Spa defeated in battle for top spot
The battle for a top four spot between Woodhall Spa CC and Sleaford CC ended in a comprehensive six wicket defeat for The Spa.
For the first time this season, the home side slipped into a mid-table position, but could have no complaints after Sleaford’s Garry Park, ex-Derbyshire CCC professional, had an unbelievable day in all three disciplines of the game.
Bowling first, Park blew away Woodhall Spa’s batting line up with some outstanding deliveries.
He bowled quick and straight, and was able to move the ball in the air as well as off the pitch.
At 39-1, The Spa were looking comfortable and begun to build a platform for a substantial total on a good, hard and dry pitch.
But they had not accounted for the ‘Park factor’.
His first over caused no problems as Spa opener Jack Liffman eased him through the covers for a boundary.
Park’s second over was a different story as he destroyed the top order.
Luffman was caught behind, and then with his next two deliveries he trapped the incoming batsmen in front of their stumps to execute an incredible hat-trick.
If that wasn’t enough, he then executed a run out and The Spa were looking down and out with the score on 49-5.
Fortunately for the home side, Park was withdrawn from the attack after just five overs which allowed Sam Evison and Dan Milgate to gradually re-build the innings.
Evison acted as anchorman which allowed Milgate the freedom to go for shots, which he did with some aplomb.
The pair posted a sixth wicket partnership of 79 before Milaget became Park’s fourth victim after he was re-introduced into the attack.
Another first ball LBW followed, and for the second time in the innings Park found himself on a hat-trick which he failed to get. But it only took him two balls to clean bowl the next batsman.
In his next over he took the final two wickets with consecutive deliveries, both castled.
For an amazing third time he found himself on a hat-trick.
His final bowling figures of 8-36 was outstanding, but he wasn’t finished quite yet.
Woodhall Spa took an early wicket through Connor Parsons as they tried to defend their 133 run total but when Park took to the crease he hit a half century, an innings which put Sleaford well on their way to victory.
Parsons did remove him and cleaned up the other openers, returning figures of 3-42.
He had not for the first time this season bowled quick and aggressively, but yet again enjoyed no real luck as he regularly beat the batsman’s outside edge.
Sleaford won the game by six wickets but the home side had made them work hard for its runs.
Had it not been for a walk in the Park by Garry, then the outcome might have been different.
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Weather for Horncastle
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 25 mph
Wind direction: North
