LINCS PREMIER DIVISION: Captain Morgan wins thrilling duel, Deeping up to second

Alex Wheatley batting for Market Deeping against Louth.

Two of the top talents in the Lincs Premier Division dominated the contest and classy batsman Morgan just about shaded it as his side sneaked home by one wicket to end a three-game losing streak.

Morgan was unbeaten on 70 when Bourne finally passed the home side’s 159-9 courtesy of four byes. He added 77 for the third wicket with opener Archie Stroud (37), but from 118-2 Bourne slumped to 157-9 as Jordan (6-29) wreaked havoc among the middle and late order.

Bourne climbed back into the top half of the table, but they won’t be pleased to be 30 points adrift of local rivals Market Deeping whose 41-run win over Louth at Outgang Road moved them back into second place, 10 points behind leaders Grantham.

Nick Green batting for Market Deeping against Louth.

Deeping overcame the loss of the toss to post a respectable 190-8 before dismissing Louth for 149. The visitors recovered from 54-6 to 145-6 to threaten a shock win, but lost their last four wickets for just four runs.

Jamie Morgan, brother of the Bourne captain, top scored with 37 for Deeping while skipper Dave Gillett (32no) and young Pat Harrington also battled hard.

Lea Peacock (4-43) and Meli Adatia (3-25) bowled best for the home side. Off-spinner Adatia has now bowled more than 100 Premier Division overs this season and boasts the best economy rate (conceding just over two runs an over) in the division.

Gillett, who pulled up lame with a hamstring injury late in the game, said: “Meli was outstanding again. He is having a great season.

Peter Morgan struck 70 not out for Bourne against Skegness.

“It was a tricky pitch which had seen a lot of rain so I was concerned when I lost the toss.

“But I asked the lads to bat 50 overs and then we would be competitive. That’s how it turned out.

“We are far from the best team in the league, but if we get a score we will always have a chance because of our bowlers.”

RESULTS

MARKET DEEPING beat LOUTH by 41 runs

Market Deeping 190-8 (J. Morgan 37, D. Gillett 32no, P. Harrington 30).

Louth 149 (L. Peacock 4-43, M. Adatia 3-29, Z. Simmonds 2-25).

SKEGNESS lost to BOURNE by 1 wkt

Skegness 159-9 (A. Ainsworth 35, B. Collins 3-21, C. Cheer 3-51, T. Dixon 2-20).

Bourne 161-9 (P. Morgan 70no, A. Stroud 37, R. Jordan 6-29, N. Brackley 3-24).