In their first competitive outing as a team unit, the CCA Lincoln Scholarship XI has recorded what in the end seemed like a comfortable victory, but in reality this was far from the case.

Winning the toss and batting first against the Crusaders Cricket Club from Victoria, Lincoln were in early trouble at 60/5, however the recovery was led by captain Kendall Russ who was forced to retire hurt on 23 and Andrew Ellis who pounded 137 not out off 110 balls. Ellis hit 11 fours and 7 sixes also put on 170 unbroken with Chris Sowden, who ended 62 not out. Their partnership came off 110 balls and in 70 minutes and helped push the Lincoln XI too 286/6 off their 50 overs.

The Crusaders started their chase well, scoring 100/2 off the first 17 overs, but a steady stream of wickets and some tight bowling from the Lincoln attack saw them fall 76 runs short, ending on 207/8. Best bowling from Lincoln came from Alex Hedges with 2-47 and Peter Broom with 1-28 of 10 overs.

The Lincoln Scholarship Programme is a key component of the Canterbury Crickets Player Development Programme. Students are selected on academic and cricketing performances and must keep their standards high during their three year course of study. The aim of the programme is to see students obtain an education, while helping them improve their cricketing ability and fitness levels in the process.

Lincoln Scholarship XI 286/7 (A Ellis 137*, C Sowden 62*, K Russ 23 Ret Hurt, G Carlton 3-41) beat Crusaders Cricket Club 207/8 (A Mato 49, E Carter 28, T Huckstep 25, A Hedges 2-47, P Broom 1-28)

The teams female counterparts will play a Canterbury Selection on Sunday 25th March at Hagley Oval.

© Canterbury Cricket Association