd; Boston 3rd v Grantham 2^nd; Claypole v Blankney; Timberlands v Long Sutton 2^nd; Sunday June 28, Moulton Harrox Sun v Spalding 2^nd.

Round-up for June 20 and 21

Boston, Lindum Ramblers and Billingborough continue the battle at the top of Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League, all three celebrating victories at the weekend. Boston scored a convincing 123-run win over Woodhall Spa, Jonathan Cheer hitting 84, brother Colin bowling seven overs without conceding a run and Mick Troops taking six for 15. Ramblers hit the highest score of the three top teams with 231 for nine, Stuart Turner making 71, before bowling Bourne out for 157, Matt Benson claiming six of the wickets. And Billingborough overtook Oakham’s 206 for seven for the loss of only three wickets, David Gollop hitting the division’s only century. In the only other game in the top flight, Belton Park moved out of the bottom two with a slender five run win over Long Sutton, Glyn Lumb scoring 92 and James Booth taking five wickets for Long Sutton.

Skegness took over at the top of Division Two following a 10-wicket victory over Cavaliers while rivals Spalding were going down to Heckington by just 12 runs. Heckington are now third but Cavaliers and Thomas Cook continue to prop up the division, the latter losing out to Boston 2nd after 19 year old Abhinav Singh took seven wickets for just four runs. Sleaford Sunday stayed in fourth, Andy Wilson hitting the day’s top score of 109 to help set Welby a total of 253 for six. Giles Goddard then took five wickets as Welby were all out for 117. But on Sunday, it was a much closer affair for Sleaford and Skegness as the two teams tied in their match at London Road. Sleaford lost eight wickets on their way to 164 while their opponents were all out on the same score.

Stamford continue to dominate Division Three, beating Blankney by eight wickets. Boston 3rd stay second despite going down to Baston who are enjoying a much better season and are now challenging for a place in the top half of the table. And Spalding 2nd moved into third with a five wicket win over fellow challengers Timberlands. Elsewhere, Billingborough got the better of Claypole by three wickets, 18 year old Ashley Tilley claiming seven Claypole wickets for 18 runs.

Preview for June 20 and 21

South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One leaders Boston travel to Jubilee Park with the aim of widening the gap over their fellow title contenders, Lindum Ramblers and Billingborough. But despite their lowly position, four places off the bottom of the table, Woodhall Spa 2nd are showing marked improvement and will be no pushover for the leaders. On paper, Ramblers should have the easiest game when they take on Bourne 2nd at Abbey Lawn. The home side are firmly anchored in last place but will be hoping for a change of fortunes. Billingborough are also away, at Oakham, now sixth but still in close touch with the teams above them. Belton Park have slipped into the bottom two but a win at Long Sutton could see them overtake Moulton Harrox, who are without a game, as are Sleaford 2nd and Grantham, now fourth and fifth respectively.

Division Two leaders Spalding go to Heckington who have slipped to fifth in the table and will be keen to regain their top three place. Skegness in second are the well placed team to threaten Spalding as they make up their game in hand this weekend with a fixture at bottom placed Cavaliers on Saturday and a game against Sleaford Sunday at London Road the following day.

Stamford will look to increase the sizeable gap they have opened up at the top of Division Three in their latest game away at Blankney while second placed Timberland will face a real challenge from Spalding 2nd who are fourth but have their eyes on promotion. Baston are back in action against third placed Boston 3rd while Claypole will be looking to make it two wins in a row when they travel to Billingborough 2nd.

Division One: Bourne 2nd v Ramblers; Long Sutton v Belton Park; Oakham v Billingborough; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Boston.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Thomas Cook; Cavaliers v Skegness 2nd; Heckington v Spalding; Ropsley v Oakham 2nd; Sleaford Sunday v Welby; Sunday June 21, Sleaford Sunday v Skegness 2nd.

Division Three: Billingborough 2nd v Claypole; Blankney v Stamford; Boston 3rd v Baston; Spalding 2nd v Timberland; Sunday June 21, Moulton Harrox Sun v Grantham 2nd.

