Louth set to clash with rivals in chase for runners-up spot

The victory keeps Louth in third with two games to play with second the highest finish possible now after Messingham were crowned champions last weekend.

Louth now travel to second placed Nettleham for a huge game this weekend.

At Scothern, Louth choose to bowl in what looked like difficult batting conditions.

In-form Pat Byrne and Kristian Adams opened for Louth once again and found the movement they needed to cause Scothern batters problems early on.

Adams unfortunately aggravated an injury that has plagued him for weeks in his third over but somehow managing to fight though it to complete his 10 overs and even picking up 2-23 - an astounding effort.

One wicket was thanks to a sharp instinctive catch from opening bowler partner Byrne on the boundary.

Byrne's spell was less rewarding but just as impressive with 1-24 off his 10 and Scothern were 47-3.

Young Henry Househam, on course to take the league bowling award, and Jason Collinson took over, Collinson removing the dangerous Bailey.

Piran Grayson replaced Collinson and worked in tandem with Househam to keep Louth on top.

Househam eventually got his wicket and finished 1-37 off his 10.

Collinson returned and took two more wickets, finishing 3-17 off his 10, with Grayson taking an exceptional 3-17 off eight overs and finishing Scothern's innings on 119 after another fine bowling and fielding display from Louth.

Louth opened with Harry Hall and Graham West.

Both fell for two and Louth were 5-2 early on.

Brown (1) was next to fall and Louth 13-3 and needing a partnership.

Up stepped Ethan Garner once again and, supported by Collinson, they steadied the Louth with a hard-fought 63 partnership, Garner falling for a well made and top score for the day 44.

Collinson (39 not out) remained at the crease and, backed by a determined Tye (8) and Househam (5 not out) got Louth over the line in the 39th over.

Player of the match was Collinson for his 3-17 and unbeaten 39.