Moeed strikes 86

Freiston LL 212-9, Billingborough 2nds 133 - Freiston won by 79 runs.

Freiston, Leake and Leverton CC maintained their second position in the league with a 79-run victory at Billingborough.

Abdul Moeed continued his fine batting form with 86 before Freiston’s trio of spinners claimed nine wickets between them to dismiss the hosts for 133.

Despite winning the toss and batting first, Freiston lost both openers early on as Parrish capitalised on a couple of lose strokes.

This brought Moeed to the crease, who again looked in fabulous form.

Initially he received good support from Connor Goodfellow, who made 27.

Moeed brought up his fourth 50 of the league season, before upping the tempo.

Moeed struck nine boundaries before he was well caught at square leg by Pilgrim.

Stewart Kirtley (15) and Sunil Panjwani (25) helped Freiston reach maximum batting points before Ashok Kumar (13) and Charles Lenton (10 not out) ensured the innings ended in entertaining style.

Credit should go to the Billingborough fielding effort, where the hosts took eight catches which included a number of difficult chances.

Defending 212, Freiston started poorly with the ball as Billingborough openers M. Griffiths and M. Stanley raced to 50.

Griffiths was on 39 when he was snaffled in the deep by Goodfellow off the bowling of Moeed.

The introduction of spin from both ends changed the match as Ashok Kumar trapped Stanley LBW for 26.

Having dismissed the dangerous opening pair, Freiston’s spinners took full control.

Moeed was the pick as he claimed four wickets.

Kumar looked to be back at his best as he deservedly claimed three wickets, whilst Charles Lenton chipped in with two scalps in two balls.

Ollie Booth returned to have Pilgrim (28) well caught by Tommy Atkinson, whilst Dannatt scored an unbeaten 16 as Billingborough were bowled out for 133.

Freiston will face Baston in the final of the inaugural South Lincolnshire and Border League Cup.

The two Division One sides will play for the new trophy - donated by Dewhurst Trophies of Boston - on September 10 at Bourne CC.

Earlier in July, Freiston beat Moulton Harrox, and on Saturday Baston defeated Skegness Seconds.