Round-up for June 13 and 14

Boston completed the hat trick over the three teams beneath them when they beat Grantham by six wickets to open up a gap at the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One. But Lindum Ramblers and Billingborough 2nd kept up their challenge with victories over Oakham and Moulton Harrox respectively. Ramblers now lie second and Billingborough third while Grantham have slipped slightly behind the top three.

Bourne 2nd fell further adrift of the pack when they lost to Woodhall Spa who are gradually improving their position while, despite two defeats over the weekend, Moulton Harrox stay just above the bottom two. Giles Goddard recorded the division’s best bowling figures with six for 36 in Sleaford’s four wicket win over Long Sutton.

Meanwhile, the only century of the day came in Division Two – but Dave Robinson’s efforts couldn’t save Cavaliers from defeat. Robinson hit 100 as Cavaliers chased Spalding’s 238 for six, falling 39 runs short. This kept Spalding at the top of the division with Skegness 2nd in hot pursuit after their six wicket victory over Boston 2nd. Heckington stay third despite their defeat by Oakham and Welby improved their position lower down the table with victory over Thomas Cook.

Stamford and Timberland have opened up a gap at the top of Division Three, the leaders beating Spalding 2nd by nine wickets and Timberland winning a closer game against Blankney by five wickets. Claypole continue to improve their position, having beaten Long Sutton 2nd while Grantham overcame Billingborough 2nd by four wickets.

Preview for June 13 and 14

South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One leaders Boston face their third tough match in succession when they take on second placed Grantham at the Mayflower Ground. Having seen off the challenge of Billingborough and Lindum Ramblers, fourth and third respectively, in the two previous weeks, victory over Grantham would put Boston clear at the top. Billingborough take on division newcomers Moulton Harrox, who are on equal points with Woodhall Spa, two above bottom team Bourne who travel to Jubilee Park, while Ramblers are home to fifth-placed Oakham and Long Sutton host Sleaford 2nd.

In Division Two, top plays bottom as leaders Spalding take on Cavaliers, while second placed Skegness play fifth placed Boston 2nd at Richmond Road. Heckington, who are also in the running for honours, are away to Oakham 2nd and Market Deeping, who have moved up to fourth following good results in the previous two weeks are home to Ropsley. Thomas Cook have slipped into the bottom two and are home to Welby who lie two places above them.

A hard fought match could await Division Three leaders Stamford when they host Spadling 2nd, who are fourth and are pressing for a place in the top three. However, above them, Spalding have Timberland who are enjoying a good first season in the league and will be looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat and reclaim 2nd place from Boston 3rd, who are without a game. Bottom team Grantham 2nd are home to mid-table Billingborough 2nd and Claypole, who have moved out of the bottom two, are home to Long Sutton 2nd.

Division One: Billingborough v Moulton Harrox; Boston v Grantham; Rambers v Oakham; Long Sutton v Sleaford 2nd; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Bourne 2nd.

Division Two: Market Deeping 2nd v Ropsley; Oakham 2nd v Heckington; Skegness 2nd v Boston 2nd; Spalding v Cavaliers; Thomas Cook v Welby.

Division Three: Claypole v Long Sutton 2nd; Grantham 2nd v Billingborough 2nd; Stamford v Spalding 2nd; Timberlands v Blankney.

Round-up for June 6 and 7

Boston finally opened up a gap over their Division One championship rivals with help from fourth placed Billingborough. The leaders overcame Lindum Ramblers by 86 runs while Billingborough similarly swept Grantham aside with an 83 run win. Grantham hang on to second place with Ramblers third but less than half a percentage now separates the chasing three. At the bottom of the table, Bourne slipped further away from the pack after going down heavily to Long Sutton but Woodhall Spa eased their relegation worries with a five wicket win over Moulton Harrox. Ben Percival was the only player in this division to top 50, making an unbeaten 87 for Woodhall.

Meanwhile in Division Two, John McDougall scored the only century with an unbeaten 101 to help Market Deeping to a 10 wicket win over Cavaliers. This moved Deeping up to fourth but Spalding continue to lead the division having beaten Ropsley by four wickets after Ansar Hussain recorded the division’s best bowling figures, taking five wickets for just nine runs.

