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1st December 2006 |
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The 2006 AGM resulted in a number of
captaincy issues being held over until an EGM early in the New Year. The First XI, Sunday First XI and Sunday
Second XI captains and vice-captains roles were left open for further
consideration, with the league that the Sunday First XI will compete in still
to be determined. The senior roles on the club’s committee
saw the current incumbents all re-elected and the following captaincy issues
were resolved: SECOND XI Captain: Alan Mountford Vice-Captain: Dave Gilding THIRD XI Captain: Kevin Brooks Vice-Captain: Jasper Borrill |
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24th September 2006 |
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The curtain was brought down on another
eventful season at the Mayflower as a Third XI double-header concluded the
2006 campaign. Colin Cheer grabbed the headlines on
Saturday as he smashed the club bowling record for wickets taken in a season.
He beat Gary Thirkell’s record of 63 scalps by taking a hat-trick en route to
his 66th and final wicket of the season, during the Third XI’s loss
at Caythorpe. Boston were bowled out for 155 at
Caythorpe, with Lee Brooks top scoring with 45. In reply, four wickets from
Cheer, including his memorable hat-trick, were not enough to prevent Boston
from tumbling to a three-wicket defeat. However, 24 hours later, the same XI ended
the season on a high note by beating Sleaford by 54 runs at London Road.
Conrad Louth (67) and Dave Gilding (31) helped Boston reach 176-8, before
John Morris claimed 4-26 and skipper Kevin Brooks 3-22 as Sleaford were bowled
out for 122. Ex-Boston batsman Tony Baxter notched exactly half of Sleaford’s
total. Colin Cheer and Lee Brooks will embark on
a winter in Australia on Tuesday, when they begin a stint with George’s River
DCC in Sydney. Full coverage of the teenage duo’s adventure will feature here
on bostoncc.co.uk throughout their time Down Under. Meanwhile, the club’s annual presentation
evening and race night will be held on Friday October 20, starting at 7.30pm.
All senior and junior members are invited and encouraged to attend. A full season review will be featured on bostoncc.co.uk in the next few
days, including a list of who’s topped the club’s batting and bowling
averages from the First XI, through to the East Lindsey XI. |
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17th September 2006 |
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Boston fielded two East Lindsey XIs on
Sunday, culminating in one victory and one defeat. At the Mayflower, Boston beat Friskney by
48 runs. After being bowled out for 162, in which Gareth Epton top scored
with 41, Boston responded by knocking their visitors over for just 114. Colin
Cheer was the pick of the Boston bowlers with 5-3 off five overs. At Alford, Jonathan Cheer and Mike
Parkhill both scored impressive knocks of 83, but it was not enough to
prevent Boston from slipping to a two-wicket defeat. After posting 226-8,
Boston lacked the bowling firepower to blow away their hosts and Alford
sneaked home in the final over, with two wickets remaining. Conrad Louth, JP
Horton and Tatu Vehvilainen all took two wickets apiece for Boston. |
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16th September 2006 |
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The First XI rounded off their fifth
campaign in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League with their first victory of
the season. Boston beat Caistor in a thrilling finale at
the Mayflower — successfully chasing down the visitors’ 258-5 to record a
one-wicket win. Colin Cheer took three wickets for Boston, while Ricky
Lovelace and John Morris also got in on the act. In reply, skipper Conrad Louth made 92,
while valuable contributions also came from fellow teenagers Tom Baxter (41),
Lee Brooks (37) and Jonathan Cheer (23). Boston subsequently reached their
target with three balls remaining, to secure a 17-point haul. The Second XI were annihilated at
Billingborough. After being skittled for just 53, Boston took two
Billingborough wickets, but it was nowhere near enough. Scott Elleray and Sam
Gilding were Boston’s wicket-takers. |
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10th September 2006 |
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Captain Dave Gilding’s knock of 71 not out
was not enough to guide the East Lindsey XI to victory against Woodhall
Wanderers on Sunday. The visitors posted 190-8, before Boston
replied with 171-5. Sam Gilding and Kevin Brooks both took two wickets for
Boston, while Hamza Minhas and Mark McDowell gave their skipper good support
with the bat, but Boston closed short of their target to lose by 19 runs. |
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9th September 2006 |
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Boston’s First XI lost by 10 wickets to
Messingham on Saturday. Boston posted 196, thanks in the main to Neval Grazette
(34) and Sam Gilding (31), but openers Ian Dawson and Alex Cairns saw the
hosts home comfortably, with undefeated half-centuries. The Second XI, inspired by skipper Alan
Mountford, beat Market Deeping by six wickets. Mountford took three of the five
Deeping wickets to fall, before chipping in with 28 of his side’s runs.
Chasing 174, Boston reached their target for the loss of just four wickets.
