Grantham and Melton Cricket Association round-up: Queniborough close in on fourth straight title

Their walkover win over Empingham combined with Houghton’s 10-point deduction for conceding their game with Thorpe Arnold left Queniborough 26 points clear in the Premier Division.

They only team that can mathematically deny them a fourth consecutive league title is British Shoe Corporation who trail by 37 points with two games to play, including a final day clash with Queniborough on September 23.

In Division One, Barkby United’s hopes of pinching the second promotion place remained alive despite a surprise 13-run defeat at relegated Stamford.

Promotion rivals Rothley Park suffered a heavy home defeat to Harlaxton, allowing Barkby to cut the gap to 15 points with one match to play.

On Sunday, Barkby host local rivals Syston, who need a win and Bottesford to lose to avoid relegation, while Rothley entertain Grantham.

But both teams could be leapfrogged by Ashby Carington if they win their two remaining matches.

Sproxton strengthened their promotion bid in Division Two with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Welby.

They leapfrogged Frisby, Hoby and Rotherby who saw their chances ended with a tense one-wicket defeat in their final match at leaders Illston Abbey.

Sproxton will win the league with victory at bottom side Market Overton on Sunday, but Queniborough’s Second XI, in fourth, could catch them if they slip up.