LINCOLNSHIRE BEAT BEDFORDSHIRE AT GRANTHAM IN MINOR COUNTIES EASTERN DIVISION

REPORT FROM CHRIS KEYWOOD - CHAIRMAN, LINCOLNSHIRE CCC

For their final Minor Counties match of the season Lincolnshire welcomed Bedfordshire to Grantham. Lincolnshire included the former Notts, Northants and Worcestershire bowler, David Lucas, in their team, he having last played for Lincs in 2006. With both teams languishing at the foot of the Eastern Division table a closely fought match was expected.

Bedfordshire won the toss and decided to bat and Lincolnshire soon had them in trouble as they were reduced to 68 for 4. Lucas and Matthew Sargeant (Woodhall) caused the damage and when Harry Clewett (Grimsby) removed opener Thomas for 52 the Bedfordshire innings subsided to 196 all out. Lucas with 6 for 58 had fully justified his inclusion.

Having taken maximum bowling points (4) Lincs now needed to capitalise on their strong position and their batsmen produced the goods. Conrad Louth (Bourne) with 50 led the way as Brett Houston (Bracebridge Heath) with 46, Harry Clewett (Grimsby) 43 not out, Jon Cheer (Woodhall) 42, Anish Patel (Loughborough) 32 and Matt Sargeant (Woodhall) 31 all gave strong support. At the end of their allotted 90 overs Lincolnshire had reached 334 for 8 a lead of 138 and gained maximum batting points (4).

Bedfordshire batted better in their second innings and at the end of day two were 214 for 3, a lead of 76. Lincolnshire needed early wickets on the final day if they were to achieve victory. It took over an hour to make the breakthrough as George Thurstance (96) and Andy Reynoldson (106) added 179 for the 4^th wicket. After this Beds lost 4 wickets for three runs as Harry Clewett cleaned up the tail enders. Bedfordshire were finally dismissed for 351 leaving Lincs to make 214 to win in around 58 overs. 

Harry Clewett with 4 for 66 was Lincs' most successful bowler.

Lincs made a steady start to their quest for victory putting on 54 for the first wicket. At 96 for 3 the match was in the balance but then Jon Cheer with 58 and Brett Houston added 70 for the fourth wicket. This turned the match Lincolnshire’s way and despite the loss of Oliver Burford, playing his final game for Lincs, the target was now attainable. David Lucas joined Brett Houston in an unbroken stand of 44 to take Lincolnshire to victory with one over remaining. Houston finished on 46 not out and Lucas on 31 not out.

Lincolnshire took a maximum 24 points from the match and this took them above Bedfordshire and also above Northumberland who lost to the Eastern Division winners, Cambridgeshire.