Dave Gilding, Paul Tetther and Tom Baxter also passed the 30-run mark. |
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4th September 2006 |
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Boston’s East Lindsey XI lost by two
wickets to Graves Park on Sunday, but otherwise it was a tale of wet weather
woe for the club, with three fixtures falling to the elements. Karl Hibbert and Mark McDowell were
Boston’s batting heroes against Graves Park, but after being bowled out for
just 131, Boston were only able to take eight wickets in reply, therefore
losing narrowly. |
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27th August 2006 |
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Ricky Lovelace scored his maiden career century
as Boston’s Newark Alliance XI surged to an impressive victory on Sunday. The 21-year-old scored a classy 102 to put
Bottesford to the sword at the Mayflower. Valuable assistance came from Lee
Brooks, who scored 54 as Boston posted 215-4. In reply, it was left to the likes of
Kevin Brooks (three), Colin Cheer (two), Tim Bell (two), Tatu Vehvilainen
(one), Liam Brooks (one) and Hamza Minhas (one) to clean up the Bottesford
line-up for just 157, therefore completing a 58-run win. The East Lindsey XI journeyed to
Brocklesby Park and returned with a six-wicket defeat. Boston were bowled out
for 129, with Tom Baxter scoring 36, before the hosts lost just four wickets
in pursuit of their victory target. Karl Hibbert was the pick of the Boston
bowlers, claiming 2-23. |
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26th August 2006 |
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Boston suffered three defeats on Saturday. The First XI were bowled out for 108 at
Market Deeping, after restricting the hosts to 244-7. Jonathan Cheer
top-scored with 47, while Colin Cheer 3-62, John Morris 2-71, Tom Baxter 1-16
and Tim Bell 1-56 all took wickets for Boston. The Second XI restricted Grantham to
186-9, before replying with 160-7. Sean Moore 3-9, Scott Elleray 2-19, John
Elleray 2-48, Paul Timby 1-38 and Richard Ladds 1-44 took Grantham scalps. In
reply, Paul Tetther made 58 and Timby contributed 33 on his club comeback,
but Boston fell just short in the end. The Third XI were bowled out for 146 by
Moulton Harrox, before the visitors reached their target for the loss of five
wickets. Ex-Moulton man Karl Hibbert scored 32, while wicket-keeper Tatu
Vehvilainen posted 21 before claiming two catches with the gloves. In reply,
Kevin Brooks 3-31 and Steffen Cook 2-33 took wickets. |
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20th August 2006 |
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Boston endured mixed fortunes over the weekend,
winning two matches on Saturday but losing twice on Sunday. Tom Baxter scored a fantastic 102 as
Boston seconds beat Ropsley on Saturday. Boston scored 182-6, before bowling
Ropsley out for just 80. Max Priestley was Boston’s hero with the ball, taking
5-18. The Third XI also won, beating Welby by
six wickets. Wily veteran John Elleray took 5-17 as Welby were restricted to
156-9, while Karl Hibbert also took 3-45. In reply, Mark McDowell scored an
excellent 64 and Tatu Vehvilainen made 24 as Boston strolled to victory with
only four wickets down. On Sunday, the Newark Alliance XI was
beaten by five wickets at Attenborough. Baxter scored 36 as Boston were
bowled out for 131, before Kevin Brooks (2-16) was the pick of the bowlers as
Attenborough chased down their target. In the hastily-arranged friendly at Burgh,
Jasper Borrill top scored with 58 as Boston made 119. In reply, Boston took
seven wickets, but Burgh sneaked a tight victory. James Broughton took a
career-best 4-17, while Vehvilainen claimed 2-13. The First XI fixture against Bracebridge
Heath on Saturday was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. |
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13th August 2006 |
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Sunday’s scheduled fixtures against Lenton
and Revesby both fell to the wet weather. On Saturday, the Third XI fixture against
Cavaliers went the same way, but the Second XI made it three wins on the
bounce with a 19-run success over Long Sutton. After being bowled out for 114, Boston
skittled Long Sutton for just 95. Tom Baxter top scored for Boston with 37
not out, while Mickey Troops (four) and Richard Ladds (three) led the way
with the ball in reply. Boston’s successful tour to Hampshire has
concluded and the touring party won one of their three fixtures, beating
Portsmouth on Tuesday. Defeats followed against Old Hambledonians on
Wednesday and Fareham and Crofton on Thursday. Full scorecard details are
featured on http://boston.play-cricket.com. |
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6th August 2006 |
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Ricky Lovelace hit his second half-century
of the weekend, but it was in vain as Boston’s Newark Alliance XI lost by 147
runs at home to Caythorpe. Sam Gilding had been the pick of Boston’s bowlers,
with 3-52, as Caythorpe piled up 267-5. In reply, Boston were bowled out for just
120, with Lovelace and Lee Brooks (16) the only batsmen to make double
figures. In the East Lindsey fixture at Horncastle,
Boston were beaten by 34 runs in a closely-fought encounter. After bowling
Horncastle out for 160, Boston replied with 126-9. Dave Gilding scored 50 of his side’s runs,
while Karl Hibbert (4-24), Tim Bell (3-41), Matthew Howard (2-42) and Tom
Baxter (1-27) were Boston’s wicket-takers. This week, a Boston touring party comprising
28 travellers, including 19 players, heads off for a five-day trip to the
south coast and full updates will be featured on bostoncc.co.uk as the club
prepare for three friendly fixtures during the tour. |
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5th August 2006 |
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Boston’s Second and Third XIs powered to
comprehensive victories on Saturday. The Second XI were seven-wicket victors at
Market Deeping. After restricting the home side to 181-6, Boston reached
their victory target for the loss of just three wickets. Tim Bell (three),
Richard Ladds (two) and Mickey Troops (one) took the Deeping wickets to fall.
