Sleaford stay in the hunt after composed first-team win

Sleaford’s 1st XI delivered just the response they needed on Saturday, producing a calm and confident six-wicket win over Bracebridge Heath to stay firmly in the Lincolnshire Premier Division title conversation.

After a run of frustrating batting performances, this was a much more assured display from the side, built on disciplined bowling, a controlled chase and some decisive finishing from Sean Solia.

1st XI: Mills and Solia lead the way

Bracebridge Heath were asked to bat first and were bowled out for 148 in 46 overs. Benjamin Whitehouse made 39 and AJ Cook added 36, but Sleaford kept applying pressure and never allowed the innings to get away from them.

Matthew Mills was the pick of the attack with an excellent 4 for 21, while Kieran Harbron claimed 2 for 21 as Sleaford produced a disciplined all-round bowling performance.

2nd XI: Mixed fortunes in the Bob Welton Cup

The 2nd XI had an up-and-down day at Alford in the Bob Welton Cup, opening with a five-wicket win over Bracebridge Heath before falling just short against the hosts in their second match.

Harry Bailey then guided the chase with an important 52, while Oliver Sneath added 23 as Sleaford reached 122 for 5 in 17.2 overs.

Sunday 2nd XI: Rustons edge chase

Sleaford Sunday 2nd XI were beaten by four wickets away to Rustons in Lincoln & District League Division 2, despite useful runs from Mackenzie Ross and Ian Glendinning.

Rustons had to work for the win but reached 173 for 6 in 28.1 overs. Muhammad Shamun top-scored with 65 and Muhammad Zeeshan made 33, while Ben Baxter’s 2 for 25 gave Sleaford some hope before the hosts completed the chase.

Women’s 1st XI: Page-Graves century in dramatic defeat

The Women’s 1st XI were involved in the most dramatic match of the weekend, but were edged out by Belvoir in EMWCL Division 2 North East despite a superb century from Alexia Page-Graves.

It was a weekend packed with storylines for Sleaford: the 1st XI producing a composed and important win, the 2nd XI splitting their Bob Welton Cup fixtures, the Sunday 2nd XI falling short at Rustons, and the Women’s 1st XI seeing a brilliant century matched by an extraordinary Belvoir chase.