Boston Cricket Club News 2007-2008

Archive News 2007

 

19/11/2007

 

The club’s Annual General Meeting was staged on Monday evening, with various issues ratified for the 2008 season.

 

Alan Mountford has taken on the role of First XI captain for 2008. His vice-captain will be Lee Brooks. The Second XI will be skippered by Steve Elleray, with Ian Morris as his vice-captain, while Kevin Brooks (captain) and Jasper Borrill (vice-captain) have retained their Third XI roles.

 

Elsewhere, the newly-designated Sunday First XI will be led by Tom Baxter (captain) and Lee Brooks (vice-captain), while the Sunday Second XI will be skippered by Ian Morris, with youngster Luke Gilding as his vice-captain.

 

On Saturdays, the First XI, Second XI and Third XI will play in Division One, Division Two and Division Three of the South Lincs and Border League respectively.

 

On Sundays, the club have resigned from the East Lindsey League, with the Sunday First XI competing in Division Two of the Lincoln League, while the Sunday Second XI will play in Division Three.

 

Subscriptions have been abolished, with match fees now standing at £8 for adults and £5 for concessions. As soon as a player makes his first appearance of the season, he will automatically become a member of the club for 2008.

 

Indoor nets sessions at Kirton Middlecott Sports Centre will begin on Wednesday February 6, 2008.

 

Other important dates for 2008 include:

·         Friday October 10: Presentation Evening and Race Night.

·         Friday November 14: Club Dinner.

·         Monday November 17: Club AGM.

 

Fixtures will be released as soon as they are available.

 

24/09/2007

 

Another eventful season at the Mayflower concluded on Sunday with the Lincoln League XI recording two victories inside a day to lift the Division Three title.

 

Wins against Rustons and South Clifton secured the points required for Boston to complete a league and cup double in their first season in the Lincoln League, following their earlier Major Hoult Cup success.

 

The Third XI lost narrowly to Caythorpe, to finish a fine season inside the division’s top four, just a day after the Second XI had concluded their campaign with a two-wicket loss at champions Long Sutton.

 

Boston piled on the runs at Rustons, declaring on 255-4 with the light fading, before bowling out their hosts for just 26. Rob Grant, Ross Don-Duncan and Ricky Lovelace were among the runs for Boston, before Dan Milgate finished his first season in English cricket with another five-wicket haul, while Scott Elleray claimed three scalps.

 

In the other Lincoln League fixture at South Clifton, the hosts were dismissed for 87, thanks in the main part to five wickets for Ian Morris and a quartet for Dominic Cridland. In reply, Tom Baxter and debutant Tom Aggett made solid contributions as Boston reached their victory target for the loss of just four wickets.

 

The Third XI were beaten at Caythorpe, despite Niall Young’s well-constructed 63 in a total of 167-7. Caythorpe responded to win by four wickets, despite Sam Gilding’s fine spell of bowling which reaped figures of 3-39.

 

On Saturday, the Second XI lost by two wickets to Long Sutton, despite a spirited display. Boston were dismissed for 135, with captain Alan Mountford making 32, before the champions replied to reach their target for the loss of eight wickets. John Morris, Ian Morris and Scott Elleray all took two wickets apiece.

 

One week earlier, the Lincoln League XI had set up this weekend’s ‘Title Sunday’ with a nine-wicket success at Heckington. Kevin Brooks, John Horton and Liam Aggett had helped skittle Heckington for 60, before Mark McDowell struck an undefeated 32 to see Boston home.

 

The East Lindsey XI beat Friskney and lost to Burgh in their final two fixtures, while the Third XI lost a high-scoring encounter at Oakham by just 10 runs.

 

However, it was the First XI that finally registered some much-needed cheer, despite their relegation from the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League. They posted their highest score of the season with 307-4 against Nettleham, with Dan Milgate chalking up 138 not out — his fourth century of the summer. Conrad Louth also scored 66 in what could in all probability have been his final game for Boston.

 

In reply, Nettleham were bowled out for 162, with Milgate claiming 5-35. There was also a first ECB wicket for 15-year-old Callum Moses, as Boston closed on a high note.

