Rare home defeat as Louth lose to Lindum seconds

Louth had edged out Nettleham in a close opening encounter the week before, but fell short against Lindum, despite a fine display from man of the match Henry Househam, who took five wickets and scored 56 runs.

Losing the toss Louth were invited to bowl.

Lake and Byrne opened the bowling once again and both made early breakthroughs for the second week running, Lake removing an opener first ball, with Byrne removing the stump on another batsman a few overs later, leaving Lindum 7-2.

Lindum steadied the ship with a partnership of 77 and on a good wicket and fast outfield the runs kept creeping up, despite relentless efforts from the Louth bowlers and fielders.

The introduction of leg spin from young Alfie West and Househam put Louth back on top and helped them grasp some foothold on the run rate, as well as taking wickets, West impressing again with 1-32.

But it was Househam's day with the ball, taking 5-33 and Lindum were bowled out in the last over for 205 - a challenging but obtainable target.

Louth's reply unfortunately stumbled early on. Despite Brown working hard to see off a good opening spell Lindum, wickets fell regularly and Louth were 30-3,40-4 and 50-5 and behind the game.

An impressive hard-working 69 partnership between Househam and G. West revived the home chase, West falling for 31 with Louth 118-6.

Jason Collinson and Househam progressed the score to 154 before Househam fell for a gutsy 56 - a great day for the youngster with bat and ball.

However, Louth couldn’t get over the line, but made a respectable 181 before being bowled out in the 48th over 24 runs short and losing at home in the league for only for the second time in three seasons.

Louth now have gap weekends before they travel to Messingham on 16th May but their second XI play at home (London Road Pavilion) on Saturday - 12.30pm start, bar open from 2pm.