Lincs ECB Premier: Louth denied victory by Woodhall Spa tail

Batting first, Louth racked up an imposing total of 256-9 from their 50 overs thanks largely to wicket-keeper Richard Bell, who was run out one short of his half-century, and Stewart West (66).

The pair put on 80 for the fourth wicket before Tom Corden (30) and John Medler (21) gave the innings late impetus. Paul Timby was the pick of Spa’s bowling, taking 4 for 65.

Keaton Critchell removed skipper Jack Luffman early before Louth captain Andy Carrington took the prized wicket of former Sri Lanka test player Prasanna Jayawardene, caught by Seb Darke for 15.

Carrington (2 for 25), Critchell (3 for 47) and Corden (3 for 31) continued to make inroads and the hosts looked odds-on winners as Spa slumped to 115-8.

But a battling ninth-wicket stand of 55 from Jean-Pierre Prinsloo (11 not out) and Timby (42) would ultimately deny Louth as the visitors closed on 182-9.

Louth sit eighth in Lincs ECB Premier Division ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nettleham (noon start).