LEMON SQUEEZES OUT ANOTHER VICTORY FOR MORTON

SOUTH WINGFIELD 200 FOR 9 MORTON 204 FOR 3
MANSFIELD AND DISTRICT LEAGUE SECTION 1 @ HOLME LANE
5 AUGUST 2018 1.30PM
In the battle of the two near neighbours attention switched to Sunday cricket after Saturdays abandonment a couple of weeks ago in The Derbyshire League but for Jordan Lemon it was a return to normal service as he hit 94 to steer Morton to victory alongside Daniel Caunt who carried his bat for 54 not out with nearly ten over to spare.

JORDAN LEMON GOES BIG FOR MORTON

The outcome may not have looked too good earlier on when South Wingfield had put on a century opening stand with both Alex Briggs [51] and Lee Radford [55 setting the home side up for a big score that never materialised apart from Kyle Mitchell who hit big for his 56.

A BRIEF VIEW OF THE GAME FOR THE EAST MIDLANDS TRAINS LONDON BOUND SERVICE

With the weather holding fine the opportunity arose to visit Holme Lane for the first time for a game although on a few occasions a look at the ground had taken place on local walks including a conversation with the grounds man so it was good to finally make a visit.

A PRETTY VIEW OF THE AFTERNOON AT SOUTH WINGFIELD

The away coach, ok service bus, was boarded to Alfreton and thanks to the lack of bus services, thanks Derbyshire County Council, the couple of miles to our destination was completed on foot on a blisteringly hot afternoon.

WINGFIELD MANOR OVERSEES ONE OF HARRY WILMOTT'S EARY BOUNDARIES

The ground sits just on the edge of the village and close by to Oakerthorpe and with the main Sheffield to London line bustling past on the adjacent embankment there would be additional interest for the train buffs.  I had also forgot the geographical placement of Wingfield Manor in the near distance which made for a good back drop to proceedings.  The Manor had been the 'home' of Mary Queen of Scots for a period of time during here being held at Her Majesty, Elizabeth l's pleasure during their rivalry nearly 500 years ago.

SAM EVANS FOR MORTON FROM THE PAVILION END

So the ground then is gated nicely with club references in the ironwork with to the left the changing rooms which look smart and functional moving further on the clubhouse is cosy and very warm today and beyond this a manual scoreboard and nets plus patio seated area.  The scoreboard is now redundant with a superb electronic effort at the far end of the ground which is just in the right place for games here.  Moving round the steep embankment leads to the main railway line and behind the bowlers arm at the far end is an additional ground for South Wingfield's 3rd team.  In the distance here in a lofty position is Wingfield Manor and as you continue around the boundary edge a view of South Wingfield also set on a ridge and then back towards the business end All Saints Parish Church which also sits slightly away from the village.  So quite a lot to view during any quieter moments in the cricket and a ground that even though I was aware of its placement surprised me.

THREE GENERATIONS OF THE WILMOTT FAMILY IN ATTENDANCE

To the action and after a stand of 104 for the opening wicket with Briggs and Radford completing half centuries it looked as though the home side could go big but apart from Mitchell [K] with a further half century it never materialised and the close of the innings came at just 200.  From the Morton point of view impressive bowling figures came for captain Blair Mathews with 3 for 5 and Jacob Truswell 3 for 25.

HARRY WILMOTT MISJUDGES ONE

In reply the visitors saw Harry Wilmott superbly drive the first two deliveries for four but when he fell with the score on 24 doubts could have set in.  But the calmness and stick-ability of Daniel Caunt who batted through for his 54 not out was complimented by Lemon who rolled onto 94 with some first cautious and then free flowing scoring a minor wobble occurred when he fell after the two had put on 138 and then Jack Talbot was out with just one run added to the score.

JORDAN LEMON TOP SCORES WITH 94 FOR MORTON

But Morton were to reach their target with no further scares with seven wickets and nearly ten overs in hand.
A pleasant afternoon at a pretty and well appointed ground which has to be worth a visit for any sporting hoppers.