Lincs take Eastern Division title

Lincolnshire were crowned Minor Counties Eastern Division champions after securing a draw against Bedfordshire.

The seven points that Lincolnshire required to guarantee the title were collected despite the second day being washed out at Wardown Park in Luton.

It was the second successive season in which Bedfordshire’s opponents in their final championship game have been crowned champions, Northumberland having achieved the feat last year.

Lincolnshire posted 308 in their first innings to secure three batting points, before bowling Bedfordshire out for 101 to collect four bowling points.

The visitors, forced to follow on, reached 25 for one in their second innings on a rain-interrupted final day, by which time Lincolnshire knew they had done enough.

They face Western Division champions Berkshire in the final from September 7-10.