Market Rasen seconds land trophy as rain wrecks county cricket programme
Saturday's results section of the Lincolnshire Premier Cricket League made sad reading with every game in all divisions either cancelled or abandoned.
However, one competition ended with a result, albeit rain curtailed and eventually decided on run rate.
The last cup final of the season was the Mike Savage Cup with Barton Town seconds, Caythorpe and Market Rasen seconds contesting the trophy at Market Rasen.
The hosts and Barton were scheduled to play first with Barton winning the toss and inviting their opponents to bat.
Finlay Bell took the first wicket with only eight runs on the board but Aaron Navin and James Kirk put on 40 and by the time Kirk was stumped off Ben Papworth for 50, which included six fours, the score had reached 126.
The 20 overs ended on 129-7, Papworth and Dean Cressey taking two wickets each.
Barton got off to a better start, putting on 27 for the first wicket but from here Freddie Roberts took three wickets for the addition of only two runs.
Adam Michaels and Spencer Leaning added 37 but after Harry Snell dismissed Leaning for 37, Barton lost wickets regularly and the final one fell on 95 with an over to spare.
It was then agreed that Caythorpe would play Market Rasen in an attempt to get a winner. Caythorpe won the toss, elected to bat and started off in fine style, Chris Wharmby and Joe Attewell putting on 68 for the first wicket.
Then Wharmby fell to Navin for 22 and Attewell was run out by Roberts for 45 with only three runs added.
From here, the run rate slowed as Navin claimed two more wickets and Dan Quinlan four, helping bowl Caythorpe out for 102 in the 18th over.
Dale Christie and Kirk got Rasen off to a good start with 36 for the first wicket but by now the rain was falling heavily and with the score on 46-2 after five overs – the minimum amount required for the run rate calculation to be applied - the umpires signalled for the covers.
And, despite a patient wait by all teams, no further play was possible.
As Market Rasen had the better run rate over the first five overs, they were declared the winners.
As the league season draws to a close, Premier Division honours are still in the balance with leaders Scunthorpe Town away to Lindum and Bourne – second by just one point – visiting third placed Sleaford.
The last game of the season could be the decider as Bourne host Scunthorpe.
Also with two games to go, Messingham need just three points to take the Championship North title while Market Deeping are 12 away from winning Championship South.
Outcasts need 16 points to secure top place in Division One North while in Division One South with three games to go, there is still all to play for with Long Sutton, Freiston and Billingborough challenging for the title.
Appleby Frodingham seconds are assured of the Division Two North title but Orton Park seconds and Royal Boston continue to fight it out for Division Two South honours.
Brigg Town and Messingham seconds are still contenders in Division Three North and Alford seconds and Nettleham thirds battle it out in Division Three Central while Uffington have taken the Division Three South title.