CRICKET: Lincolnshire avenge last year's Knockout Trophy defeat

On winning the toss, Lincolnshire opted to bat first and made a quick start with openers Hassan Azad and Ross Carnelley quickly into their stride. Carnelley fell for 27 with the total on 65 and Jonny Tattersall quickly followed.

Thereafter, the Lincolnshire batsmen all recorded meaningful scores with Dan Freeman (32), Adam Tillcock (37), Dominic Brown (20), Matt Carter (27 not out) and Carl Wilson (16 not out) all ensuring that the runs kept flowing. The highlight of the innings was, however, that of opener Azad who was dismissed for a fine 78 off 82 balls.

Lincolnshire’s final total off 50 overs was a challenging 272-7 and the question now was whether their bowlers could be equally impressive. They were and with devastating effect.

Northumberland were soon on the back foot, losing two early wickets to David Lucas. All of Lincolnshire’s bowlers were in good early season form and quickly worked their way through the Northumberland batting line-up.

The visitors were eventually dismissed for 91 in 25.3 overs, leaving Lincolnshire victorious by 181 runs. For Lincolnshire, Alex Willerton was impressive taking 4-16 and was well supported by skipper David Lucas with 2-18 and Martin Weightman (3-30).

Lincolnshire next visit Norwich on Sunday, May 1, to face Norfolk in the second of their group stage fixtures.