Stamford continue to dominate Division Three following their victory over Baston in which Liam Dave hit the day’s top score of 114. Boston 3rd moved into second place with a 15 run win over Blankney, taking over from Timberland who suffered a surprise 32 run defeat at the hands of Claypole. And Spalding 2nd and Billingborough 2nd both stayed in touch with the top teams with victories over Grantham 2nd and Long Sutton respectively. Grantham were all out for 35 after Joe Carlin had returned the day’s best bowling figures of six for 12.

Preview for June 6 and 7

For the second week in succession, the top four in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League are involved in the pick of the day’s matches. Grantham and Lindum Ramblers share the top spot with Boston only a quarter of a percentage point behind them while Billingborough are slightly adrift in fourth. This weekend, Billingborough host Grantham while Ramblers travel to Boston. Bottom placed Bourne entertain Long Sutton while Woodhall Spa, one above Bourne, are at Moulton Harrox who have moved out of the bottom three.

Skegness 2nd, currently second in Division Two, are without a game, giving leaders Spalding the opportunity to draw further ahead if they can overcome Ropsley. Market Deeping, who have moved into third are away to bottom team Cavaliers while Heckington – who are breathing down Deeping’s neck in fourth – have a home match against Thomas Cook who slipped into the bottom two after last week’s defeat. Elsewhere, Oakham 2nd are home to Sleaford and Welby host Boston 2nd.

After missing out on their game last weekend, Division Three leaders Stamford are back in action away at Baston, who are enjoying a better season and are now in eighth place.

Below them, Claypole face a tough game at second placed Timberland while Grantham 2nd are away to Spalding 2nd who lie sixth. Third placed Boston 3rd are away at Blankney and in mid-table, Long Sutton 2nd entertain Billingborough 2nd. And Blankney are in action again on Sunday when they are home to Moulton Harrox.

Division One: Billingborough v Grantham; Boston v Ramblers; Bourne 2nd v Long Sutton; Caythorpe v Oakham; Moulton Harrox v Woodhall Spa 2nd.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Market Deeping 2nd; Heckington v Thomas Cook; Oakham 2nd v Sleaford Sunday; Ropsley v Spalding; Welby v Boston 2nd.

Division Three: Baston v Stamford; Blankney v Boston 3rd; Long Sutton 2nd v Billingborough 2nd; Spalding 2nd v Grantham 2nd; Timberlands v Claypole; Sunday, Blankney v Moulton Harrox Sunday.

Round-up for May 30/31

The weekend’s results left Grantham, Lindum Ramblers and Boston neck-and-neck at the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One with only a fraction of a percentage the teams.

Boston won a low scoring match against Billingborough while Grantham made 216 for three at home to Ramblers who were bowled out for 175. At the bottom of the table, Bourne went further adrift after losing to fellow strugglers Moulton Harrox by five wickets and Woodhall Spa picked up valuable points when they beat Belton Park by six wickets. Phil Sneath scored the day’s only century with 102 for Sleaford 2^nd who, nevertheless, failed by 29 runs to match Oakham’s 232 for eight. On Sunday, Luke Hollingworth hit an unbeaten 118 to give Sleaford 2^nd an eight wicket victory over Belton Park who set the home side a sizeable target of 215 for seven.

Top teams Spalding and Heckington continued their good run in Division Two, Spalding claiming a five wicket win over Thomas Cook while Heckington saw off the challenge of Cavaliers. Skegness also kept up their challenge in a tight game against Ropsley who fell just nine runs short of their opponents’ total of 201 for five. But Oakham 2^nd suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Welby who chased down 121 for the loss of only one wicket. Market Deeping recorded the day’s top total, finishing with 282 for three, John McDougall making the division’s highest total with 91 against Boston 2^nd who were bowled out for 143.

League newcomers Billingborough 2^nd and Timberland met at Horbling Road with Timberland coming out victors by just three wickets but Spalding 2^nd’s hopes of promotion from Division Three took a blow when they were bowled out for 123 chasing Long Sutton 2^nd’s 197 for eight.