 

The First XI however will be playing in the South Lincs and Border League Division One next season, having staved off relegation in the previous five seasons. Their Premier League place will be taken by Haxey.

 

The demotion means that, subject to ratification, the Second XI will start 2008 in Division Two, while a reformed Division Three will be home to the Third XI.

 

Sunday cricket in 2008, again subject to confirmation, will see Boston playing in Division Two of the Lincoln League and remaining members of the East Lindsey League.

 

Watch out for a full review of 2007, coming to bostoncc.co.uk shortly.

 

The annual club dinner will be held on Friday November 16, with the presentation evening and race night now delayed until after this date. Full details will be released shortly.

 

Meanwhile, East Lindsey XI skipper Lee Brooks left England on Monday to undertake another six-month stint in Australia, with Georges River Cricket Club. The 20-year-old will team up once more with Dan Milgate and Liam Aggett, who represented Boston throughout the summer of 2007.

 

Stay tuned to bostoncc.co.uk for updates from Lee throughout the winter months, ahead of his return to England on March 21, 2008. Good luck Lee from all at Boston Cricket Club!

 

09/09/2007

 

Dan Milgate scored an unbeaten century for the second successive Sunday, as Boston trounced Nocton at the Mayflower.

 

Milgate (159 not out) and Mark McDowell (57) shared a third wicket partnership of 183 to propel Boston to 257-3 declared. In reply, Scott Elleray, Ben Harwood and Kevin Brooks hit the wicket trail to skittle Nocton for just 39.

 

Elsewhere, Boston suffered three defeats to Woodhall Spa over the weekend. The First XI and Second XI both lost entertaining games on Saturday, while the East Lindsey XI also tasted defeat on Sunday.

 

Mickey Troops hit an unbeaten half-century for the First XI in their total of 189-9, but former Boston batsman Ricky Lovelace struck 79 to guide his side to victory, for the loss of just three wickets.

 

The Second XI attempted to chase the visitors’ 245-5, in which another former Boston player, Pete Epton, scored 90 not out. Gareth Epton claimed two wickets for Boston, before the hosts replied with a valiant 196, thanks in the main part to John Morris (54) and Steve Elleray (39).

 

On Sunday, 17-year-old Tom Baxter gained his first taste of captaincy at Jubilee Park and certainly led from the front, taking 4-59 and scoring an unbeaten 71. Woodhall posted 249-9, before Boston responded with 168-4.

 

One week earlier, the First XI suffered a narrow defeat to Caistor, while Belton Park overcame the Second XI.

 

Caistor had posted 243-3 and Boston then fell just a handful of runs short in their chase. Kevin Evans and Conrad Louth both hit half-centuries as Boston fell to 232 all out, with 16 balls remaining.

 

Chris Daniel’s performance with the bat was the only highlight for Boston Second XI. He scored 28 of his side’s 100, before Belton Park knocked off the required runs for the loss of two wickets.

 

On Sunday, Dan Milgate and Conrad Louth both hit undefeated centuries as Boston thrashed Branston. Milgate (127 not out) and Louth (115 not out) put on 228 for the third wicket as Boston posted 259-2 declared. Louth then took four wickets as Branston were eventually dismissed for 134, despite various time-wasting tactics with heavy rain looming.

 

The East Lindsey XI suffered a one-wicket loss at Graves Park. After scoring 188-7, with Steve Elleray, Steffen Cook and Sam Gilding among the runs, the hosts sneaked home with one wicket intact. Gilding and Cook continued their fine form with three wickets apiece.

 

Meanwhile, a Boston XI defeated Stourbridge in a midweek friendly, with the hosts emerging as 118-run winners. Tom Baxter and Ricky Drury struck half-centuries, while Joe Lawson-West and Dan Milgate both took two wickets apiece.

 

26/08/2007

 

Boston Cricket Club collected their first piece of silverware since 2001 when they lifted the Major Hoult Cup on Sunday at Blankney CC.

 

Boston, from Division Three, beat current Division Two leaders Old Lincolnians by seven wickets, having bowled out their opponents for just 76. Liam Aggett claimed 5-12, but was pipped to the man-of-the-match award by skipper Conrad Louth, who made an unbeaten 41 as Boston successfully chased the runs required.

