Househam finishes job as Louth beat Hartsholme to go third

Having won the toss, Louth elected to bat first.

They lost Collinson early but young Harry Hall and Ethan Garner saw off a fiery spell from Hartsholmes overseas, both then falling for 14 and 20 respectively and Louth on 53-3.

Lake and Brown once again looked in control, but with Lake falling for 20, Brown and Househam built the biggest partnership of Louth's day putting on 60 before Brown fell for a well made 48 and Louth at 141-5.

Louth then had a mini collapse, losing Househam (25) then three wickets for nine runs.

The experience of Graham West (11 not out) and Kris Adams (7 not out) held Louth together and saw them reach 163-8 off their 50 overs.

Louth knew they would have to bowl and field well to defend the total.

The experienced and in-form Kristian Adams and Pat Bryne opened the bowling once again.

Both tested the batsmen and made early breakthroughs, Byrne removing two and Adams one, Adams particularly impressing bowling through injury taking 1-23 and Byrne 2-29 off his 10 straight overs, another fine spell from the in-form bowler.

Hartsholme stood firm and the game was in the balance at drinks with Hartsholme 83-3.

Louth introduced Henry Househam into the attack, knowing his leg spin could win Louth the game. This started well with Househam taking a wicket early in his spell and breaking a set partnership. Ably supported at the other end by Collinson, the pair turned the game in Louth's favour, taking Hartsholme from 83-3 to 115-8 and the game very much in Louth's hands.

Collinson ended with 2-20 off his 10, with Player of the Match Househam finishing the job for Louth, taking an impressive 4-16 and bowling Hartsholme out for 127.

Credit to both teams for another very competitive but well mannered game of cricket.

This weekend, Louth host Cleethorpes and Barton at London Road Pavilion on Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday respectively, bar open from 2pm each day.