In reply, Ricky Lovelace hit a career-best
77 not out, while Conrad Louth (39) and Dave Gilding (30) also helped lead
Boston to a 19-point haul. On the Third XI front, Lee Brooks (84) and
Steve Elleray (64) helped Boston post 239-8 off 45 overs. In reply, Kevin
Brooks took 5-55 to bowl out Oakham for just 121. Also on the wicket-taking
trail in the 118-run win were Sean Moore (two), Sam Gilding (one) and John Morris
(one). |
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30th July 2006 |
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The East Lindsey XI tied with
Sutton-on-Sea at the Mayflower on Sunday. Both sides posted 252-4 off 40 overs, with
Tom Baxter being the star of the show for Boston with an undefeated 119. Tim Bell
(37), Dave Gilding (34) and Carl Wall (28) also chipped in with valuable
runs. In reply, Sutton matched Boston’s efforts
off the final ball. Baxter, Karl Hibbert, Gareth Epton and a Bell run-out
accounted for the wickets to fall. In the Newark Alliance League, Boston lost
by 27 runs at Kimberley. After bowling out the hosts for 161, Boston closed
on 134-8. Colin Cheer (four), Sam Gilding (two), John Morris (two), Scott
Elleray (one) and Steffen Cook (one) all took wickets for Boston. In reply, Boston slumped to 17-4, but
added some respectability thanks to Cook (25 not out), Morris (21 not out),
Tatu Vehvilainen (20) and 17-year-old debutant Jamie Lawson (16). |
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29th July 2006 |
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Paul Menzies his a swashbuckling 85 not
out as Boston’s Second XI won by 24 runs on Saturday. Menzies’ knock formed the basis of the
side’s 204-8 against Lindum, before Rob Grant (four), Tim Bell (three) and
Mickey Troops (two) bowled Boston to victory as the hosts closed on 181-9. The First XI lost by 83 runs to Sleaford.
After restricting their visitors to 300-3 declared, Boston were bowled out
for 218, despite Conrad Louth (61) and Ian Morris (50) hitting
half-centuries. Boston collected five bonus points from the match. Colin
Cheer, John Morris and Sam Gilding had earlier taken wickets for Boston. The Third XI lost at Spalding, despite
rattling up 167-9 off 45 overs. Jasper Borrill and Tatu Vehvilainen led the
way with the bat, but the hosts passed the winning post with seven balls
remaining, with six wickets still intact. Kevin Brooks, Liam Brooks, Sean
Moore and Steffen Cook took Boston’s wickets. |
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23rd July 2006 |
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It was another tale of woe for Boston’s
Saturday sides as the club slipped to three defeats. The First XI restricted Nettleham to 284-8
off 55 overs, with John Morris (four) and Colin Cheer (three) being the pick
of the bowlers. In reply, Boston were all out for 114, with Ricky Lovelace
top scoring with 41. The Second XI threw away a winning
position to lose by two wickets to Lindum Ramblers. After scoring 201-6,
Boston lost off the game’s penultimate ball after taking eight wickets. Alan
Mountford led the way with the bat with 64, while Tim Bell took 4-49 with the
ball. Mickey Troops and Richard Ladds were also among the wickets. The Third XI lost to Long Sutton seconds.
After scoring 191-9, Sutton dismissed Boston for 114. Sam Deptford (28 and
two wicket-keeping catches) excelled on his comeback, while Jasper Borrill
contributed 16. With the ball, Steffen Cook (three), Kevin Brooks (two) and
Scott Elleray (two) were Boston’s leading lights. Meanwhile, on Sunday, the Newark Alliance
XI suffered a six-wicket defeat to Gedling Colliery at the Mayflower.
Boston’s 127 all out was mainly down to Lee Brooks’ excellent 57, but the
visitors overtook this total for the loss of just four wickets. At Tetford, the East Lindsey XI lost by
eight wickets. Tom Baxter hit 40 and Sam Deptford added 28 as Boston posted
111, but Tetford easily reached their victory target for the loss of two
wickets. Last Monday, a Boston XI defeated Alcester
and Ragley Park in a closely-fought friendly at the Mayflower.
