Having lost the toss, Burghley were asked to bat and the innings got off to a slightly shaky start. Josh Gallimore was bowled by Sylvester before Ryan Gilmour offered no shot to the same bowler, only to watch the ball cannon in to his pads infront of middle. James Laud, who is now the leading run scorer in the league for the 1st XI in just 4 innings, and Hamish Bell then started to rebuild the innings. Both players scored freely and punished any loose ball that were offered up and both soon bought up their respective 50s. Their partnership was worth 120 when Hamish Bell was superbly caught by Skegness overseas Dippenaar for 65. This brought about a flurry of wickets, Joe Youngs offering a simple catch to midwicket from a waist high full toss and Matt Davies being bowled for 4. Skipper Alex Ashwin then joined Laud and looked to steady the innings once again. However, the re-introduction of Dippenaar into the bowling attack proved to be a thorn in the Burghley side once again. He removed Laud for an excellent 82, followed by Logan, Ahsan Azhar and Biggs to leave Burghley 186-9 and facing the possibility of not getting maximum batting points. However, Mo Azhar and Ashwin were able to push the score to 206 before Azhar was run out backing up at the non-striker’s end.
With a reasonable total to defend the Burghley bowling attack got straight into their work. Dippenaar chased a wide delivery offering a simple catch behind to Bell. Reece Brant looked good for 11 before chipping Logan to A.Azhar at cover. Brackley and Bowser were looking comfortable and moving the score along nicely before a filthy half tracker from Mo Azhar proved Brackley’s undoing as he hit it straight to the grateful hands of Joe Youngs at square leg. Ahsan Azhar then took 2 quick wickets before Gilmour claimed Bowser for 50 to leave Skegness 110-6. Despite some resistance from Sylvester, Skegness were bowled out for 143 thanks to a further wicket a piece for Logan and M.Azhar and 2 from Ashwin, leaving him with figures of 3-16 and Burghley with another 20 points.
Sleaford visit the park next week in a top of the table clash.
This match was sponsored by MBST Medical UK