Rasen survive wobble to stay top

On a track heavily affected by the recent poor weather, Rasen skipper Simon Bunn won the toss and invited the home side to bat first.

Opening up with Charlie Scales and Dan Quinlan, Rasen applied early pressure, but looked unable to make the initial breakthrough.

This led to the introduction of the team’s two leading wicket-takers in 2016: Gary and Karl Bierlein.

Once they made the initial breakthrough, wickets began to tumble with Karl picking up a five-for this weekend and Gary conceding only 18 runs from 15 accurate overs for three wickets.

But a combination of stubborn batting from the tail and a couple of missed chances in the field meant Rasen were unable to collect the final wicket and Clee finished their 45 overs with a below-par total of 92-9.

Rasen then set about chasing down what appeared to be a reasonably simple target.

Opener Neil Davies continued his fine start to life in a Rasen shirt before falling for 40, a knock which included a 39-run partnership with Dan Quinlan.

This, however, was followed by the second batting wobble of the game as Rasen went from 41-1 to 74-7.

Youth and experience then managed to take Rasen over the line with skipper Simon Bunn and Sam Williams both finishing undefeated on 10 to ensure the target was met in 34 overs and the points were heading back to Rase Park.

The win maintained Rasen’s place at the top of Division Three.