 

Skipper Conrad Louth, bowling hero Liam Aggett and vice-captain Gareth Epton lift the Major Hoult Cup.

 

Sunday’s scheduled East Lindsey fixture against Brocklesby Park was called off due to the visitors not being able to raise a side.

 

On Saturday, the First XI saw their survival hopes take a further blow, courtesy of a 118-run defeat to Bourne at Abbey Lawn. Having posted 223-6, Bourne then bowled Boston out for 105. Dan Milgate claimed two wickets for Boston, while also scoring 31 runs in his side’s paltry reply.

 

The Second XI were bowled out for 152 by Bourne seconds, despite John Morris’ defiant 40. In reply, skipper Alan Mountford took two wickets, but Bourne reached their victory target for the loss of only four wickets.

 

The Third XI recorded an impressive win over Baston and Langtoft, to keep their slim title hopes alive. Baston were dismissed for 108, with Kevin Brooks, John Horton, John Elleray and Steffen Cook among the wickets. In reply, Tim Butler (28), Niall Young (30) and Horton (18 not out) helped Boston reach 109-4, just under 20 overs into their innings.

 

19/08/2007

 

Boston Third XI’s trip to Sleaford on Sunday was ended prematurely by the rain, with Sleaford having reached 225-4 off 40 overs. Steffen Cook had taken two wickets.

 

Elsewhere, the scheduled East Lindsey trip to Southbank fell foul of the wet weather for the second time this season.

 

19/08/2007

 

Boston Cricket Club saw all three Saturday fixtures abandoned.

 

The First XI were 41-2 in reply to Bracebridge Heath’s 252-3 when the rain set in at the Mayflower. Dan Milgate had earlier taken 2-93 for Boston.

 

The Second XI posted 161-6 at Oakham, thanks in the main part to a 111-run opening partnership between Tim Taylor (58) and Alan Mountford (55).

 

The Third XI had restricted Ropsley to 160-9, with Tim Bell (three), John Horton (two), Steffen Cook (two) and John Elleray (two) all taking wickets.

 

However, the rain halted proceedings at both Oakham and Ropsley.

 

One week earlier, Liam Aggett starred with the ball as the First XI bowled Market Deeping out for 235. In reply, Boston closed on 175-9, to claim a losing draw and collected nine points in the process. Nic Stone (42), Lee Brooks (39 not out) and Mickey Troops (38) scored the bulk of Boston’s runs.

 

The Second XI beat Market Deeping by two wickets. After restricting their visitors to 198-6, Boston responded to seal the win, thanks to the efforts of Paul Timby (79) and Rob Grant (70), who helped Boston recover from 13-4.

 

The Third XI, re-organised at late notice due to injuries and unavailability, thrashed Cavaliers by 60 runs. Youngsters Abdul Dhedhi (36) and Matthew Hood (27) excelled with the bat in Boston’s 210-9, before Steffen Cook took four wickets as Cavaliers posted 150-7.

 

On Sunday, the East Lindsey XI bowled Revesby out for just 87 and then knocked off the runs for the loss of three wickets. Sam Gilding and Scott Elleray took three wickets apiece for Boston, while skipper Lee Brooks hit an unbeaten 27 to guide his side home.

 

Boston’s three tour fixtures in the Brighton area resulted in two wins and one defeat. Conrad Louth scored a century in a comfortable success over Sidley, while Dan Milgate took four wickets.

 

Wednesday’s fixture at Roffey resulted in defeat, but Boston responded to beat Worthing Chippingdales a day later. Gareth Epton was Boston’s top performer, scoring 48 and then taking 4-37.

 

Full scorecards are featured on: http://boston.play-cricket.com.

 

05/08/2007

 

Australian duo Dan Milgate and Liam Aggett were on top form as Boston secured two victories on Sunday.

 

Milgate took 4-15 as the Lincoln League XI skittled Heighington for just 65, with Colin Cheer and Callum Moses also taking two wickets apiece. In reply, Conrad Louth and Jonathan Cheer helped Boston make light work of their victory chase and they claimed a full 20 points by reaching 66-2 in just the 10th over.