Preview for May 30/31

The results of two matches in South Lincs and Border League Division One could make the picture at the top of the table much clearer. The top four teams pair off as leaders Lindum Ramblers travel to Grantham and Boston host Billingborough. And at the bottom of the Moulton Harrox entertain Bourne 2^nd and Woodhall Spa are away at Belton Park who play Sleaford 2^nd on Sunday, Sleaford having travelled to Oakham on Saturday.

In Division Two, Heckington will be looking to overcome last weekend’s defeat to stay in the top two when they take on Cavaliers away, while Spalding will also want to get back to winning ways at home to Thomas Cook to protect their place at the top. Tracking both teams are Oakham 2^nd who travel to Welby while Market Deeping 2^nd will want to continue their climb up the table when they take on Boston 2^nd at home.

Leaders Stamford are home to Claypole in Division Three while Timberland are back in action at Billingborough 2^nd, having missed a game last weekend. And Spalding 2^nd will aim to prolong their winning streak when they take on Long Sutton 2^nd at Paradise Field.

Division One: Belton Park v Woodhall Spa 2^nd; Boston v Billingborough; Grantham v Ramblers; Moulton Harrox v Bourne 2^nd; Oakham v Sleaford 2^nd; Sunday May, Sleaford 2nd v Belton Park.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Heckington; Market Deeping 2nd v Boston 2^nd; Skegness 2nd v Ropsley; Spalding v Thomas Cook; Welby v Oakham 2^nd.

Division Three: Billingborough 2nd v Timberlands; Long Sutton 2nd v Spalding 2^nd; Stamford v Claypole; Sun May 31, Moulton Harrox Sun v Boston 3^rd.

Round-up for May 23/24

Boston lost their 100 per cent record at the top of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One after going down to Sleaford in a tight finish that saw the eventual victors lost five wickets for just 12 runs to finish 138 for nine in reply to Boston’s 136 all out. This result allowed Lindum Rambers to take over first position despite a good bowling performance from Belton Park’s Nigel Oates whose 6-25 helped bowl the Lincoln side out for 180 with two balls to go, Matt Benson top scoring with 41. Belton got off to a good start, opener Glyn Lumb hitting 46, but the lower order couldn’t sustain the momentum and the final wicket fell on 146. Billingborough maintained their challenge for a second championship in succession, beating Long Sutton by three wickets, Tim Norris hitting 61 for Sutton and Simon Godby topping this with 86 for Billingborough.

Grantham also stayed in touch with a slender five run win over Bourne while for Moulton Harrox the losing margin was just three runs as they chased Oakham’s 172 for eight and finished 169 for seven.

First and second in Division Two both lost, Spalding going down to Sleaford Sunday by nine wickets after being bowled out for 176. Gavin Hutson made 88 not out for Sleaford and Tom Dent reached his 50 off the last ball of the innings to win Sleaford the match. Heckington were comfortably beaten by 50 runs by Market Deeping 2^nd but Oakham 2^nd picked up valuable points in a high scoring game against Thomas Cook. Oakham made 226 for three, with their opponents finishing only 13 short of this total. Ropsley won the battle at the bottom of the table, overcoming Cavaliers who were all out for 151 chasing Ropsley’s 231 for seven. Boston 2^nd recorded the division’s highest total with 241 for six, Robert Grant scoring the day’s only century and finishing 105 not out. But Welby were also in good batting form and reached 226 before their final wicket fell.

Stamford strengthened their position at the top of Division Three with a seven-wicket win over Billingborough 2^nd and Spalding 2^nd moved up the table with victory over Baston while Blankney went down to Boston 3^rd for whom Niall Young was out on 99. And Long Sutton 2^nd scored a 10 wicket win over Grantham 2^nd who were all out for 67, four of the wickets falling to 14 year old Jake Burton for just six runs.

Preview for May 23-24

Just five weeks into the South Lincolnshire and Border League season, four teams are emerging as contenders for top position in Division One. Boston, Lindum Ramblers, Grantham and Billingborough have all made a good start to the league’s 40th year with Boston a fraction ahead of Ramblers and the other two teams neck and neck in third and fourth. Billingborough face what is, on paper, the toughest game, away to Long Sutton whose victory last week moved them up the table to fifth, while Boston are away to Sleaford 2nd who are seventh, Ramblers face Belton Park at St Giles Avenue and Grantham travel to bottom placed Bourne 2nd.

