Opening day defeat for Boston CC Firsts, but victories for Seconds and Thirds

Boston CC Firsts began their Lincs ECB Premier campaign by hosting Grantham at the Mayflower - the visitors claiming a nine-wicket victory.

“It wasn’t a great day at all. It was never going to be easy against Grantham," said captain Jonny Cheer.

"They have a really strong side and will be wanting to win the league this season, especially after missing out in last year’s final.

“These aren’t the games that will define our season but we need to be better and picking up points, even in the games we don’t win.”

Pre-season training was put on hold due to the most-recent lockdown and, after three weeks of practice, the season was here and Boston captain Jon Cheer made the correct decision at the start of the day, winning the toss.

Cheer made the decision to bat first.

A steady start from Boston’s openers Tom and Matt Poole saw Boston look settled until Matt Poole mis-timed his whip through the leg-side and the leading edge went straight up, being caught by Grantham’s wicketkeeper Carl Wilson.

It didn’t get much better for Boston over the next couple of hours as regular wickets fell and only Matt Poole, Mahir Yousuff and Scott Elleray made double figures, 17, 14 and 15 respectively.

Mark Footitt, the former Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Surrey quick bowler, was the pick of Grantham’s bowlers as he finished with 5-20 from 7.1 overs.

Boston were bowled out in their 24th over for a lowly total of 72.

After the tea interval, Boston set about restoring some pride in their performance with some early wickets.

Although Elleray and Tim Bell started well, the early wickets didn’t appear and Ross Carnelly and Jaden Fell batted sensibly, taking Grantham to 41 without loss.

That was before Bell found the edge of Fell’s bat and the catch was taken by Tom Poole behind the stumps.

Grantham made their way to their target in the 19th over.

Bell was the pick of Boston’s bowlers, bowling eight overs and ending with figures of 1-17.

It was a start to season to forget for Boston as they ended the day without a single point.

Boston’s Second and Third XIs were victorious on Saturday, beating Moulton Harrox and Grantham Thirds respectively.

The Second s were grateful to a fantastic knock from Joe Gilbert while the Thirds were severely helped by Jack Ashton’s opening bowling spell where he picked up four wickets.