 

Aggett scored 52 and then took the final two wickets as the East Lindsey XI thrashed Horncastle at the Mayflower. Tom Baxter (50), Ricky Drury (37), Dave Gilding (34), Scott Elleray (23 off six balls) and Sam Deptford (24 off nine balls) helped Boston reach 269-5 off 40 overs. In reply, Elleray and Sam Gilding both took three wickets, while Matthew Howard was also on target as Horncastle crumbled to 127 all out.

 

On Saturday, Kevin Evans led the way with the ball as Boston secured a draw against Sleaford. The visitors chalked up 248-8, before Boston responded with 207-7. Conrad Louth and Mickey Troops played entertaining and important innings, while Evans had earlier been the pick of the bowlers with 2-53 off 17 overs.

 

The Second XI posted 178 at Sleaford, but the hosts overtook that total for the loss of six wickets in the penultimate over. Tim Taylor and Steve Elleray top scored, while John Morris claimed three wickets in reply, but it wasn’t enough for Boston.

 

The Third XI were beaten heavily by Moulton Harrox. Boston collapsed from 54-0 to 112 all out, with only Dave Gilding, Tom Kemp and Callum Moses doing themselves justice with the bat. However, the hosts replied with 113-0 to seal an impressive 10-wicket success.

 

This week, a group of Boston cricketers, partners and friends head to Brighton for a five-day tour. Stay tuned to www.bostoncc.co.uk for all the latest from the South Coast! Boston will take on Worthing Chippingdales, Sidley and Roffey in three friendly fixtures.

 

30/07/2007

 

Liam Aggett scored 68, while Kevin Brooks took four wickets as Boston’s East Lindsey XI defeated Sutton-on-Sea on Sunday. Boston were all out for 180, before dismissing their hosts for a paltry 55.

 

29/07/2007

 

Boston’s three sides all suffered defeats on Saturday.

 

The First XI were bowled out for 142 by visitors Grimsby Town, with new recruit Kevin Evans top scoring with 27. In reply, Evans took 5-30, but Grimsby reached their victory target for the loss of five wickets.

 

Elsewhere, Scott Elleray claimed 4-68 as the Second XI restricted Caythorpe to 194-6, but Boston were subsequently bowled out for 135. Alan Mountford, Ian Morris and debutant Chris Daniel led the way with the bat, but it was not enough as Boston slipped to defeat.

 

After winning their first six completed games of the season, the Third XI have now lost two on the bounce. After restricting Blankney to 131-6, Boston slumped to 112 all out in reply. John Horton enjoyed a good day for Boston, claiming 3-44 and then jointly top scoring with Chris King (17 runs apiece).

 

Sunday’s scheduled Lincoln League XI fixture against Carholme has been awarded to Boston, after the visitors failed to raise a side. Boston claimed the full 20 points.

 

27/07/2007

 

Former Nottinghamshire all-rounder Kevin Evans will make his Boston Cricket Club debut on Saturday when the First XI entertain Grimsby Town at the Mayflower.

 

Elsewhere, the Second XI travel to Caythorpe, while the Third XI head to Blankney. On Sunday, Boston tackle a home game against Carholme and an away fixture at Sutton-on-Sea.

 

First XI (v Grimsby Town): R Tomlin (captain), J Cheer, C Louth, K Evans, D Milgate, T Baxter, P Timby, L Brooks (w/k), L Aggett, M Troops, C Cheer.

 

Second XI (v Caythorpe): A Mountford (captain), T Taylor, G Epton, N Stone, H Minhas, C Daniel, I Morris, L Gilding (w/k), C Moses, S Elleray, S Moore.

 

Third XI (v Blankney): D Gilding, A Borrill, P Tetther, C King, S Deptford, T Kemp, JR Elleray, J Horton, M Hood (w/k), S Cook, K Brooks (captain).

 

Lincoln League Sunday XI (v Carholme): J Cheer, M McDowell, C Louth (captain), D Milgate, H Minhas, T Taylor, G Epton, C Cheer, J Horton, L Gilding (w/k), C Moses.

 

East Lindsey XI (v Sutton-on-Sea): L Brooks (captain, w/k), D Gilding, T Baxter, S Deptford, R Drury, L Aggett, T Kemp, S Elleray, S Cook, M Howard, K Brooks.

