The McKinnells League title races continue to hot up as the final two months of the season approach.

The Premier Division, Division One and Division Three are very much as you were, but Division Two has new leaders.

Premier League leaders Cherry Willingham were taken to the closest finish of the day on their trip to Morton, who had not won since May.

Cherry totalled 212 for five with Scott Coupland scoring 81 and Will Carter a classy 59. Then Andy West hit 59 and Chris Needham 53 as Morton got to within three runs of their target before being bowled out.

It was much easier for second-placed Market Rasen, who entertained bottom side North Scarle and won by 10 wickets when set a target of only 85 to chase.

The highest aggregate score was seen at Hartsholme, who took on Nettleham.

Hartsholme bludgeoned their way to an impressive 266 for five with Nathan Poundall (51) and Matt Wooldridge (71) sharing an opening stand of 110. Nick Wilkinson then added 91 not out.

Nettleham also saw a good opening stand as Dave Hutchinson (78) and Craig Cosgrove (31) put on 98. Although Glenn Mitchell weighed in with 29, the momentum went from the innings and it closed at 197 for six, still 69 runs short. Gary Sutton collected four for 26 for Hartsholme, who picked up their first double of the season.

In Division One, Martin look on course to make a swift return to the top flight as they did the double over Old Lincolnians, by nine wickets.

There was a surprise result at Carholme, where third-placed Boston 2nds were unable to live with the home bowling attack and were all out for 63. Steve Peace took two for 14, Sam Toofany three for 10, Ian Sowerby three for 22 and Don Inkpen two for 14.

Peace then completed a satisfying day with an unbeaten 44 as Carholme cruised to a nine-wicket victory inside 17 overs.

RESULTS

Premier League

Market Rasen 86-0, North Scarle 85. Rasen (20 pts) beat North Scarle by 10 wkts.

Hartsholme 266-5 (N. Wilkinson 91*, M. Wooldridge 71, N. Poundall 51), Nettleham 1st 197-6 (D. Hutchinson 78). Hartsholme (20 pts) beat Nettleham (7 pts) by 69 runs.

Morton 209 (A. West 59, C. Needham 53), Cherry Willingham 1st 212-5 (S. Coupland 81, W. Carter 59). Cherry (20 pts) beat Morton (7 pts) by 3 runs.

Scothern 155-9, Boston 1st 197-8. Boston (20 pts) beat Scothern (6 pts) by 42 runs.

Division One

BBH (10 pts), Middle Rasen (10 pts deducted – unable to raise side for second time).

Martin 143-1 (A. Wilson 76*), Old Lincolnians 142-4. Martin (20 pts) beat Lincolnians (3 pts) by 9 wkts.

Carholme 65-1, Boston 2nd 63. Carholme (20 pts) beat Boston (0 pts) by 9 wkts.

Division Two

Washingborough 180-7, Branston 172 (J. Stephenson 59*). Washingborough (20 pts) beat Branston (7 pts) by 8 runs.

Lindum 2nd 173 (C. Tomlinson 74), Heighington 177-4 (B. Nicholson 78). Heighington (20 pts) beat Lindum (5 pts) by 6 wkts

Nettleham 137-9, Bassingham 104. Nettleham (20 pts) beat Bassingham (5 pts) by 33 runs.

Fulbeck 94, Caythorpe 222-6 (L. Endley 103*). Caythorpe (20 pts) beat Fulbeck (2 pts) by 128 runs.

Division Three

Hykeham 2nds (J. Taylor 90*), 143-3 Rustons 139-7 (M. Noble 55). Hykeham (20 pts) beat Rustons (3 pts) by 7 wkts.

Hougham & Marston 48, Millers 49-1. Millers (20 pts) beat Hougham & Marston (0 pts) by 9 wkts.

Horncastle (20 pts) Bardney (unable to raise side).

Aisthorpe 192 (K. Chennuri 54), Reepham 194-4 (A. Housam 83. Reepham (20 pts) beat Aisthorpe (6 pts) by 6 wkts.

Nocton 79 (S. Pemberton 5-11), Aswarby 216-8 (B. Bulmer 81). Aswarby (20 pts) beat Nocton (3 pts) by 137 runs.