Spalding have taken over as leaders of Division Two – and in second and fourth, separated by Oakham 2nd, are the two teams that gained promotion only last season, Heckington and Skegness 2nd. Skegness are without a game while Spalding play on Sunday against Sleaford Sunday XI at London Road but Oakham 2nd and Heckington are in action on Saturday, away to Thomas Cook and at home to Market Deeping 2nd respectively.

Boston 2nd, who are still in touch with the leading four, host Welby and elsewhere, the two bottom sides, Ropsley and Cavaliers play each other at Ropsley with Cavaliers still looking for their first win of the season.

In Division Three, Billingborough 2nd were knocked off their perch after last weekend’s defeat but have the chance to climb back up when they entertain fellow league newcomers Stamford Town, the team that replaced them as leaders. The top five are tightly packed, Billingborough having dropped to fourth, with Timberland – also new to the league - taking over in second, Blankney moving into third and Spalding 2nd in fifth. Blankney are away to Boston 3rd, who lie sixth, Spalding host seventh placed Baston and Timberland are without a game. Lower down the table, Grantham 2nd are home to Long Sutton 2nd and on Sunday Moulton Harrox host Claypole.

Fixtures – 1.30pm start:

Division One: Bourne 2nd v Grantham; Ramblers v Belton Park; Long Sutton v Billingborough; Oakham v Moulton Harrox; Sleaford 2nd v Boston.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Welby; Heckington v Market Deeping 2^nd; Ropsley v Cavaliers; Thomas Cook v Oakham 2^nd; Sunday May 24, Sleaford Sunday v Spalding.

Division Three: Billingborough 2nd v Stamford; Boston 3rd v Blankney; Grantham 2nd v Long Sutton 2^nd; Spalding 2nd v Baston; Sunday May 24, Moulton Harrox Sun v Claypole.

Round-up for May 16-17

All South Lincolnshire and Border League Saturday matches escaped the rain except Claypole v Grantham 2nd in Division Three, where Spalding 2nd put an end to Billingborough 2nd’s winning run, opening the door for fellow newcomers Stamford to go top of the table.

And Timberland continued their good start to their SLBL campaign with victory over Boston 3rd.

In Division One, Boston 1st XI kept up their challenge for honours with a convincing win over Oakham but still have Lindum Ramblers breathing down their necks after Pierce Morley-Barnes scored the day’s only century in Rambler’s victory over fellow high flyers Billingborough. Grantham are also still in the reckoning after beating Sleaford 2nd but Bourne 2nd and Woodhall Spa 2nd remain in the doldrums after going down to Belton Park and Long Sutton respectively.

Division Two leaders Oakham 2nd suffered a last ball defeat at the hands of Ropsley who restricted their opponents to 128 for nine but had just one wicket standing when they claimed their last gasp victory. And Heckington also scraped home as Welby’s overs ended just six runs short of their visitors’ total. Skegness 2nd continued their good run with a 26 run victory over Market Deeping 2nd, which Boston 2nd saw off the challenge of Cavaliers. On what was a bowlers’s day, five bowlers claimed five wicket hauls, Matt Benson of Ramblers the most economical with five for 10 and Grantham’s Darren Nicholson taking five for 15.

Both Sunday matches, Thomas Cook v Sleaford in Division Two and Baston v Moulton Harrox in Division Three were rained off.

Preview for May 16-17

Billingborough and Ramblers is undoubtedly the match of the day in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League. These two teams are neck and neck at the top of table, just behind leaders Boston who are home to Oakham. Grantham, who are also challenging for a top three place, are home to Sleaford 2nd while at the bottom of the table, Woodhall Spa 2nd will be looking for their first win of the season when they entertain mid-table Long Sutton. Belton Park are also without a win as are their opponents Bourne 2nd while Moulton Harrox are without a game following Caythorpe’s withdrawal from the league.

