Nettleham slip up in chase for title

Nettleham's bid for the Premier Division title took a knock as they fell to their first defeat in six games.

Lindum were the side to cause the upset as they managed a superb 88-run victory.

The village side were victims of Lindum's dynamic duo Alex Hornsby and Pierce Morley-Barnes as they helped the city side to a total of 201 for eight, writes Pete Ford.

Hornsby collected his third century of the season, making 104 (his fourth successive score of 50 or more) while Morley-Barnes made 50 (his sixth 50-plus score of the season).

For Nettleham, Ed Bosworth took three for 17 and Matt Smith three for 33.

Bosworth then top scored with 44 as Nettleham slipped to 113 all out.

For Lindum, Saad Maqsood took three for 29 and Ben Morrison three for 23.

Defeat for the leaders has not helped their title hopes as Cherry Willingham collected their second double of the season with victory by eight wickets at second-placed Morton.

The Gainsborough side were bowled out for 111 before Tim Shooter hit an unbeaten 60 to see the Cherries home.

Boston had an even easier victory as they beat relegation-threatened Martin by 10 wickets.

The home side were bowled out for only 49 with Rob Noble their top scorer with 17 and Charlie Ward Boston's best bowler with four for 17.

Boston made the total in 11 overs with Josh Newton 34 not out.

While this game was a short affair, the match at Blankney between the home side and Market Rasen produced the second highest aggregate scores of the season to beat Blankey by 140 runs.

Rasen saw Graeme Bell (58) and Luke Robinson put on 101 for the first wicket and then Robinson and Matt Rutherford made 212 for the second wicket (the second-highest partnership of the season).

These two both went on to make centuries, the eighth players to achieve centuries against relegation certainties Blankney this season.

Robinson made the day's top individual score with 122 not out while Rutherford scored 117, his second century in successive games.

Rasen closed on 326 for three, the second highest score of the season and then Blankney made 186 for four, with captain James Ingamells (62) and Dave Pearse (83) putting on 138 for the second wicket.

This was an aggregate total on the day of 512 runs for just seven wickets.

The race for the Division One title now looks a two-horse race between North Scarle and Middle Rasen who both won away from home.

North Scarle beat Bracebridge Heath by nine wickets, while Middle Rasen recorded a six-wicket win over Waddington.

Old Lincolnians are still in with a chance as they quietly moved into third position with a 19-run victory over Saxilby.

In Division Two, Heckington are almost sure of promotion and are just one win away from being champions following their seven-wicket win over Winthorpe.

As to who will go up with them is down to three sides, namely Heighington, who beat Fulbeck by 55 runs, and Owmby, who beat Bardney by nine wickets.

Boston 2nds are still in the frame, despite defeat losing to Nettleham 2nds by 16 runs.

In Division Three an inactive Caythorpe look favourites to go up while the second promotion place is between Timberland, who beat Reepham by 131 runs, and Lindum, who were also without a game.

There was a surprise loss for Millers who were beaten by Aswarby by 17 runs, while Cherry 2nds had a comfortable eight-wicket win over Rushtons.