After winning the toss, Sleaford elected to field, with their attack spearheaded by young opening bowlers Miles and Burrows.

Sixteen-year-old Burrows bowled very well again in only his third game for the first team and ended with pleasing figures of 3-32 off nine overs. He and Miles (1-47 off 16 overs) restricted the run rate and, with the experienced Steve Bradford picking off three batsmen with his spin and guile, Sleaford put themselves in a good position.

Market Deeping went on to make 186 for 8 off their reduced 48 overs but had Sleaford not been let down by their fielding, with at least three catches put down, that figure could have been significantly lower.

Tom Andrew was one of the batsmen to benefit from the missed chances and he went on to top score with 59 before falling victim to Bradford. Market Deeping opener Morgan made a useful 38.

When openers Tomlin and Smith gave Sleaford a wonderful start to their innings, putting on 48 for the first wicket, victory looked a distinct possibility. However, once again the Seaford middle order collapsed.

After Smith was dismissed for 23, Tomlin looked set for a well-deserved half century only to fall one run short on 49.
But the rest of the Sleaford batsmen went cheaply until the lower order showed some defiance, with Edwardson hitting a quick-fire 35. At the end of their 48 overs Sleaford had made 164-8, 22 runs short of the Market Deeping total.
Sharp was the pick of the Deeping attack, returning figures of 4-5 off 16 overs.

Readers Lincolnshire ECB Premier League

ECB Premier League leaders Bracebridge Heath and Woodhall Spa were denied the chance to continue their battle for top spot when their games at Nettleham and Caistor respectively were rained off.

However, the remaining four Premier League matches were all completed following a reduction of overs, with Grimsby benefiting most with a move up to fourth place after a six-wicket victory at Haxey.

Lower down the table, Danny Rands was the architect of Messingham's victory, taking five for 46 as visitors Louth reached 175-8 off 42 overs. Jason Scheepers then finished unbeaten on 61 to take the home side to a five wicket win.
Lindum increased the gap over the three teams below them, including Sleaford, by beating Bourne at St Giles Avenue in a match reduced to a total of 88 overs.

Chris Bamber hit 66 for Bourne in their 152 for seven, while, for Lindum, Karanjit Bansal claimed five for 28. An unbeaten 52 from Alex Hornsby then saw the home side to a five wicket victory.