Lincs County League: Market Rasen Firsts collapse to Holton defeat

Having won the toss and elected to bat first, Rasen got off to a fast start thanks to the opening pair of Jason New and Will Bradford.

After eight overs the openers had already put on 40 when Bradford was brilliantly caught at mid-wicket for 28 off the bowling of Danny Portus.

The bowling of Portus continued to do the damage as he bowled 17 overs straight through and, in the process, picked up seven wickets as the away side struggled to set a high-enough total to defend.

At the drinks break, Rasen were 110-5 and struggling.

After the halfway stage, New, the only Rasen batsman to fully apply himself, brought up his 50 before being bowled two overs later for a well-made 59.

Portus then ripped through the tail as he finished with figures of 7 for 36 to bowl the visitors out for just 137.

In reply, Holton-le-Clay started well and raced to 32 off 10 overs until James Fussey got the breakthrough.

With the introduction of Daniel Clark he and Fussey restricted the away side briefly.

But with so many overs remaining, and with such a low total to chase, Holton were able to ease to victory, knocking off the winning runs in the 40th over for the loss of just two wickets.

Richard Griffin top scored with 59 not out and Josh Plaskitt finished unbeaten on 44 for the home side.

* On Saturday, Market Rasen entertain Barton Town at Rase Park, 1pm start.