Sixteen-year-old Tom Baxter scored his maiden century, with 104 not out,
while Ricky Lovelace made 65 as Boston’s 301-6 proved too much for Alcester to
chase down. They closed on 286, with Lovelace and Tim Bell both taking two
wickets apiece. |
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16th July 2006 |
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Conrad Louth
and Nic Stone were in sensational form with the bat as the Newark Alliance XI
recorded a seven-wicket win over Caythorpe on Sunday. Louth rattled
up an excellent 122, while Stone added an unbeaten 61 as Boston successfully
chased down Caythorpe’s 193-8. Rob Grant (three), Ricky Lovelace (two), Sam
Gilding (two) and Colin Cheer (one) had earlier taken wickets for Boston. The scheduled
East Lindsey fixture against Louth Taverners was called off after the
visitors were ‘unable to raise a side’ to face Boston. On Saturday, it
was a tale of woe for Boston’s three senior sides. The First XI lost by seven
wickets to Lindum at the Mayflower, with Louth bagging an impressive 68 not
out in his side’s total of 114. Cheer (two) and Gilding (one) took wickets in
reply, but it was too little, too late. The Second XI
posted 181 at Spalding, but the hosts overtook this score for the loss of
just one wicket, a clean-bowled effort from Tom Baxter. Earlier, 15-year-old
Jonathan Cheer had notched his first half-century in senior cricket with a
classy 52. Dave Gilding, Paul Menzies, Alan Mountford and Tom Baxter also
made double figures. The Third XI
were skittled for 90 at Paradise Field against Long Sutton seconds. JP Horton
and Jasper Borrill were the only men to offer real resistance with 20 and 17
respectively. In reply,
skipper Kevin Brooks led from the front with 2-24 off 12 overs, but with
James Broughton, Steffen Cook and a run-out also claiming victims, Boston
were beaten by five wickets. On Monday, a
Boston “AA” XI faces touring Warwickshire-based club Alcester and Ragley Park
at the Mayflower, 2pm start. |
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9th July 2006 |
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An unbeaten 58 from Tom Baxter and an
excellent 44 from Tim Bell guided Boston’s East Lindsey XI to a seven-wicket
win over Burgh on Sunday. After bowling out their visitors for 169, Boston
proceeded to knock off the required runs with nine balls remaining. John
Morris contributed 27 not out, while Dave Gilding (22) also made double
figures. Earlier, Bell had been among the wickets
with 3-21, while Sam Gilding (3-29), Morris (2-24), Matthew Howard (1-39) and
Steffen Cook (1-21) also took scalps as Boston claimed a maximum 20 points. The Newark Alliance XI didn’t fare so well
at Ellerslie and lost by 154 runs, following a fine century from overseas
professional Sharma. Colin Cheer, Kevin Brooks, Conrad Louth and Max
Priestley each took one wicket for Boston as Ellerslie posted 290-4. In reply, Jonathan Cheer (27), Louth (26),
Gareth Epton (23) and Priestley (18) made good scores, but Boston were bowled
out for 136. |
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8th July 2006 |
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Boston’s Second XI recorded a thumping
victory over their Bourne counterparts on Saturday. Boston were nine-wicket victors, thanks to
a fabulous opening stand of 148 between Lee Brooks and Rob Woodcock. The pair
were both in fine form as Boston successfully chased down Bourne’s 182-9. An illness-stricken Mickey Troops and
left-armer Richard Ladds both took three wickets apiece for Boston, while Max
Priestley, Rob Grant and a run-out accounted for the other three Bourne
wickets to fall. In reply, Brooks (87) fell in the 27th
over, but by this time, the side were already well on course for victory.
Woodcock (52 not out) was joined by Paul Menzies, and he struck a quickfire
undefeated 22 as Boston cruised to a fantastic win, claiming 18 points in the
process. The First XI lost by eight wickets at the
hands of Grimsby Town. After an opening stand of 56 between Neval
Grazette and Tim Taylor, the former saw Taylor and Conrad Louth depart in
successive balls. However, a partnership of 47 between Grazette and Ricky
Lovelace steadied the ship once more, before Grazette was trapped LBW by
Matthew Webb. This signalled a Boston collapse and with Premier League
debutants Jonathan Cheer and Sam Gilding among those to fall, the Mayflower
men closed on 141 all out. In reply, a Colin Cheer wicket and a
run-out were all Boston had to celebrate as Grimsby coasted to a comfortable
win. The Third XI, back under the expert
leadership of Kevin Brooks, put up a good fight against Grantham seconds
before eventually succumbing to a 25-run defeat. After losing veteran John
Elleray to an injury picked up just moments before the start, 16-year-old
Abhinav Singh was called in for a debut and he was to go on and perform well
on his Boston bow. Boston restricted Grantham to 158-7, with
Sean Moore the pick of the bowlers with 3-13. Matthew Howard (2-45), Brooks
(1-19) and Steffen Cook (1-13) also took wickets, while Matthew Edge bowled a
hugely economical spell, conceding just seven runs off six overs. In reply, six batsmen made double figures,
but no-one was able to go on and post a score capable of winning the match.
