Michael Hill serenaded the Cleethorpes crowd with a masterful century to ensure Staffordshire had a fine first day in their NCCA Championship clash at Lincolnshire.
The spectators, including the usual hoard of loyal Staffs followers, were not only treated to some glorious weather, but watched on as left-handed artist Hill compiled a top ton to ensure the visitors banked maximum batting points in the Division One East match up.
Hill was eventually bowled by Mark Footitt for 104, which prompted Staffordshire to declare on 326-8 with just seven balls of their allotted 90 overs remaining – denying Lincs the chance to bank full bowling honours.
And by the close, Lincolnshire had been reduced 61-2 from 18 overs with Tom Keast unbeaten on 20 and Ben Wright on 17 after James Cox and Alex Coates struck early blows.
It was Hill, though, who grabbed the headlines on the first day at the seaside as he marshalled Staffordshire to a competitive total on a slow, low Cleethorpes deck.
Pictured: Michael Hill scored a century on the opening day of the NCCA Championship clash against Lincolnshire at Cleethorpes.
