Lincolnshire on back foot after day one of crucial county clash at Cleethorpes
Lincolnshire CCC were on the back foot after day one of their crucial, penultimate round game of the NCCA County Championship against Suffolk at Cleethorpes CC.
Losing the toss and fielding first, Lincolnshire enjoyed the better of the first session as they headed to lunch with the visitors teetering on 117-5.
Post lunch, Suffolk managed to get a foothold in the game as they frustrated the home attack with some counter attacking batting from their lower order.
Wickets became difficult to come by for Lincolnshire, a good wicket, coupled with a fast scoring outfield led to Suffolk rebuilding to reach 230-6 at tea.
After the break, Lincolnshire were hoping for some quick wickets and to get to batting.
It was however a similar story as the visitors continued to frustrate Lincolnshire, pushing the total on beyond 300 eventually declaring with the total on 368-8 wickets.
Left arm paceman, Mark Footitt again led from the front, claiming 3-66 from an impressive 21 overs.
The Suffolk declaration left Lincolnshire facing a tricky 13 overs to negotiate in the fading light. Openers, Nick Keast and debutant, James Laud began the innings at rapid rate, each piercing the infield with some aggressive strokes before Keast became the first Lincolnshire wicket to fall. Youngster, Laud followed quickly after for 22 and a third wicket fell just before the close of play leaving Lincolnshire in a precarious position at the close of day one with the total on 51-3 wickets, leaving Sam Evans (four not out) and night watchman, Josh Knapton (six not out) at the crease.
With both sides desperate for a win to lift themselves out of the relegation spot, days two and three are set to be tense affairs with Division One status for the following year on the line.
Play on both days gets underway at 11am, entry is free and everyone is welcome to attend.