Jack Shuttleworth (20), Cook (17), Moore (16 not out), Brooks (16 not out),
Howard (15) and Singh (14) all made good contributions as Boston closed on
133-8, therefore claiming five match points. Sunday’s fixtures consist of a Newark
Alliance fixture at Ellerslie and an East Lindsey match at home to Burgh. |
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3rd July 2006 |
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After a disastrous day, Boston’s First XI
crashed to a heavy defeat against fellow strugglers Caistor on Saturday. With three players arriving late due to
heavy traffic and diversions, Boston were forced to start with eight men
against a rampant Caistor side, who eventually wracked up 356-5. Mickey Troops
and Ricky Lovelace claimed two wickets apiece, while a run-out accounted for
the other scalp. In reply, Gareth Epton posted a resilient
37 but lacked serious support as Boston were dismissed for 139, therefore
claiming just three points from a 217-run defeat. Alan Mountford’s gallant Second XI lost
narrowly to Spalding First XI at the Mayflower. After posting 213-8, Spalding
dismissed Boston for 182. Mountford top scored with 50, while Max Priestley
and Ian Morris contributed 30 and 24 respectively. Priestley and Tom Baxter
had earlier taken two wickets each for Boston. An inexperienced Third XI put up a good
fight against Thomas Cook at the Mayflower, but experience told in the end.
The visitors scored 238-4, before Boston replied with 161-7. JP Horton
followed up his wicket in the TC innings with a superb 58, while John Elleray
(27 and 1-21) and Azeem Qadir (16 and 1-15) also had good all-round days.
Teenagers Andrew Hewitt and Liam Bent made their debuts for Boston, with
Hewitt executing a catch for good measure. On Sunday, Conrad Louth was the star of
the show as the East Lindsey XI thrashed league newcomers Southbank. After Colin Cheer (three wickets), Max
Priestley (two) and Tom Baxter (one) had restricted Southbank to 161-6, Louth
scored an unbeaten 91 off just 39 balls, including 11 boundaries and four
sixes to help guide Boston to an eight-wicket win in just 17.2 overs. Cheer
also made a-run-a-ball 36. |
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26th June 2006 |
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As the World Cup in Germany progresses,
football lovers in Boston are reminded that The Sportsman, home of
Boston Cricket Club, will be showing all the matches live on an eight-foot
screen. Make sure you pop down to The Sportsman,
recently revamped, as it is certainly well worth a visit. |
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25th June 2006 |
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In a high-scoring encounter at the
Mayflower, Boston and Messingham shared an entertaining draw on Saturday. The visitors posted 325-6 off 55 overs,
with Colin Cheer (3-73), Rob Grant (1-56), Mickey Troops (1-109) and a John
Morris run-out accounting for the wickets to fall. In reply, Boston made a great fist of the
run chase and closed on 287-7, therefore claiming 10 points from the match.
Conrad Louth (89), Neval Grazette (45), Gareth Epton (35 not out), Lee Brooks
(30 not out), Hamza Minhas (28) and Troops (18) all made excellent use of
their time at the crease. The Second XI lost heavily at high-flying
Oakham. After seeing their hosts post 307-6, Boston were bowled out for 131.
Boston’s wicket-takers were Tom Baxter (three), Max Priestley (two) and Tim
Bell. Priestley top scored for Boston
with 25. The Third XI lost by 124 runs at Woodhall
Spa seconds. After Woodhall had scored 275-9, Boston were all out for 151.
Darren Hibbert, Matthew Howard, Karl Hibbert, John Elleray and Freddie Gedney
were all among the wickets for Boston. In reply, Paul Tetther (29), Tatu
Vehvilainen (27), Scott Elleray (25) and Nigel Wainwright (22) made good
scores with the bat. On Sunday, the East Lindsey XI lost by one
wicket to Skegness. Hamza Minhas (52), Dave Gilding (26) and Karl Hibbert
(25) top scored as Boston posted 152-7, before Skegness’ last wicket pair
guided their side to victory. Priestley took 5-47 for Boston, while Sean
Moore (3-26) and Tim Bell (1-35) were also among the wickets. The Newark Alliance XI lost by eight
wickets to Retford, despite a gallant effort. Lee Brooks top scored with a
superb 72 not out as Boston notched up 202-9. Jonathan Cheer (25) and Conrad
Louth (29) also weighed in with significant contributions. In reply, Colin Cheer struck twice, but
Retford romped home without too many problems. Brooks executed two catches
behind the stumps. |
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19th June 2006 |
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The East Lindsey XI beat Hainton by one
run on Sunday. Boston posted 153, thanks to good contributions from Dave Gilding,
Karl Hibbert, Carl Wall and Colin Cheer with 42, 28, 25 and 15 respectively. In reply, Cheer (4-19), Tim Bell (3-37)
and Matthew Howard (1-32) plus two run-outs sealed a dramatic victory for
Boston as the match went down to the final ball of the day. |
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18th June 2006 |
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Boston’s three sides all came up against
teams positioned either first or second in their respective divisions on
Saturday — and all three saw their matches go to form, with a trio of
victories for the opposition. In the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League,
second-placed Bourne were too strong for Boston after the Mayflower Men had
posted 170. Neval Grazette (89), Conrad Louth (23) and Ricky Lovelace (15)
laid solid foundations, but no other Boston batsman was able to make double
figures. In reply, Bourne surged to victory for the
loss of just two wickets, one of which was taken by Grazette, in addition to
a run-out. The Second XI took on SLBL Division One
leaders Woodhall Spa at the Mayflower. The visitors piled on 283-9 off 45
overs, with Sam Gilding being the pick of Boston’s bowlers with 5-65. Darren
Hibbert, Kevin Brooks and Max Priestley also took one wicket each, while
skipper Alan Mountford (who had marshalled his inexperienced troops
excellently throughout a difficult innings) executed a run-out. In reply, Mountford led the way with 36,
but once the top order had been dismissed, only wicket-keeper Luke Gilding
seriously tested the Woodhall resolve with a gritty 24. Boston claimed six
points from the match. The Third XI lost by 120 runs to SLBL
Division Two leaders Caythorpe on Mayflower Two. Scott Elleray (2-21), John
Elleray (1-42) and Karl Hibbert (1-48) restricted Caythorpe to 246-4, but
after Boston opener Paul Tetther was out for an excellent 66 in reply,
Boston’s effort fizzled out and they were eventually bowled out for 126.
