Hartsholme still in the race for Lincolnshire League title

Haxey have deposed Cleethorpes 2nds as leaders of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League as the competition heads for the closest finish to the title race for many years.

Fifth-placed Alkborough's hopes of finishing in the top two disappeared when they ended their programme with a disappointing eight-wicket defeat at home to Haxey, for whom Sri Lankan Chin Perera grabbed five wickets.

And sixth-in-the-table Horncastle's aspirations of a heady placing also ended with a 38-run home reverse against Hartsholme.

South Kelsey, who are fourth, were without a game on Saturday but cannot now make the top two.

At the other end of the table, third-from-bottom Bracebridge Heath 2nds ensured safety with a huge win over Barton Town.

Paul Clark grabbed eight wickets for bottom team Broughton but finished on the losing side against Alford, who nevertheless face the prospect of returning to the second tier of Lincs League cricket in 2010.

In Division One, Scunthorpe Town missed out on the opportunity to take over at the top from Cleethorpes 3rds who were without a fixture.

Town were well beaten by Scothern, for whom Richard Johnson starred with bat and ball.

Third-placed Cherry Willingham completed their campaign with a home reverse against on-song Appleby-Frodingham 2nds – the Scunthorpe Steelmen now looking an outside bet for promotion with three games still to go.

Outcasts' fine run ended when they lost at Nettleham 2nds.

The relegation battle between Holton-le-Clay and Grimsby Town 2nds went in favour of the villagers, meaning Town face relegation for the second successive season.

Bottom side Alkborough 2nds – who were without a game on Saturday – are also doomed following Holton-le-Clay's positive result.

New leaders of Division Two are Louth 2nds, for whom Nagi Chodem took five wickets in a comfortable success over already relegated Holton-le-Clay 2nds.

Louth have deposed Hykeham, who were without a game over the weekend.

Hartsholme 2nds managed only three points in a home loss to Owmby 2nds – but they were enough to keep the Lincoln side in Division Two.

For despite chasing down 194 to win at Messingham 2nds, Hartsholme's rivals Keelby have now ended their season – and go down.

In the only other game, Caistor 2nds lost to old rivals Market Rasen.