Brigg Town have yet to start their 2022 season in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League, but Broughton and Hibaldstow took to the field for the first time over the weekend and were involved in close encounters.
Expected to be pushing hard for promotion to the top flight after narrowly missing out last September, Broughton lost narrowly when hosting Louth 2nds in Division One on Saturday (April 23).
Louth made 220 for nine in their 45 overs, with Broughton scoring 211 for nine in reply.
Paul Clark had a fine all-round match for the home team, scoring 49 not out in the middle-order to add to opener Neil Simpson's 51, having earlier bowled well to claim three for 17 in his nine overs. Top scorer Neil is pictured above.
Broughton managed a decent haul of nine bonus points from this high-scoring encounter.
Now back playing in Division Two, Hibaldstow lost by two wickets to visiting Grimsby Town 2nds in another close match.
The villagers managed 138 for nine, which Grimsby just managed to top.
Hibaldstow's Lee Robinson hit 49, while Nathan Goodall took three for 23.
Congratulations are due to the historic Brocklesby Park club whose Lincs League debut came on Saturday, having been voted in as members during the close season.
Founded in the early 19th century and playing only weekend friendly games for the majority of its existence, 'Brock Park' used a lovely location (not far from Kirmington and the Earl of Yarborough's Brocklesby Hall) until five years ago.
Home games are still played in West Lindsey, but now at Keelby where Park hosted Cherry Willingham 2nds on Saturday in Division Three East.
Park began with an emphatic nine-wicket win. They dismissed the Lincoln area side for 103, with Nawaz Maroof taking four for 21. Brocklesby reached their target after only 19.1 overs, Inderjeet Sandhu finishing unbeaten on 52.
Brigg Town will not have much longer to wait (weather permitting) to begin their programme in Division Three West, in which Broughton 2nds are also competing although they were also without a fixture on Saturday.
Yesterday (Sunday) should have seen Broughton hosting Rodley in the first round of the national Village Cup. However, Rodley conceded the tie so Broughton are through to the next round and will visit Middleton & North Dalton, near Driffield, on Sunday, May 8.
