Lincs CCC set for stern tests and 'good quality of cricket' as NCAA fixtures released

Louis Kimber and Nic Keast helped Lincs CCC secure a place in the new-look Division One East in Imp County’s last competitive match, against Bedfordshire in September 2019.

Lincolnshire CCC can expect some stern tests and a ‘good quality of cricket’ in their upcoming National Counties Cricket Association campaign.

Imp County are hoping to begin their 2021 action on April 18, facing Cambridgeshire in T20 action.

After last year’s contests were wiped out because of Covid-19, Lincs are hoping they will be able to begin their first year competing in the new-look NCCA competitions as planned.

Lincolnshire are placed in the Eastern Division One, where they will compete alongside Suffolk, Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

“We’re in with some very strong sides. They’re all usually very, very strong sides so it should be a good quality of cricket,” said Lincs CCC chairman Chris Keywood.

“In terms of the current situation around the country, we’ll have to wait until nearer the time to see if all these will take place.

“Our very first fixture is in the National Counties T20 competition, when we’re due to play Cambridge at Wisbech on April 18.

“That sounds a long way away, but in terms of weeks it’s not that far.”

The Minor Counties restructure will see the Eastern and Western Divisions split into two tiers (Divisions One and Two) with a relegation and promotion spot introduced.

The winners of the two top divisions will contest the Championship final.

The revamp will see counties play four three-day contests instead of six.

The 50-over Trophy competition will now also be a group format instead of a straight knockout while the T20 competition remains.

Lincs CCC 2021 fixtures:

April 18 - NCCA T20 v Cambridgeshire (Wisbech)

May 2 - NCCA T20 v Norfolk (Grantham)

May 9 - NCCA T20 v Hertfordshire (Welwyn Garden City)

May 23 - NCCA T20 v Suffolk (Grantham)

May 30 - NCCA 50 Over v Norfolk (Manor Park, Norwich)

June 13 - NCCA 50 Over v Hertfordshire (Grantham)

June 20 - NCCA 50 Over v Suffolk (Mildenhall)

June 24 - NCCA T20 final (Tring)

June 27 - NCCA 50 Over v Cambridgeshire (Grantham)

July 11–13 - NCCA Championship Eastern Division One v Norfolk (Cleethorpes)

July 18 - NCCA 50 Over quarter-finals

July 25-27 - NCCA Championship Eastern Division One v Staffordshire (West Bromwich Dartmouth)

August 1-3 - NCCA Championship Eastern Division One v Cambridgeshire (March)

August 8 - NCCA 50 Over semi-finals

August 15-17 - NCCA Championship Eastern Division One v Suffolk (Sleaford)

September 3 - NCCA 50 Over final

September 5-8 - NCCA Championship final (Tring).