LINCS PREMIER DIVISION: Jack buries Boston, Deeping are back on top

Jack Berry on his way to 7-62 for Bourne against Boston. Photo: Tim Wilson.

Berry returned outstanding figures of 7-62 from 15 overs as Boston scored 203-9 from their 50 overs and then smashed 52 in a rapid opening stand of 73 in just seven overs with Rob Bentley (29).

When Berry departed Carl Wilson (55no) and Sam Evison (52no) took over to ensure the home side raced home for the loss of just two wickets in under 30 overs.

Berry faced just 29 balls and clubbed nine fours and a six.

Rob Bentley bowling for Bourne against Boston. Photo: Tim Wilson.

Bourne are battling to sneak into the top half, but neighbours Market Deeping have loftier ambitions.

They have gone back to the top of the table after scrambling to a two-wicket, low-scoring win at Lincoln, while leaders Sleaford were losing a high-scoring thriller at home to third-placed Grantham.

Lincoln slumped from 87-3 to 124 all-out once Josh Smith had run out professional Dwight Thomas for 54. Aussie off-spinner Zac Simmonds bagged 3-2 with Ali Sharp and Lee Peacock picking up two victims apiece. Ashley Fisher pulled off a fine catch to help Simmonds’ figures.

Deeping were set fair on 74-2 before their own collapse started, but ninth-wicket pair Dave Sargeant and Peacock put on 13 under considerable pressure.

It would be a most unlikely title win for Deeping who have lost opening batsmen Alex Wheatley and Chris Jones since the start of the season, while professional Dan Bendon has barely scored a run.

RESULTS

BOURNE beat BOSTON by 8 wkts

Boston 203-9 (J. Cheer 86, J. Berry 7-62).

Bourne 204-2 (C. Wilson 55no, S. Evison 52no, J. Berry 52, R. Bentley 29).

LINCOLN lost to MARKET DEEPING by 2 wkts

Lincoln 124 (D. Thomas 54, Z. Simmonds 3-2, A. Sharp 2-27, L. Peacock 2-44).

Market Deeping 125-8 (N. Green 36, A. Sharp 24, J. Miller 3-32, T. Lindsey 3-52).