Imperious Tillcock sets up Lincolnshire win

Adam Tillcock was the star of the show, richly deserving the Carter Builder man-of-the-match award after stroking his way to a superb undefeated 153 off 171 balls in Lincolnshire’s first innings. Has was also there at the death with an unbeaten half century (50 not out) and claimed six wickets in the match.

The result sees Lincolnshire move up to second in the Minor Counties Eastern Division table, only four points behind leaders Northumberland.

Norfolk hosted the match, played at Manor Park, Norwich from Sunday to Tuesday.

Alex Willerton returned to the Lincolnshire side after injury, while James Kimber made his debut and Anish Patel returned after almost a season’s absence.

Norfolk won the toss and elected to bat. At 205-5 the match was in the balance until a sixth wicket partnership of 92 tilted the game Norfolk’s way. At this point, opener James Spelman was dismissed for a fine 158 and Lincolnshire forced their way back into contention, taking a further three wickets for the addition of only 31 runs, The Norfolk innings closed on 339-9 from their allotted 90 overs.

After a useful start, the Lincolnshire reply stumbled a little at 105-4, with opener Louis Kimber contributing 50. However, Patel and Tillcock took the attack to Norfolk, adding 114 for the fifth wicket before Patel departed for 48.

With Tillcock in dominant form, hitting 17 fours and four sixes, Lincolnshire were able to reach 338-9 off their 90 overs, just one behind their hosts.

By the close of day two, Norfolk were poised at 128-4 in their second innings.

Lincolnshire started the final day hoping for early wickets and Willerton obliged, striking in the very first over.

James Hale offered some resistance, going on to score 59, but the Lincolnshire attack worked their way through the remaining batting to dismiss Norfolk for 192, setting Lincolnshire 194 to win with a minimum of 76 overs to play.

When Lincolnshire slipped to 64-3 the outcome was still uncertain, but Conrad Louth and Tillcock soon dispelled any nerves, taking the score to 130 before Louth returned to the pavilion after an aggressive innings of 54, which included eight fours and two sixes.

Tillcock (50no) and Patel (29no) then saw Lincolnshire home, the six wicket victory giving the county maximum points.

This Sunday (July 31) Lincolnshire host defending champions Cumberland at Grantham Cricket Club. Play starts at 11am.