Cricket: Great Scott offers Haxey revival

Mark Atkins’ men have just two remaining games to retain their place in the Lincolnshire County League Premier Division following a frustrating campaign.

Their latest reprieve came at the weekend as they downed relegation-threatened Broughton by a massive 158 runs.

Just two days later Haxey were again in action, this time against league leaders Messingham, and the Isle men were beaten by four wickets despite a spirited display at Haxey Lane.

However, the side will be buoyed by their performance on Saturday which saw youngster Scott star with the bat, hitting a terrific 79 before being caught by Broughton’s Neil Simpson.

Skipper Atkins also led by example as he drove 40 runs from number 10 to push Haxey’s final opening total to 206 all out.

In response, in-form bowler Josh Savage picked apart Broughton’s attack as he blasted figures of 6-24.

An all-round brilliant performance from top-scoring batter Scott was capped off as he also chipped in with a bowling score of 2-11.

Broughton eventually collapsed all out for 48 as Ethan Tonks picked up 1-6 and Aaron Moody 1-7.

Monday’s match against table-topping Messingham saw Haxey bat first and opener Oliver Tonks smash 48 before being caught by Tom McDougall.

Savage later added 40 as Haxey finished 127 all out.

Despite a strong start from Messingham’s Richard Antcliffe (47), Messingham had to dig deep to keep their total ticking along as Haxey continued to probe.

However, a final flourish from Matthew Lawson (28no) and Matthew Jones (19no) saw the leaders achieve their target with 129-6.

Those results see Haxey occupy eighth spot with two games remaining. They are just under 30 points clear of second from bottom Broughton.