 

22/07/2007

 

Boston’s weekend fixtures against Louth, Billingborough, Spalding, Aswarby and Tetford all fell to the wet weather, without a single ball being bowled.

 

15/07/2007

 

Conrad Louth and Tom Baxter struck 54 and 33 respectively as Boston pushed Bracebridge Heath all the way in Sunday’s Bews Brown Cup quarter-final at the Mayflower.

 

In a rain-reduced 30 overs-a-side contest, Boston posted 142-7 and then reduced their illustrious visitors to 91-6 in reply. However, county wicket-keeper Rob Cook hit an unbeaten half-century to see the tournament favourites into the last four of this season’s competition. Liam Aggett was the pick of Boston’s bowlers with three wickets.

 

Elsewhere, the East Lindsey XI (missing the services of three regulars who were on First XI duty) crashed to a 61-run defeat at Louth Taverners. Opening bowlers Tim Bell and Sam Gilding impressed as Louth posted 166-8, but Boston fell short in reply, being bowled out for 105, with more than two overs remaining. Ricky Drury top-scored with a well-constructed 34.

 

On Monday, 16-year-old Scott Elleray captains a Boston XI in a friendly against touring side Alcester and Ragley Park. Proceedings get under way at the Mayflower at 2.00pm.

 

15/07/2007

 

Mickey Troops, Scott Elleray and Liam Aggett were Boston’s heroes with the ball as the First XI coasted to a 94-run success over Messingham at the Mayflower on Saturday.

 

The bowling trio ripped apart Messingham’s hopes of victory, after Boston had posted 176 all out, with Conrad Louth (41) top-scoring. In reply, Troops (four) and Elleray and Aggett (three apiece) helped bowl Messingham out for just 82 and helped secure an impressive 18-point haul — which was Boston’s first outright win in the Premier League this season.

 

The Second XI saw their away clash at Grantham washed out, but the Third XI suffered their first defeat of the season, courtesy of a 12-run loss at Welby.

 

Kevin Brooks and John Elleray did the bulk of the damage with the ball as Welby were restricted to 129-9, but Boston fell short in their run chase, despite good contributions from Niall Young (29) and Tom Kemp (20), who was making his first Boston appearance for almost eight years. Boston were eventually bowled out for 117 in the final over.

 

On Sunday, the First XI entertain Bracebridge Heath in the Bews Brown Cup and the East Lindsey XI travel to Louth Taverners.

 

08/07/2007

 

It was a tale of success for Boston over the weekend, with two victories on Sunday following the First XI’s exciting tied match at Lindum on Saturday.

 

Conrad Louth was the star of the show at the Mayflower on Sunday, notching up 154 in a 208-run second wicket partnership with Mark McDowell (61), as Boston piled up 272-3 against Waddington in the Major Hoult Cup semi-final.

 

In reply, Boston’s four-pronged bowling attack of Scott Elleray, Colin Cheer, John Horton and Hamza Minhas skittled Waddington for just 30, to book a final place against either Old Lincolnians or Bardney on Sunday August 26 at Blankney Cricket Club. Boston won by 242 runs.

 

Elsewhere on Sunday, another Boston side playing in the Lincoln League won comfortably at South Clifton. After posting 144-7, thanks in the main part to Steve Elleray’s 41 and Sam Wainwright’s unbeaten knock of 32, Boston bowled their hosts out for just 76. Tim Bell, Sam Gilding and Steffen Cook did the bulk of the damage with the ball.

 

On Saturday, the First XI bowled Lindum out for 141 and then after needing seven runs of their final over, secured a tie with just one wicket intact. Mickey Troops (four), Dan Milgate (four) and Colin Cheer (two) ripped apart the Lindum batting line-up, before Boston faltered in reply.

 

They slumped to 77-7, but a 48-run eighth wicket partnership between Lee Brooks and Tom Baxter repaired some of the damage and it was left to Colin Cheer and John Morris to secure a tie at the death. Boston claimed 11 points from the clash.