With Spalding without a game, Heckington will be aiming to bounce back to the top of Division Two when they take on Welby, who recorded their first victory last weekend. But they could find their way blocked by Oakham 2nd who are home to Ropsley. Elsewhere, Skegness 2nd are away at Market Deeping 2nd and Cavaliers entertain Boston 2nd while on Sunday Thomas Cook are home to Sleaford Sunday.

Spalding 2nd hopes of promotion took a blow when they went down to Boston 3rd and they will have another tough Division Three game against Billingborough 2nd who have started their SLBL campaign well. Boston are at Timberlands and Stamford, also pushing for the top of table, travel to Long Sutton 2nd. And at the bottom of the table, Claypole host Grantham 2nd. On Sunday, Baston will be looking for their second win of the season when they take on Moulton Harrox Sunday at home.

Division One: Belton Park v Bourne 2^nd; Billingborough v Ramblers; Boston v Oakham; Grantham v Sleaford 2^nd; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Long Sutton.

Division Two: Cavaliers v Boston 2^nd; Market Deeping 2nd v Skegness 2^nd; Oakham 2nd v Ropsley; Welby v Heckington. Sunday May 17, Thomas Cook v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Claypole v Grantham 2^nd; Long Sutton 2nd v Stamford; Spalding 2nd v Billingborough 2^nd; Timberlands v Boston 3^rd. Sunday May 17, Baston v Moulton Harrox Sunday.

Round-up for May 9-10

The top three sides in Division One of the South Lincolnshire & Border League all won their weekend games but only Boston have maximum points from all three opening matches. Billingborough failed to bowl out Belton Park, who hung on to the last wicket while Ramblers had the same difficulty against Woodhall who ended 160 for eight chasing the Lindum side’s 220 for five, John Gratrick recording his third successive half century. However, Boston scored a convincing win over Bourne 2^nd,Jonathan Cheer’s 86 helping the total to 240 for four at which point the visitors declared. Bourne were then bowled out for 91. Oakham’s challenge slipped after a high scoring game at home to Long Sutton who chased, their hosts’ total of 226 for six to win by four wickets. Oakham’s Richard Williams was the league’s only century maker with an unbeaten 100. But Grantham kept in touch with the top group, defeating Moulton Harrox by 26 runs.

Spalding ended Division Two leaders Heckington’s winning run prematurely, claiming a seven wicket to go above the former leaders. This propels Oakham 2^nd, who were without a game to the top of the table with Spalding now second. Skegness fought out a low scoring but close game against Boston 2^nd, losing out by just two wickets while Welby finally got a win under their belts when they overcame Cavaliers by six wickets and Market Deeping’s young side claimed their first victory of the year when they defeated Thomas Cook by 25 runs.

In Division Three, Spalding 2nds suffered a heave defeat at the hands of Boston 3^rd who won by 118 runs. Kevin Brooks was the architect of this victory, taking five Spalding wickets for 13 off six overs. Billingborough 2^nd made it two wins out of two with a comfortable 10 wicket win over Grantham 2^nd, Blankney beat Claypole by six wickets and Long Sutton successfully chase Baston’s 172 for seven to win by two wickets. And Timberlands won a thrilling encounter with a two off the last ball of the game to overtake Moulton Harrox’ 190 for six of which Jack Barnett hit an unbeaten 119.

Round-up for May 2-3

Oakham pulled off another last gasp win in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League when they beat Grantham by just one wicket with three balls to spare after Grantham had made 186 for nine, Darren Nicholson with 58. Moulton Harrox celebrated their first win in the top flight with a comfortable 102 run win over Belton Park but Bourne’s season got off to a disappointing start when they went down by over 100 runs to Billingborough for whom Chris Morris hit 69 of their 217 for nine. Sleaford 2nd also celebrated their first in of the season with a 100 run victory over Woodhall Spa 2nd while Caythorpe stay firmly anchored at the foot of the table after an eight wicket defeat by Boston for whom the Cheer brothers starred, Colin taking six for 30 and Jonathan hitting 65. Ramblers notched up their second win, beating Long Sutton, but were denied maximum points when the home side managed to hang on to their last wicket.

