Battle for title in Lincolnshire League gets tighter

Five of the top six in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League Premier Division enjoyed victories, with leaders Cleethorpes 2nds the only side to taste defeat.

Following Saturday's matches, Cleethorpes lead Haxey by five points, although the Isle of Axholme villagers have a vital game in hand.

Third-placed Hartsholme are only eight points behind the Meggies – and have also played one fewer match.

The Lincoln lads are followed by South Kelsey, Alkborough and Horncastle – all still with a chance of finishing top, or runners-up, in what is the closest end to a season for many years.

The vital clash between title-chasing teams saw Haxey defeat Cleethorpes 2nds – Ollie Tonks passing 50 for the victorious villagers, and John Zielinski and Stuart Harvey both bagging five-wicket hauls.

There seems to be no stopping Hartsholme, for whom Nick Wilkinson and Nathan Poundall both posted half-centuries as they chased down 196 to win the Lincoln derby with Bracebridge Heath 2nds.

Alkborough posted a huge 271, with centuries from Craig Ross and John Knapton, as they triumphed away to Barton Town, who made 208 in reply.

A half-century from Harry Smith helped Horncastle win at relegation-threatened Alford, while a century from Steve Wright was the highlight of South Kelsey's home win over bottom side Broughton.

For a full round-up of the Lincolnshire League see today's Lincolnshire Echo.