Lincs County League: Market Rasen collapse to Hartsholme defeat

After last week’s derby defeat, Rasen returned to Rase Park in search of a victory to help push them away from the bottom half of the league.

The home side won the toss and, deciding to bowl, got off to a great start.

Ryan Penniston and Paul Martin attacked the Hartsholme batting line-up to reduce them to 26-5 in the first 12 overs.

With drinks approaching, Hartsholme were struggling on 33-6, but Stuart Bell and Lucas Cooling brought Hartsholme back into the game.

Bell dug in for a respectable 36 to help the visitors recover to 126 all out.

Pick of the Rasen bowlers were Martin with figures of 2 for 29 off 12 overs, and Penniston with 4 for 30 off 16 overs.

In reply, Rasen’s innings got off to a steady start as Tom Boryszczuk and Dave Papworth looked to use the 52 overs available to chase down the low total.

Despite losing a few early wickets Rasen were going well on 49-3 approaching the drinks break.

But when Papworth was out for a top score of 21, Rasen’s middle and lower order collapsed.

A mixture of seam and spin bowling saw Rasen subside from 54-4 to 77 all out as Hartsholme secured a much-needed victory in their bid to pull away from the relegation zone.

Pick of the bowlers for Hartsholme was Josh Pickersgill (4 for 17) and Jason Roberts (4 for 6).

On Saturday, Market Rasen First XI travel to top-of-the-table Alford and District (1pm start).