Sparham sparkles but Gregory equal to the task
by Alan Rowley, 13th April 2003

Premier League newcomers Papplewick and Linby started their 2003 campaign with a friendly fixture at Eastwood on Saturday. Played in glorious sunshine, unusual for the time of year, both teams provided a tense and exciting game which could have gone either way.

As it turned out, the visitors ran out victors by 5 runs thanks to a sparkling 91 from Neil Sparham. The experienced batsman hit the young Eastwood attack to all parts of the Breach ground in an innings to savour. Sparham was ably assisted by Gaz Rusinowski who hit a quickfire 66, with Rob Rhodes scoring 37. Charlesworth chipped in with an unbeaten 32 at the end as the visitors raced to 242 for 5 off their 40 overs.

Papplewick and Linby's Neil Sparham in action

Not to be outdone, the home team refused to lie down thanks to a fine unbeaten 132 from Neil Gregory. Gregory's innings was every bit as good as Sparham's earlier knock amd the neighbouring gardens were peppered with sixes from the Eastwood left-hander. Matt Buckley was with Gregory all the way, but was caught off the final ball of the game going for a six to win the match. Buckley finished on 43 as the Town fell five runs short on 237 for 4.

Eastwood Town's Neil Gregory on his way to an unbeaten 132

Scores:

Papplewick and Linby 242 for 5 (40 overs)
N Sparham 91, G Rusinowski 66, R Rhodes 37, J Charlesworth 32 not out

Eastwood Town 237 for 4 (40 overs)
N Gregory 132 not out, M Buckley 43

Websites: Eastwood Town | Papplewick & Linby