Lincolnshire failed to take the last two wickets which would have completed victory over Buckinghamshire at Grantham after making the visitors follow on. Chasing Lincs' first innings score of 373 for seven – in which Richard Howitt was unbeaten on 153 – Bucks were bowled out for 165 and finished the second day on 41 for two in their second innings.

Looking for early wickets on the morning of the third day, the Lincs bowlers were defied by Locke and Atkins who both hit half centuries and took the score to 145 for two at lunch.

But in the second session, the introduction of Howitt to the attack brought immediate success with three wickets falling to the part-time bowler for just 11 runs.

Bucks again dug in, Batty and Ward – playing in his first Minor Counties game – adding 71 before Howitt stuck again to dismiss Batty for 39. Two wickets for David Pipes brought hopes of a Lincs victory but Ward went on to make 63 not out and help Bucks to 298 for eight at the close of the match, giving the home side 12 points and the visitors seven.

Howitt finished with four for 60 off 26 overs while Pipes took three for 73 off 18.

© Lincolnshire CCC