 

The Second XI had a day to forget. After being invited to bat on a damp wicket, Boston were bowled out for 79 by visitiors Lindum Ramblers. In reply, Lindum were reduced to 29-4, but an unbeaten fifth wicket partnership of 51 from Dave Elworthy and Dave Quincey saw the visitors home.

 

Boston’s top performers were Mark McDowell (14 not out) and Callum Moses (2-30).

 

01/07/2007

 

Sunday’s games against Rustons and Southbank were both called off due to waterlogged pitches.

 

Meanwhile, to accommodate the Major Hoult Cup semi-final against Waddington next Sunday, the Lincoln League fixtures against South Clifton have been reversed and will now be played as follows:

 

Sunday July 8: South Clifton v Boston.

Sunday August 26: Boston v South Clifton.

 

Boston would like to thank Damien Griffiths and South Clifton CC for their co-operation in this matter.

 

As a result, Boston will welcome Waddington to the Mayflower on Sunday, with a place in the final up-for-grabs.

 

01/07/2007

 

Boston have progressed to the Major Hoult Cup semi-final — without a ball being bowled!

 

The quarter-final tie against Heighington has been awarded to Boston on the toss of a coin, after the visitors failed to agree a date for a proposed re-arrangement of the tie. Boston will now entertain Waddington in the last four of the competition next Sunday (July 8).

 

The inclusion of the Waddington tie on Boston’s fixture list means that the scheduled match against South Clifton may be switched to away soil, although confirmation is still awaited. If this is agreed, it would mean Boston’s match at South Clifton on August 26 would subsequently be played at the Mayflower.

 

30/06/2007

 

All three Boston XIs scheduled to be in action on Saturday were thwarted by the never-ending rainfall of recent days.

 

The First XI travelled to Nettleham, but returned home without a ball being bowled, while a Mayflower double-header hosting the Second XI against Long Sutton and the Third XI against Oakham 2 was called off at 11.30am.

 

Sunday’s fixtures are currently ON, with the Lincoln League XI hosting Rustons and the East Lindsey XI travelling to Southbank.

 

Next weekend sees just three games on Boston’s agenda. The First XI travel to Lindum, while the Second XI host Lindum Ramblers at the Mayflower.

 

On Sunday, the only match sees the Lincoln League XI entertain South Clifton.

 

24/06/2007

 

The First XI will entertain Bracebridge Heath in the quarter-final of the Bews Brown Cup on Sunday July 15. The match will be played at the Mayflower with a 12.30pm start.

 

Elsewhere, the unresolved Lincoln League fixture against Heckington will now be played on Sunday September 16.

 

News is still awaited on the Major Hoult Cup quarter-final against Heighington, although the game looks set to be played at the Mayflower as a midweek fixture, in the week commencing July 2.

 

Meanwhile, Boston Cricket Club handbooks for 2007 have now been printed and can be obtained from Teams Manager Craig Singleton.

 

Next weekend, on Saturday, the First XI travel to Nettleham, the Second XI host Long Sutton and the Third XI entertain Oakham 2. On Sunday, the Lincoln League XI host Rustons, while the East Lindsey XI make the long trip to Southbank.

 

24/06/2007

 

The Lincoln League XI’s Division Three and Major Hoult Cup quarter-final double-header against Heighington and the Third XI’s top-of-the-table clash against Thomas Cook both fell to the wet weather on Sunday.

 

The Third XI remain clear at the top of the SLBL Division Two table, but the Lincoln League XI are losing ground in their quest for promotion, with just five points awarded for a cancelled fixture.

 

Furthermore, Boston’s fate in the Major Hoult Cup is now awaited.

 

23/06/2007

 

The First XI and Third XI saw their respective fixtures against Woodhall Spa and Grantham called off early on Saturday morning.

 

The Second XI travelled to Woodhall Spa for their SLBL Division One fixture at Jubilee Park, but after heavy morning rain, the umpires called the game off at 1.35pm.

 

Boston are scheduled to play two fixtures on Sunday, but with more wet weather possible, there is a possibility that all club fixtures for the weekend could fall by the wayside. Further updates will be posted on www.bostoncc.co.uk as soon as they are known.