Scott Elleray and Tim Bell each scored 14 as Boston claimed four match bonus
points. Sunday’s scheduled Newark Alliance fixture
against Notts and Arnold is OFF as the visitors have decided, that with the
World Cup in full flow, they cannot raise a side. Five home NAL fixtures this
season have now fallen by the wayside (three due to rain and two because the
‘scheduled opposition’ cannot provide opposition), meaning that although Boston
haven’t played at the Mayflower in the competition, they have accumulated 14
home points so far! |
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11th June 2006 |
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Boston’s Third XI strolled to an 18-run
win over Cavaliers on Sunday. The Mayflower side posted 195-8 off 45
overs, with several batsmen in good nick. Skipper Karl Hibbert (39), Jonathan
Cheer (34), Pete Sampson (23 not out), Mark McDowell (17), Jack Shuttleworth
(15), Lee Brooks (12) and Max Priestley (10) all made double figures in a
fine team effort. In reply, Karl Hibbert (4-38), Darren
Hibbert (2-29), Sam Gilding (2-50), Max Priestley (1-25) and Scott Elleray
(1-29) all took wickets as Boston recorded their second victory in three
games. |
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10th June 2006 |
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Boston’s First XI produced a top drawer
performance to secure an impressive 14-point haul winning draw against Market
Deeping on Saturday. Boston skipper John Morris won the toss at
the Mayflower, electing to bat on a glorious afternoon, and his batsmen took
full advantage of the excellent conditions. Neval Grazette (74), Tim Taylor
(17), Conrad Louth (58) and Ricky Lovelace (14) got the innings off to a good
start and the momentum was continued by middle order men Rob Grant (33 off 24
balls), Ian Morris (23 off 31 balls) and Mickey Troops (35 off 18 balls), who
were all in destructive moods. Boston finished on 289-8. In reply, Deeping made a good fist of
their run chase but Boston bowled well to claim a much-deserved winning draw.
Grazette (3-77), John Morris (2-42) and Colin Cheer (1-44) claimed wickets,
while Mickey Troops and Richard Ladds bowled economically without reward.
Troops especially was a hero for his side, bowling 19 consecutive overs for a
cost of just 63 runs. Elsewhere, Alan Mountford did his utmost
to lead the Second XI to victory at Grantham, but they fell just short in the
end. After restricting a strong home side to 204-7 off 45 overs, Mountford’s
77 looked to give Boston a good shout of victory. However, after falling from
82-0 to 156-9, Boston’s hopes were extinguished. Jonathan Cheer made 16 in a
well-constructed innings, but upon his dismissal, Boston started to lose
wickets at regular intervals. Kevin Brooks had earlier taken 4-46 for
Boston, while Sam Gilding, Matthew Howard and Max Priestley all took one
wicket each as Boston claimed six bonus points from the fixture. The Third XI travelled to Thomas Cook with
three teenage debutants included in the squad, plus the likes of evergreen
duo John McGarel and Nigel Wainwright making their first appearances of the
campaign. They returned to Boston with immense credit following a good
performance against a strong TC outfit. The hosts posted 215-7 off 45 overs, with
Boston’s wickets being shared between John Elleray (2-33), Usaama Minhas
(1-19), Azeem Qadir (1-27) and Steffen Cook (1-41), plus 1-26 from the side’s
youngest performer — 12-year-old debutant Freddie Gedney. Boston were subsequently bowled out for
133, with Elleray (26), Scot Gray (19), Qadir (14) and JP Horton (13) top
scoring. All-in-all, it was a successful day for
the club with the First XI finally getting a winning result for their superb
endeavours during a difficult opening to the season, while the youthful
Second XI (including seven teenagers) gave a strong Grantham first team a
serious run for their money. Elsewhere, The Third XI, comprising a variety of
inexperienced youngsters and seasoned seniors, performed with credit against
a well-drilled Thomas Cook side to return with five bonus points. |
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5th June 2006 |
|
The First XI emerged with real credit from
their encounter with champions-elect Bracebridge Heath on Saturday. Conrad Louth was Boston’s hero, scoring a
fabulous 102 as the Mayflower men posted 179 at Cross ‘O’ Cliff Court. Solid
contributions also came from Neval Grazette, Tim Taylor, Mickey Troops and
Ian Morris. In reply, Colin Cheer and Richard Ladds
both took two wickets apiece as Bracebridge reached 180-4. Lincolnshire
batsman Martyn Dobson top scored with 82 to win the match for the hosts.
