19/07/2026
After the opponents were forced to forfeit the toss, Heckington decided to bowl first and were immediately put under pressure by a strong Rustons batting display. Opener Martin Noble laid the platform with a well-made 60, before wicketkeeper Mohammad Tariq dominated the innings with a superb 124, striking 22 fours and a six.
Heckington continued to battle throughout the innings, with Luke Frith (available for sponsorship) leading the attack brilliantly. Frith claimed 4 wickets for 50 runs from his 7 overs, removing the dangerous Tariq as well as Riaz and Zeeshan. Damon Tunnicliffe (Carole Heslam) chipped in with 2-36 from 8 economical overs, while Charlie Baxter (D.C. Baxter (Motors) Ltd) also picked up two wickets, including the key scalp of Noble. A run out from Damon Tunnicliffe and another from Chris Morley (MKM) helped restrict Rustons to 278/8, although Tariq’s century ensured they finished with a commanding total.
Chasing 279, Heckington started positively but found wickets difficult to stem against an excellent Rustons bowling attack. Xanti Xipu (The Mews Clinic) top-scored with 46, while Chris Morley added 32, Mike Priestley (available for sponsorship) contributed 32, and Charlie Baxter made a useful 21. Unfortunately, regular wickets prevented any meaningful partnerships from developing, with the side eventually bowled out for 191 in the 38th over.
Rustons captain Paul Chambers proved the difference with the ball, producing an outstanding spell of 5-45 from 8 overs. He was well supported by Attiq Ullah (2-23) and Muhammad Riaz (2-24).
Despite the result, Heckington showed plenty of determination in both innings, with Frith’s four-wicket haul and several useful contributions with the bat providing positives to take into the next fixture.
Key Performers
* Luke Frith: 4-50 (7 overs)
* Damon Tunnicliffe: 2-36 (8 overs)
* Xanti Xipu: 46
* Chris Morley: 32
* Mike Priestley: 32
As always a massive thank you to our match sponsors Smith Construction Heckington Ltd, D.C. Baxter (Motors) Ltd. MKM and South Lincs Total Recovery Ltd