 

At the present time, both matches are ON, with the Lincoln League XI hosting Heighington in a Division Three and Major Hoult Cup quarter-final double-header, while it’s first-against-second on Mayflower 2, with the Third XI hosting nearest challengers Thomas Cook in SLBL Division Two.

 

21/06/2007

There could be five ex-Bostonians on show at the Mayflower on Saturday, when Woodhall Spa are the visitors in the Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League.

 

Jack Luffman, Tom Luffman, Ricky Lovelace, Nick Bishop and Pete Epton could all figure for Spa, who are enjoying a fine debut season in the Premier League. Boston go into the game on the back of a blank weekend following Saturday’s wash-out at Caistor, knowing they must start winning soon if they are to prolong their stay in the Premier League into a seventh season.

 

Boston’s Second XI, on the back of three consecutive wins, travel to Jubilee Park to take on Woodhall Spa, while the Third XI are aiming to chalk up a ‘magnificent seven’ with six successive victories already behind them, when they journey to Gorse Lane to face Grantham Seconds.

 

On Sunday, the Lincoln League Sunday XI will contest a Division Three and Major Hoult Cup quarter-final double-header against Heighington, while Mayflower 2 will see the Third XI entertain Thomas Cook.

 

17/06/2007

Boston’s scheduled five-match weekend was hit by two postponements, but the remaining three games were all won by the men from the Mayflower.

 

With Saturday’s First XI clash at Caistor and Sunday’s Lincoln League fixture at Carholme falling by the wayside, attentions were switched to the Mayflower where all three scheduled matches went ahead.

 

On Saturday, the Second XI and Third XI were in tandem on squares one and two at the Mayflower, with victories over Belton Park and Grantham respectively.

 

In a slightly rain-reduced encounter of 40-overs-per-side, the Second XI beat Belton Park by 54 runs. Alan Mountford (40), Ross Don-Duncan (41 not out) and Paul Timby (41) led the way with the bat as Boston posted  179-5 and then Belton Park were restricted to 125-9 in reply. Timby took  3-28, but the star of the show was fellow off-spinner John Morris, who claimed 4-24.

 

The Third XI dismissed visitors Grantham for just 89, before reaching their victory target for the loss of two wickets. JP Horton (3-6), Tim Bell (3-14), Kevin Brooks (2-19) and Ian Morris (2-24) took the Grantham wickets to fall, before Niall Young (39 not out) and Paul Tetther (27 not out) guided Boston to another 19-point success — their sixth straight win.

 

On Sunday, Dave Gilding led the East Lindsey XI to a seven-wicket success over Hainton. Boston’s bowlers performed well to dismiss Hainton for just 114. Liam Aggett took 4-14, while other wickets fell to Sam Gilding (3-27), Tim Bell (2-18) and Steffen Cook (1-23). In reply, Tim Bell and Tim Taylor contributed 18 and 33 respectively, but it was left to Tom Baxter (31 not out) and Ricky Drury (15 not out) to put on a fourth wicket partnership of 43 to see their side over the winning line.

 

10/06/2007

Hamza Minhas saw his knock of 80 prove to be in vain as Boston’s Lincoln League XI surrendered their 100 percent record to lose by one run at Heckington on Sunday.

 

Colin Cheer led the way with the ball (5-19) as Boston dismissed their hosts for 146, but things went wrong in reply with the visitors finding themselves 6-3 off seven overs. Mark McDowell (14) and Gareth Epton (23) added their assistance as Minhas took centre stage, but nine runs off the final over proved too much for Boston to handle, with two wickets falling, with two runs still required for victory.

 

At Skegness, Boston’s East Lindsey XI suffered a humiliating defeat. After being bowled out for 97, Skegness reached their victory target for the loss of just two wickets in 16 overs.

 

09/06/2007

Alan Mountford carried his bat to score an excellent 92 not out as Boston’s Second XI chalked up their second successive victory on Saturday.

 

After bowling out hosts Bourne for just 152, Mountford proceeded to make light work of the run chase, with able assistance coming from the returning Paul Timby (17) and youngster Ricky Drury (14), as Boston closed six wickets down.

 

Timby had earlier taken 4-46 as Bourne were bowled out, while Mountford (2-15), Shaun Moore (1-24) and Scott Elleray (1-29) also claimed wickets as Boston cruised to an 18-point victory.

