Haxey CC’s second team continue to struggle in the Lincolnshire County League First Division and remain bottom following defeat against Bracebridge Heath, writes James Marshall.
Playing away from home, Haxey lost by seven wickets as Bracebridge cantered to victory.
Haxey were put in to bat first, but both openers struggled to make an impact.
Mark Metcalfe and Luke Allen both lost their wickets early on for just one and three runs respectively before Andrew Steeper came to the crease to add some menace to the attack.
Steeper hit 14 boundaries during his innings on the way to knocking 68 runs before becoming Paul Cook’s third wicket of the day, leaving Haxey on 87-3.
Scott Ewen (14) and Eddie Wraith (24) were next in to bat, before something of a collapse ensued.
The last five batsmen in for Haxey only managed a combined eight runs, leaving Braceheath needing 124 to win.
The home side went to work to reach the total but the dismissal of opener Graham McDowall for eight runs by Frederick Stevens gave Haxey hope.
However, McDowall’s fellow opener Carl Stubbs was less forgiving as he cruised to 79 not out - a stay that included 13 fours and a six.
By the time Stevens took a second wicket and Steeper caught and bowled Alexander Hardy for a duck, the damage was done.