CRICKET: Professional Pienaar turns on the style for second placed Sleaford firsts

Sleaford first XI, sponsored by Baker Plant Hire, moved up to second place in the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League by virtue of the 18 points gained against Skegness on Saturday whilst, at Spalding, Sleaford second XI, sponsored by Darren Wilson, were comprehensively outplayed.
By The Newsroom
Published 13th Jun 2016, 17:02 BST
Updated 25th Aug 2016, 18:33 BST
Sleaford's Obus Pienaar on his way to a century against Skegness. Photo: Nigel WestSleaford's Obus Pienaar on his way to a century against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West
Sleaford's Obus Pienaar on his way to a century against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West

Sleaford’s innings against Skegness was dominated by South African professional Obus Pienaar who made his fifth century of the season, enabling his team to total 260-6 from their allotted overs.

Pienaar’s 137, from 140 balls including 18 fours, was accompanied by valuable contributions from Matthew Mountain, with whom he made a 99-run partnership, and Jack Wilson with whom he accrued 113.

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Skegness overseas player Ray Jordan had struck early for the visitors, who won the toss and chose to bat. He yorked Oliver Burford with a peach of a delivery, but Mountain was joined by Pienaar and between them they frustrated the seasiders.

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Sleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel WestSleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West
Sleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West

Left-hander Mountain (40) was caught by Cole Nelson while attempting to complete a century partnership, mis-pulling Jordan to mid-on.

This brought Wilson to the middle but when Jordan shattered his stumps early in his innings, the Skegness joy was immediately extinguished by an umpire’s no-ball call.

Pienaar continued to dominate the ball and went on to make 137 before being caught by Richie Hewitt off the bowling of Pradeep Chanditha.

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Wilson followed shortly afterwards, caught behind off Jordan’s bowling, but Sleaford went on to claim maximum batting points.

Sleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel WestSleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West
Sleaford opener Matt Mountain on his way to 40 runs against Skegness. Photo: Nigel West

The Skegness reply (186-9) never really threatened Sleaford’s total but, despite Nick Goacher’s six wickets for 50 off 15 overs, Sleaford were one wicket away from an outright victory and had to settle for a winning draw.

At Spalding, Sleaford 2nd were dismissed for a disappointing score of 98, but managed to take five of the home side’s wickets before going down to a six wicket defeat.

This weekend, Sleaford first XI travel to Woodhall Spa on Saturday and, on Sunday, sponsored by Specsavers, travel to Boston.

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Sleaford entertain Woodhall in the South Lincs and Border League on Saturday and on Sunday, Sleaford Academy, sponsored by Turnbulls, host Cherry Willingham.

Home games begin at 1pm and 2pm respectively with spectators welcome at no cost.

Related topics:SkegnessLincolnshire