 

Kevin Brooks’ Third XI delivered their fifth consecutive win with an 82-run success at Heckington. Niall Young (64), Sam Wainwright (32) and Jasper Borrill (27) scored the bulk of Boston’s 213-6 off 45 overs, before Boston bowled their hosts out for just 131.

 

Brooks, Tim Bell, John Elleray and Steffen Cook all claimed two wickets apiece, while youngster Matthew Poole added one and Sam Deptford executed yet another fine run-out to complete Boston’s comfortable success.

 

At the Mayflower, the First XI suffered a 71-run defeat at the hands of Bourne. The day got off to a great start with Colin Cheer trapping Cliff Spinks LBW with the first ball of the match, but Bourne recovered to post 226-9, thanks mainly to a 151-run second wicket partnership between Ben Stroud (67) and David Rees (84). Mickey Troops was Boston’s bowling hero, claiming 5-51.

 

In reply, Boston’s response stuttered and despite six batsmen making decent double figure scores, they were bowled out for 155. A final wicket partnership of 41 between Troops and John Morris added respectability to the scoreline, while Jonathan Cheer top scored with 40, before being run-out.

 

Boston collected six bonus points to head into next weekend’s must-win clash against Caistor with at least their pride intact.

 

Boston’s three scorecards from Saturday are available on http://boston.play-cricket.com, under the “results” section.

 

03/06/2007

Colin Cheer produced a fine personal performance to help the Lincoln League Sunday XI to a two-wicket win over Branston.

 

Cheer took six wickets, all clean bowled, as Boston skittled Branston for just 85. JP Horton (two), Gareth Epton and Andrew Hewitt also all took one wicket apiece.

 

In reply, Jonathan Cheer (31) and Conrad Louth (18) had guided Boston into a good position at 40-1, but a collapse forced Horton to fire 10 valuable runs at the death, with eight wickets down, as the visitors limped home at 86-8, claiming 20 points nonetheless.

 

At the Mayflower, Boston entertained Freiston, Leake and Leverton and were eventually beaten by 36 runs. The visitors posted 184 all out, before Boston replied with 148-9 off 40 overs.

 

Sam Gilding and Steffen Cook both took two wickets each, while there were also scalps for Tim Bell, Liam Aggett and Matthew Howard, in addition to three well-executed run-outs.

 

Captain Lee Brooks scored 56 in response, but Aggett, Cook and Dave Gilding were the only other players to make double figures as Boston’s run chase fell short.

 

On Wednesday, Boston’s East Lindsey XI are scheduled to travel to Skegness in the second round of the Knockout Cup, 6.30pm start.

 

02/06/2007 

A collective team effort helped propel the Second XI to a five-wicket success over Oakham at the Mayflower on Saturday.

 

John Morris, Shaun Moore and Alan Mountford all claimed two wickets apiece as Oakham posted 186-7 off 45 overs, with Callum Moses also claiming a scalp.

 

In reply, the top five all contributed heavily towards Boston’s victory, with Mountford (26), Rob Grant (37), Gareth Epton (38), Paul Menzies (15) and Ross Don-Duncan (31 not out) helping Boston record 187-5, with 13 balls to spare.

 

The Third XI recorded their fourth victory out of four so far this season, with an 18-point win over Moulton Harrox on Mayflower Two. Niall Young (52) led the way with the bat, but there were also notable scores from Dave Gilding (20), Jasper Borrill (28) and Chris King (23).

 

In reply, captain Kevin Brooks took 4-31 to lead his side’s victory charge. John Elleray (2-37), Steffen Cook (1-35) and JP Horton (1-42) also contributed, while Sam Deptford executed a run-out.

 

There was not so much cheer for the First XI though, with Bracebridge Heath inflicting a 213-run defeat on Boston. After posting 297-5 off 48 overs declared, Bracebridge bowled Boston out for just 84.

 

Conrad Louth (31) and Scott Elleray (11) offered resistance with the bat after Liam Aggett (2-61), Dan Milgate (1-62) and Colin Cheer (1-71) had taken wickets on a tough afternoon for Boston.