MARKET RASEN showed their ambition to claim their first McKinnells League Premier Division title for a long time with a 185-run win over relegation threatened Hykeham.

Dale Christie hit 68 not out in Rasen's total of 270 for seven and then the visitors' bowlers knocked the home side out for 85 with Gary Beirlein taking four for 31 and Matt Rutherford three for nine.

This total of less than three figures was one of 13 on the day. Rasen, with one game left against Lindum, are just 10 points away from being caught.

Second-placed Cherry Willingham had a convincing win over old adversaries, Nettleham. Cherry skipper Joe Dobson picked up his first five-wicket haul, with five for 19 as Nettleham were bowled out for the day's second lowest total of 59.

Still hanging in there, with the best hope of the runners-up spot, are reigning champions Boston. They picked up an easy nine-wicket victory at Hartsholme, after bowling the home side out for 99. Jonathan Cheer took his personal run tally to over 700 in 12 innings, with 53 not out.

One place behind Boston come Lindum, who beat Morton by 40 runs with Karanjit Bansal making 57

North Scarle's relegation fears deepened when they fell to a five-wicket defeat at Scothern.

In Division One, Martin became champions in emphatic fashion by beating second-placed Saxilby by 165 runs.

Martin made a solid 222 for four when batting first, including a third century of the season from Steve Scott (117) who shared a second-wicket stand of 115 with Tom Harrison (33).

Then when Saxilby batted they totally fell apart. From being 26 for five at one point they slumped to their lowest score of the season to notch up just 57 and lose by 165 runs.

Third-placed Heckington, failed to take advantage of Saxilby's demise and grab the second promotion place, as they suffered a one-wicket defeat on Lincoln's West Common against the in-form Carholme.

The home side went into the game on the back of five straight wins and had their early season form been its equal they too would have been promotion candidates instead of being in a mid-table position.

In this game, Heckington were only able to post a total of 92, their second lowest score of the season. Carholme in reply, had to battle to the very end, before winning by just one wicket.

Boston managed a close seven-run victory over Middle Rasen while Blankney have relegated Old Lincolnians as they beat them by 17 runs.

Relegated side Waddington suffered a harsh 261 run defeat at home to Bracebridge Heath.

In Division Two, the title race is now looking to be between Owmby and Caythorpe.

Leaders Owmby made their long trip to Fulbeck and picked up an easy 10 wicket victory.

Third placed Caythorpe also had an easy 86-run victory on their short trip to Winthorpe. This defeat leaves Winthorpe stuck to the bottom of the league as relegation favourites as Caythorpe moved back into second place above an inactive Lindum 2nds.

One place lower in the table, in fourth place, are Branston who beat Bassingham by 58 runs.

Washingborough, meanwhile, beat Waddington by 261 runs.

In Division Three, Aswarby beat Horncastle by four wickets, while Bardney beat Hykeham by 114 runs.

Hougham & Marston lost by 10 wickets to Reepham while Nocton lost out to Cherry Willingham by two wickets.

Finally, Millers beat Aisthorpe by 160 runs.