After a loss to Freiston, the Saturday 2s were back in action last Saturday away to Billingborough. The pitch was green, and with this in mind, captain Andy Briault won the toss and elected to field. Due to the lack of seam bowling, the skipper opted for spin to open as leg-spinner Harry Armstrong started the bowling alongside Nick Fisher. Fisher bowled tightly, restricting the Billingborough top order to 42 off his 9 overs, including 1 maiden. Armstrong, on the other hand, was a little loose, though he did have a chance dropped. After just 4 overs, Armstrong was taken off, and Alec Baker was introduced. This decision paid off as Baker took the key wicket of Billingborough opener Dave Newman. Once Fisher had completed his 9 overs, another leg-spinner, Jim McIntosh, was brought in, and what a spell he had. Picking up 3 critical wickets for only 36 runs was a key factor in restricting Billingborough to just 84 off the first 22 overs. This then brought Ella Briault into the attack. After conceding just 1 run off the first 2 overs, she maintained a good rate, finishing with 45 off her 9 overs and picking up 1 wicket. Armstrong was then reintroduced along with Baker to close out the Billingborough batting innings. Armstrong’s second spell was much better than his first as he claimed the vital wickets of James Zealand, who scored 52, and Robert Arnold, who made 33. Additionally, Baker bowled tightly at the death. Armstrong finished with 2 wickets, conceding 61 off his 9 overs. Billingborough ended with 227, leaving Burghley with a significant chase.

Burghley didn’t get off to the greatest of starts, with opener Bradley Hurn scoring just 1 off 4 deliveries. James Biggs came in at 3 and showed a bit of fight against Aussie overseas Arron Green before being dismissed. Chris Armstrong came in at 4 to join captain Briault, who appeared in good form. Armstrong lasted only 6 balls as he tried to put pressure back on Green but was bowled. Harry Armstrong returned to the 2s after a week in the Lincolnshire Premier League and showed solid defence that Green couldn't break through. However, at the other end, Mikey Atkinson dismissed captain Briault. This brought Nick Fisher to the crease, who looked to increase the run rate while Armstrong defended most deliveries. Fisher scored 31 off 39, using his sweep shot effectively, but ultimately fell to Dave Newman. With Armstrong still at the crease, BPCC retained a chance to win the game. However, with a tumble of wickets at the other end, Armstrong remained standing but had only 3 more batters to bat alongside. Armstrong then brought up his maiden league 50, demonstrating great patience and hitting the balls he wanted. Unfortunately, it was 50 and out for Armstrong, as he chipped up to mid-off. The team looked unlikely to win, needing 70 runs off the last 6 overs. After two more quick wickets, Burghley were all bowled out for 165. Onto next week, where they will play Moulton Harrox at home.

This match was sponsored by Bradshaw Electric Vehicles.