BRACEBRIDGE HEATH are all but out of the ECB Premier League title race having lost by five wickets to league leaders Bourne on Saturday.

The reigning champions were put into bat by Bourne on what was a damp wicket and performed poorly – being bowled out for just 107 runs in 21.1 overs.

Bourne's bowling attack consisted of just two men, but both were in inspired form with Fahad Masood finishing with figures of four for 46 and Charlie Hopkins on six for 59.

Stuart Airey top-scored for Heath with 22, and he admitted that a reckless attitude from the Heath batting order and the superb bowling of Masood resulted in Bracebridge's downfall.

"They were the better team on the day, but in truth we batted poorly. You could say the pitch may have suited the bowlers but we may have played too many reckless shots," said Airey.

"Everyone struggled on the day. We haven't been valuing our wickets highly enough this season, although we like to bat in an attacking manner.

"Their overseas player, (Fahad) Masood, bowled very well and put the ball in good areas.

"He's played at a high level and is able to cause everyone in this league problems. The wicket was slow so I wouldn't necessarily say it was his pace that was problematic, more the areas of his deliveries."

Ultimately Bourne met the Bracebridge total with five wickets to spare, emerging victorious with a total of 111 for five.

However, Airey believes it is the poor performances from the team throughout the season that have counted against Bracebridge this season, rather than the loss against their nearest rivals.

And he suggested that perhaps Lincolnshire's run to the Minor Counties Championship final is evidence of the poor form at Cross O' Cliff Court.

"Of course it's very disappointing to have lost out on Saturday, but I would think the table is down to more than just Saturday's match," said Airey.

"There have been a number of matches we should've won but have under-performed – they're the games that have decided our fate.

"This season we have lost six matches, whereas in the past when we have won the league we have lost only one.

"If we knew what had been the cause of our poor form this season then obviously we would've put it right.

"It's a shame but it just seems some of the lads have played better for county than they have for the club."

Following the result, Bracebridge have faded to third in the table and Bourne now sit 9.06 percentage points ahead of Sleaford, after their win over Louth.

Airey admits Bracebridge are well out of the running and thinks it would be a brave man to bet against Bourne now.

"I'd be very surprised if Bourne lost it (title) now. Sleaford have got the slimmest of chances, but they will have to inflict a heavy defeat on Bourne on the last day to stand a chance," said Airey.

"I don't think we have any chance now, but we'll continue to try to put in some good performances."