Louth Taverners set up East Lindsey League title showdown

Henry Tye and Zain opened, with Tye the aggressor, and the opening partnership was worth 81 when Tye was caught brilliantly, one-handed, by Barton for 54.

Zain was joined by Koen but was out for 31 which brought Australian cricketer Keaton Critchell to the crease who attacked the Brocklesby bowlers from the start.

Koen got out cheaply, but young Sam Jones proved a perfect partner for Critchell, rotating strike and hitting some delightful strokes.

Critchell brought his 50 up off 33 balls and made a match-winning partnership of 123 with Jones who was looking set for his maiden 50 for the club until he was caught for a well-made 34.

Critchell continued his aggressive batting and made his first century for Louth, his 100 coming off just 65 balls.

He was finally out for 112 after hitting 12 fours and five sixes as Louth finished on 305-9 from their 40 overs.

Brocklesby started the chase badly and lost a wicket in the first over when Luke Johnson cleaned bowled Aesey for 0.

A second-wicket stand of 63 began to threaten as Theepan attacked the Louth bowlers, but Khawar Naeem’s gentle swing bowling claimed the second wicket and then tore through the batting line-up.

He finished with match-winning figures of 6-1-14-5, and was supported by Jones whose leg spin bowling earned impressive figures of 4.4-1-11-4. Brocklesby were eventually all out for 101 in only 23.4 overs, giving Louth victory by 204 runs.

The Taverners hope to move a step nearer to the league at chief rivals Grimoldby on Sunday in a crucial match.

Thanks to club sponsors Kenwick Park.