CLEETHORPES 2nds and South Kelsey fought out an exciting tie in the lower reaches of the Lincolnshire County Cricket League premier division.

Both teams scored 187 runs in a rain-affected clash, home side Kelsey being all-out while the visiting Meggies were seven down.

Alkborough climbed two places to third with a 71-run win at Scunthorpe Town.

Leaders Messingham were without a fixture, while the teams beginning the day in second and third spots – Barton Town and Caistor – saw their important clash truncated by rain, taking 10 points apiece.

Conditions were even worse at Horncastle, where bottom side Appleby-Frodingham 2nds had contained their hosts to 41 for three when rain caused the game to be abandoned.

Performance of the day in division one came from third-placed Broughton, who inflicted a 10-wicket defeat on Cleethorpes 3rds.

Also in the relegation zone, Nettleham 2nds were 29 for two in their local derby with Scothern when rain halted proceedings.

Louth 2nds inched to a four-wicket win over Holton-le-Clay, but Hykeham's home game with Outcasts was washed out not long after tea when interestingly poised.

Division two leaders Messingham 2nds had to rely on their last pair to squeeze a one-wicket win against bottom side Outcasts 2nds, while Grimsby Town 2nds moved up to second place following a comfortable eight-wicket victory against Owmby.

Caistor 2nds continued their late push for promotion with a 42-run success against lowly Cleethorpes 4ths, while Haxey 2nds stayed clear of the relegation zone with a five-wicket win at Alkborough 2nds.

In division three, leaders Keelby took 11 points from a rain-affected game at Washingborough.

Meanwhile, second-in-the-table Stamford Homes grabbed a maximum haul from their trip to Barton Town 2nds, as did third-placed Hibaldstow against Immingham Blossom Way.

Cherry Willingham 2nds climbed out of the relegation zone at the expense of Broughton 2nds, whom they skittled out for 55 to win by seven wickets.

However, bottom side Holton-le-Clay 2nds had five points deduced for forfeiting their scheduled game with Scunthorpe Town 2nds.

Rain ensured there was very little change at the top of division four.

Leaders South Kelsey 2nds saw their game with Market Rasen 2nds abandoned early on – and it was the same story when third-placed Alford 2nds hosted fourth-placed Caistor 3rds.

In the only basement section matches played to a finish, Keelby 2nds beat Hykeham 2nds by 40 runs and Morton won by five wickets away to bottom team Brigg Town.