MARK FELL has backed his Lincolnshire squad to be battling for honours again next season.

The Imp County suffered disappointment again in a showpiece final yesterday losing to Dorset by 135 runs on the fourth and final day of the Minor Counties Championship final at Dean Park, in Bournemouth.

That defeat followed the loss to Shropshire in the Minor Counties Knockout final last month.

Yesterday was a sad end to a hugely promising season, with Lincs playing very well in both forms of the game.

After losing out to Berkshire in the Championship final in 2008, Lincs suffered a poor campaign last year, finishing bottom of the Eastern Division.

But Lincs director of cricket Fell does not expect history to repeat itself next season, backing his side to be up around the top of the table again.

"I think we've got the makings of a really good squad," said Fell, whose side won four out of six matches to win the Eastern Division Pennant.

"We've got a good nucleus of a squad and there is no reason why we won't be going for honours again next year.

"We have blooded a few 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds this season which is good experience for them and will be good for when they come into the side.

"It has been an outstanding season. People must not forget that.

"To get to finals is still a major achievement. It is just unfortunate we have lost in both of them.

"We batted very poorly yesterday, but that doesn't take away how well we have done this season. To be Eastern Division champions is still pretty good."

Lincs began the day on six without loss, needing to match their first innings total of 254 for victory. But they found themselves at 113 for eight at lunch, with only Liam Andrews making a significant contribution scoring 35.

The game was then wrapped up 20 minutes after lunch, with left-arm spinner Jack Leach ending with six wickets for 21 and off-spinner Glyn Treagus bagging two for 10.

"For some reason yesterday morning the wheels came off when we were batting. Up to then it had been a very even contest," said Fell.

"Their spinners bowled very well, although on the fourth day you expect it to turn.

"It was just disappointing the way our top order got out and that is what cost us the game. You need a few of the top order to come through but they did not do it."