WITH leaders Messingham not in action, second-placed Caistor Town closed the gap in the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division.

They earned a nine-wicket triumph at Horncastle.

Scunthorpe Town impressively chased down Cleethorpes 2nds' 246 to win by three wickets at Chichester Road – and South Kelsey posted the same total to defeat Appleby-Frodingham 2nds by 46 runs at Brumby Hall.

There was a tonic three-wicket away win for Bracebridge Heath 2nds at the expense of Haxey, while rain meant a truncated, north-of-the-county derby between Alkborough and Barton Town, honours being fairly even at West Halton Lane.

Division one championship hopefuls Cherry Willingham eased home by 30 runs over Louth 2nds. And although promotion-chasing Alford beat Cleethorpes 3rds they had to be content with 14 points, rather than the full 20.

At the other end of the table, Hykeham took the eye by cracking 235 to win by seven wickets at Outcasts, while Scothern eased their relegation concerns with a handy three-wicket defeat of Holton-le-Clay.

In Division two, Market Rasen skittled Owmby for the day's lowest total, 42, to secure a rapid win, and Caistor Town 2nds' improved form continued with a seven-wicket defeat of Cleethorpes 4ths.

Division three title-chasers Keelby lost their unbeaten record when suffering a two-wicket reverse at Hibaldstow, while close rivals Stamford Homes (Grimsby) took full advantage with maximum points from a three-wicket win at Scunthorpe Town 2nds.

Still in the leading group, Barton Town 2nds enjoyed a four-wicket home victory over Broughton 2nds, while Cherry Willingham 2nds improved their chances of avoiding the drop, beating Immingham Blossom Way by 16 runs.

Holton-le-Clay 2nds remain at the bottom following a 38-run reverse at the hands of Washingborough.

Division four promotion-chasers South Kelsey 2nds suffered a surprise 14-run defeat at home to lowly Scunthorpe Town 3rds, while rivals Old Lincolnians had to work hard for a very narrow success against Hykeham 2nds.

Market Rasen 2nds' steady improvement continued with a 125-run win over bottom-placed Brigg Town, while Keelby 2nds secured a welcome 27-run success against Morton.