Boston claimed four bonus points from the fixture. The Second XI were narrowly beaten by
Ropsley at the Mayflower. Sam Gilding (2-67) and Max Priestley (1-32) helped
restrict the visitors to 196-3 off 45 overs. In reply, several Boston batsmen
made solid starts, but none were able to go on and post a match-winning
score. Alan Mountford (40), Dave Gilding (36), Steve Elleray (34), Max
Priestley (25), Jonathan Cheer (22) and Paul Menzies (10) were the men in
question as Boston finished agonisingly short on 185-6. The Third XI finally tasted victory
delight by beating Baston and Langtoft at the Mayflower. Darren Hibbert took
6-30 as the visitors crumbled, while Tim Bell, Sean Moore, Scott Elleray and
John Elleray also got in on the act. In reply, Mark McDowell (35), Jasper
Borrill (32 not out) and Gareth Epton (32 not out) guided Boston to an
eight-wicket win. On Sunday, the Newark Alliance fixture
against Attenborough was called off due to the opposition being unable to
raise a side, depriving 11 eager Bostonians of a game of cricket. The East Lindsey XI lost by 37 runs
against Freiston, Leake and Leverton. FLL scored 179, with Boston’s Colin
Cheer taking 5-41. Sam Gilding, Scott Elleray, Sean Moore and Karl Hibbert
also took wickets. In reply, Boston were dismissed for 142. Cheer made 43 and
Sam Gilding contributed 29. |
|
28th May 2006 |
|
Saturday’s fixtures against Caistor, Long
Sutton and Baston and Langtoft all fell to the inclement weather. On Sunday, the Newark Alliance XI lost by
nine wickets at Retford. After being dismissed for 90, in which Conrad Louth
made 45, Boston took just one wicket in reply (caught by Jonathan Cheer off
the bowling of Kevin Brooks). The East Lindsey XI threw away a winning
position to lose by three wickets to Grainthorpe at the Mayflower. Chasing
102 to win, Grainthorpe recovered from 36-7 to 102-7. Sam Gilding (4-16),
James Broughton (2-23) and Scott Elleray (1-21) took Boston’s wickets, after
Dave Gilding (25), Steffen Cook (21), Tim Butler (19) and Karl Hibbert (16)
had made useful runs with the bat. |
|
22nd May 2006 |
|
The Second XI and Third XI saw their
respective South Lincs and Border League fixtures against Oakham and Woodhall
Spa postponed on Saturday due to waterlogged Mayflower pitches. The home Newark Alliance fixture against
Kimberley and the East Lindsey game at Alford also fell to the weather on
Sunday. |
|
14th May 2006 |
|
Boston’s Second XI recorded the club’s
first victory of the season when they beat Sleaford at the Mayflower on Saturday.
Fourteen-year-old Jonathan Cheer scored 40 valuable runs at the top of the
innings as Boston chased down Sleaford’s 156-5. Rob Woodcock (26), Dave
Gilding (30), Jack Shuttleworth (10) and Luke Gilding (14) also made
excellent contributions to see Boston home with two wickets and four balls to
spare. Matthew Howard, Max Priestley, Sam Gilding and Kevin Brooks had
earlier taken wickets for Boston, with a run-out accounting for the other
Sleaford victim. The First XI lost by seven wickets at
Sleaford. Batting first in a rain-reduced 41-overs-a-side contest, Lee Brooks
made 39 not out as Boston closed on 92-9. In reply, despite wickets from
Colin Cheer (two) and Ricky Lovelace, Sleaford reached their target at 93-3. The Third XI lost by 35 runs to Belton
Park, despite 6-25 from 15-year-old bowler Tim Bell. Belton’s total of 130
was just too strong for Boston, who made 95. Captain Karl Hibbert top scored
with 24, while useful efforts came from veteran John Elleray (19) and
teenager Jon Fairweather (14 not out). On Sunday, the Newark Alliance XI was
beaten at Bottesford. Conrad Louth made 73 of Boston’s 120, before Bottesford
reached their target for the loss of seven wickets, with Kevin Brooks and
Colin Cheer both taking three apiece and Max Priestley one. The East Lindsey XI were 100 all out
against Cleethorpes, before taking three wickets in reply. Dave Gilding top
scored with 43, while Tim Bell, Sean Moore and Karl Hibbert all took wickets.
