Lincs County League: Rain denies Market Rasen chase

Following on from last week’s dramatic victory, Rasen returned to Rase Park knowing a win would put the pressure on the visitors and leaders Scothern, in what is proving a very closely fought league.

The visitors batted first, and with conditions favouring the bowlers, found it difficult to score many runs.

The opening pair of Paul Martin and Daniel Clark, followed by the returning James Fussey, restricted Messingham to 82-3 in the first 25 overs.

However, after the drinks break a 58-run partnership between Dale Coy (51) and Richard Antcliffe (45) saw the visitors pull themselves back into the match.

A mixture of a few missed chances in the field and some big shots by the lower order, saw Messingham finish on 191-8 from their 50 overs.

In reply, Rasen got off to a slow start and it looked as though the game was going to be a close encounter when Will Bradford was brilliantly caught on 20 by the bowler Nick White.

But two overs later, the heavens opened with Rasen 38-1 after 13 overs.

The game had to be abandoned with both teams awarded five points each.

On Saturday, Market Rasen travel to close rivals Caistor for a 1pm start.