Newly promoted Heckington just managed to keep their 100 per cent record in Division Two when they edged home by one wicket in a low scoring game against Welby while Skegness 2nd suffered mixed fortunes, going down to Thomas Cook on Saturday but beating Sleaford Sunday by eight wickets after Ashley Redgard had devastated Sleaford with figures of six for 18. Oakham 2nd kept up their challenge with a win over Cavaliers while Spalding added to Market Deeping’s woes with a six wicket win.

In Division Three, Timberland recorded their first victory in the league, easily beating Grantham 2nd by nine wickets despite Grantham’s Stuart Mudie hitting the day’s top score of 84. Stamford also picked up the lion’s share of the points against Long Sutton but Baston, after an early season victory that saw them briefly take top slot of the table, were put to the sword by Blankney’s Ian Holvey who took five for 11 to help bowl Baston out for 31. And Billingborough 2nd got their South Lincs & Border campaign off to a good start with a two wicket win over Boston 3rd.

Preview for May 2-3

Oakham entertain Grantham in what is likely to be the pick of the Division One matches in the South Lincolnshire and Border League, with both sides getting off to a flying start last weekend. Defending champions Billingborough also have a win under their belts and could prove a handful for Bourne who have yet to play their first game. Boston, who are also in the hunt for honours, travel to Caythorpe while another of last weekend’s winners, Ramblers, are at Long Sutton who have won one and lost one. Elsewhere, Woodhall Spa 2nd take on Sleaford 2nd, and on Sunday, league newcomers Moulton Harrox are home to Belton Park.

In Division Two, newly promoted Skegness will be looking to build on last weekend’s success when they host Thomas Cook while Heckington, also promoted last year are home to Welby. Skegness have a second fixture the following day when they are home once again, this time to Sleaford Sunday who had a good win last weekend.

Baston will be looking to repeat last week’s early season win when they entertain Blankney in Division Three and Timberland will want to put in a better performance when they visit Grantham, having gone down heavily to Stamford who are home to Long Sutton 2nd. And Billingborough 2nd get their first taste of SLBL cricket when they travel to Boston 3rds.

Division One (1.30pm start): Billingborough v Bourne 2^nd; Caythorpe v Boston; Long Sutton v Ramblers; Oakham v Grantham; Woodhall Spa 2nd v Sleaford 2^nd; Sunday May 3^,Moulton Harrox v Belton Park.

Division Two: Boston 2nd v Ropsley; Cavaliers v Oakham 2^nd; Heckington v Welby; Market Deeping 2nd v Spalding; Skegness 2nd v Thomas Cook; Sun May 3, Skegness 2nd v Sleaford Sunday.

Division Three: Baston v Blankney; Boston 3rd v Billingborough 2^nd; Grantham 2nd v Timberland; Stamford v Long Sutton 2^nd.

Round-up for April 25-26

The first full week of fixtures in Division One of the South Lincolnshire and Border League brought four centuries, two of them at Belton Park who fought out a nail-biting finish with Oakham.

Batting first, the visitors finished on 212 for nine, Paul Haynes making 101. Tim Jack then topped that with 111 but Belton finished three short of their opponents’ total on 209 for nine.

Martin Parmley hit 110 off 105 balls for Grantham and went on to make three wicketkeeping dismissals in his side’s convincing win over Long Sutton. Paul Chadwick hit 48 off 39 balls and shared a third wicket stand of 100 with Parmley to help Grantham’s total to 253 for six. Adrian Grummitt and Lewis Dann then took three wickets each as Long Sutton were all out for 157.

A good performance from Rambler’s John Gratrick, who made 67 and took four for 32, helped the Lindum side to victory over Sleaford 2nd. Five other batsmen contributed double figures before Rambers were all out for 210, Anthony Edwardson and Ben Burrows taking three wickets each. Sleaford were then bowled out for 150, Adams hitting 50 and Matt Benson claiming 3-24 off 12 overs.

League champions Billingborough got their campaign off to a good start against Woodhall Spa, finishing their overs on 249 for six, thanks to 82 from Dave Newman, David Gollop’s 43 and solid batting down the order.