|
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9th May 2006 |
|
Weekend number three of the cricket season
saw Neval Grazette record Boston’s highest-ever score in the Premier League
with a swashbuckling 190 not out in his side’s total of 258 against
Nettleham. However, the league newcomers overturned Boston’s total for the
loss of just two wickets (taken by Colin Cheer and Mickey Troops) to leave
Boston stunned. Boston pocketed five bonus points from the game. The Second XI lost by six wickets to
Sleaford at London Road. Boston scored 126-6 (Lee Brooks 51, Dave Gilding 19
and Steve Elleray 18) before taking four Sleaford wickets (Max Priestley two,
Sam Gilding and Matthew Howard). Third XI skipper Karl Hibbert took 4-59 as
Boston bowled out Heckington for 223, but at 13-0 in reply, play was
abandoned due to rain. On Sunday, the Newark Alliance fixture
against Ellerslie was postponed due to rain, while the East Lindsey XI lost
to Grimoldby, having scored 175-2, thanks to Dave Gilding (76 not out), Tom
Baxter (45) and Jonathan Cheer (29). In reply, Grimoldby lost just three
wickets in their victory pursuit. Full scorecards are available on: boston.play-cricket.com |
|
30th April 2006 |
|
West Indian Neval Grazette made his debut
in Saturday’s First XI defeat at the hands of Lindum after agreeing to join
the Mayflower fold. Lindum posted a massive 347-5, with Mickey Troops (two),
Richard Ladds, Ricky Lovelace and John Morris taking the wickets. In reply,
despite 30 from Ricky Lovelace, 18 from Conrad Louth and 17 from Grazette,
Boston were bowled out for 107 and therefore lost by 230 runs. The Second XI lost out narrowly for the
second week running. Opponents Billingborough scored 190-6, with wickets
going to Rob Grant (two), Sam Gilding, Tom Baxter, Jonathan Cheer and Scott
Elleray. In reply, Boston closed on 182-8. Gareth Epton chalked up a
career-best 52, while stand-in skipper Dave Gilding made 65. On Sunday, the Newark Alliance XI was
beaten heavily at Gedling Colliery, while the East Lindsey XI lost a
low-scoring home game against Tetney at the Mayflower. Full scorecards are available on: boston.play-cricket.com |
|
23rd April 2006 |
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Two games brought two defeats for Boston on
Sunday. The First XI lost by 61 runs to Sleaford, but emerged with their
pride intact. After restricting Sleaford to 185-3 off 35 overs, Boston
responded with 124-3. Conrad Louth followed up his two wickets with 40, while
Colin Cheer also took a wicket. Ricky Lovelace (40) and Rob Grant (26 not
out) weighed in with good batting contributions. Against Freiston, Leake and Leverton,
Boston made 113 before the visitors reached their target for the loss of just
two wickets, taken by Scott Elleray and Steffen Cook. Teenagers Sam Deptford (36) and Jack
Shuttleworth (18) head earlier top scored for Boston. |
|
23rd April 2006 |
|
After a turbulent winter at the Mayflower,
which has seen several senior players leave the club, Boston finally got the
season under way with league fixtures against Grimsby Town and Bourne on
Saturday. The First XI, under the guidance of new
captain John Morris, opened with a home clash against a strong Grimsby Town
outfit. Despite a nine-wicket defeat, there were plenty of positives for the
rookie skipper. Seventeen-year-old Conrad Louth chalked up
54 in his side’s total of 154-8 off 55 overs. Tim Taylor, Ricky Lovelace and
Hamza Minhas also made useful top-order contributions. In reply, Richard
Antcliffe smashed 95 not out to see his side home with nine wickets and over
18 overs to spare. Colin Cheer got Boston’s wicket. Boston collected two points from the
fixture and with key personnel set to return to the reckoning for next
weekend, hope is high for a good result at Lindum. The Second XI lost an entertaining game at
Bourne by just three runs. After restricting the home side to 130-5, with Sam
Gilding (two), Jonathan Cheer, Rob Grant and Kevin Brooks taking the wickets,
Boston crumbled from 88-1 to 127 all out. Fourteen-year-old Cheer top scored
with 29, while skipper Alan Mountford and Gareth Epton both made 21. Sunday’s games see a cup tie against
Sleaford in the Bews Brown competition and a friendly against Freiston, Leake
and Leverton at the Danny Flear Centre. |
|
5th February 2006 |
|
With the year of 2006 now in full swing, bostoncc.co.uk has been
updated in readiness for the new season. Averages and statistics from 2005
have been added to individuals XIs in the archive, while fixtures for 2006 are starting to be added to the “season 2006” section on the home page. With the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League
fixtures now released, Boston know where they will begin the 2006 season.
Grimsby Town are the visitors to the Mayflower on April 22, before an away
fixture at Lincoln Lindum one week later. The season is concluded with a home
clash against Caistor on September 16. Meanwhile, two fixtures are set to be
removed from the fixture list, with the expected withdrawal of Owmby from the
league set to be confirmed shortly. New captain John Morris will lead his side
into the action, assisted by newly-appointed vice-captain Mickey Troops. On the Second XI front, Alan Mountford has
seized the captaincy, with Steve Elleray as his number two, while Karl
Hibbert is the new Third XI skipper, supported by Gareth Epton as
vice-captain. On Sundays, a skipper is yet to be
appointed for the Newark Alliance XI, although Ricky Lovelace will act as
vice-captain, with Dave Gilding and Karl Hibbert leading the East Lindsey XI. |