The game was turned on it's head by the visitors' Australian player, who bludgeoned 97 runs in only a dozen overs and almost won the game single-handed.

Up to this point Horncastle were on top, bowling economically and building pressure on the batsmen and even after the onslaught had been brought to an end, they made the visitors wait until the 48th over to claim their victory.

But the home side were left rueing a missed run out chance before Aussie Daniel Odd had even got off the mark.

Earlier a solid team effort had produced a competitive total of 209 for 8 from their 50 overs but even this proved insufficient on what was a very flat batting track.

Luke Smith top scored with 44, batting well with Pubbs Chandrasekara (33) and Mick Devereux (40) and Richard Dixon (27 not out) put on a hard hitting 69 for the eighth wicket to take the total past 200 and claim maximum batting bonus points.

In the field, Pete Jackson was once again the pick of the bowlers, picking up another three wickets, whilst Devereux and Smith bowled well in tandem at the start of the innings.

The fielding was generally good, especially in the case of Harry Smith and Will Greaves but, after the run out opportunity, Town had no answer to the huge hitting Odd and by the time he was dismissed, the damage was done and the visitors gradually knocked off the remaining runs.

Horncastle gain seven points for a decent performance and this week travel to Broughton, who were promoted with them last season.