Mark Sizzey took three of the wickets but when opener Neil Robson was out 26, Woodhall collapsed to 70 all out, Newman and Jon Lamyman with three wickets each.

Boston got their season on track after Tom Baxter’s 102 and an unbeaten 68 from Nic Adams saw them to 269 for four against Moulton Harrox who were then bowled out for 94.

In Division Two, Spalding – who narrowly missed promotion last season – secured victory off the last ball at home to Boston 2nd who made 187 for eight, Paul Tetther and Ian Morris scoring 60 and 56 not out respectively. In reply, Ansar Hussain made 41 and Simon Juckes 33 but it was Jamie Juckes who was at the crease in the final over and who hit the six that gave Spalding a tight, two-wicket victory.

Newly promoted Skegness also got off to a good start with a five wicket win over Welby who were out for 114, five of the players caught by David Jacobs. And Vince Markham scored the second division’s only century, making 110 of Sleaford Sunday’s 220 for five, Gavin Hutson hitting 87. Dave Robinson scored 58 but Cavaliers were all out for 149, thanks in part to an excellent performance from 15 year old bowler Will Brewster, who took five for 40.

In Division Three, Baston were made to work hard for their victory over Claypole who were bowled out for 87, of which John North made 24 while Adam Hilless and Jonny Francis took three wickets each for Baston.

The home side then lost six wickets chasing down the total, three of which fell to Chris Dobbie.

Stamford picked up maximum points against fellow league newcomers Timberland after Brian Bennett’s 55 and Tim Perchard’s 50 had helped the total to 235 for six. Timberland were then bowled out for 51.

A much closer game saw Spalding 2nd overcome Moulton Harrox Sunday by two wickets. Laurence Price hit an unbeaten 83 for Moulton in their total of 206 for six while Jim Clarke made 63 in Spalding’s winning reply.

Only seven wickets fell in the match between Blankney and Long Sutton 2nd, Blankney losing four making their total of 173, of which Simon Behan hit 71 not out, a total Long Sutton overtook for the loss of three wickets, Sisson with an unbeaten 63.

Round-up for April 18-19

Saturday sees the first full programme of South Lincolnshire and Border League Division One matches for 2009, the league’s 40th anniversary year. But the division newcomers Moulton Harrox got their campaign off to an early start at Long Sutton who scored a slender two wicket victory thanks to an innings off 55 from Ian Smith.

This weekend, Moulton travel to Boston who just missed out on the top slot last year and will be challenging for the championship in 2009, while Long Sutton make the journey to Grantham. Last year’s winners, Billingborough, have further strengthened their club with the addition of a second XI in division three of the SLBL and will prove a tough challenge for Woodhall Spa 2nd. Oakham, who go into their final year in the league having been accepted into Leicestershire for 2010, are away at Belton Park while Lindum Ramblers take on Sleaford 2nd at home and Bourne 2nd entertain Caythorpe.

In Division Two, Sleaford Sunday already have one victory under their belt, having beaten Boston 2nd by eight wickets, Andrew Wilson hitting 84 runs while Jonathan Cheer made 59 for Boston. However, their second game of the weekend saw Sleaford go down to newly-promoted Heckington by 10 wickets for whom Joe Braithwaite took six for 21. Richard Parsons was the day’s top bowler taking 8-18 for Oakham 2nd in their victory over Thomas Cook and Spalding, second in the division last year, overcame Ropsley by nine wickets, Ansar Hussain making 58. This weekend, Spalding take on Boston 2nd at home while Welby have their first outing of the season against newly promoted Skegness 2nd and on Sunday, Sleaford entertain Cavaliers.

Newcomers Stamford met Boston 3rds in their first match in Division Three – and lost by just 19 runs. Niall Young made 61 of Boston’s 190 for eight with Bill Hall taking five wickets for Stamford who finished on 171 for nine. Timberland, also new to the league are Stamford’s next opponents on Saturday at Uffington Road while Long Sutton 2nd and Blankney get their season under way at Paradise Field. And Sunday sees Spalding 2nd in action against Moulton Harrox.