Spalding Town were handed the narrowest of defeats by Louth in the Lincs ECB Premier Division on Saturday as they slipped deeper into the relegation mire.
Having won the toss at London Road, rock-bottom Town were bowled out for 129 in 44.1 overs.
A fine 53 from Warren Nel, which included nine fours, plus a 24 from Jon Miles and a valuable ten from Scott McPherson ensured that Spalding at least set a three-figure target.
Tom Cuthbert (4-15) was the pick of the Louth bowlers – with Nel and Miles among his victims.
However, Town’s tally still proved to be competitive.
That’s because Miles (6-20) ripped through their top order, reducing the hosts to 34-5 with the wickets of John Medler (0), Russell Pitchers (3), Laurence Scott (9), Seb Darke (11) and Zeeshan Ahmed (0) – with the first four clean bowled.
Matt Hamilton (38) and Graham West (29) steered Louth towards their target, however.
Despite Faisal Javed (2-32) taking further wickets, Andy Carrington (21 not out) and Tom Ryder (6 not out) put on 23 for the final wicket to break Spalding hearts and seal a one-wicket win.
Town, who are now 46 points from safety, host Bourne on Saturday (noon).
- Long Sutton moved further clear at the top of South Lincs and Border League Division One after a big 110-run win over hosts Timberlands on Saturday.
Sutton, who were put into bat, cracked 205-8 from their 45 overs with Aaron John (59) and Barry Stanway (51 not out) both scoring half-centuries.
Stanway’s was a powerful knock as he launched a late 21-ball onslaught at the end of the innings.
In reply, Steven Milnes (5-10) was on sensational form and removed all of the top five.
Stanway (1-16), Rob Simpson (2-32) and even skipper Phil Barnes (1-3) also got in on the act to limit Timberlands to 95-9.
Also in Division One, Moulton Harrox collapsed to a nine-wicket loss against Baston.
Harrox were bowled out for just 50, with Clive Bayston (16) top scoring.
In Division Two, leaders Grave Park clubbed a colossal 333-4 against Pinchbeck.
Danny Jackson made 60 in Pinchbeck’s reply of 143 all out.
