Lutterworth close the gap

Lutterworth opened up the Leicestershire and Rutland Premier League title race after a superb 13-run win against Kibworth.

Craig Wilson (39) and captain Ollie Pickering (36) top-scored as Lutterworth put 189-9 on the board. Kibworth spin trio Russell Spiers (10-4-18-0), Darren Shaw (6-0-22-2) and Aadil Ali (9-1-44-2) put the brakes on throughout the innings.

Lutterworth claimed the key wickets of Matt Craven and Ali, and although Sunny Patel scored 67 and there was a last-wicket stand worth 23, Kibworth were bowled out for 176 with 4.1 overs to go.

The result moves Lutterworth into second place, six points behind Kibworth, while Sileby moved up into third as Barrow Town lost at Rothley Park.

Hamzah Khan scored 68 as Rothley posted 243 and Ali Azmat (5-16) and Charles Dagnall (3-38) did the damage as Barrow were bowled out for 183.

Sileby Town were denied victory but collected 20 points from a winning draw against Market Harborough to move up to third. The home side posted 264-8 thanks in large to 83 from opener Luke Gale.

Harborough closed on 214-9 as Fin Clarke made a half-century and Kevin Innes (48) and Max Collins (47*) getting close to landmarks. Collins, along with brother Ben, batted out the final seven overs to secure ten points.

In-form Loughborough Town are up to fifth after amassing 341-8 in their home match against Leicester Ivanhoe.

Shyam Patel (94) and Ronaka Ahangamage (84) were in good form and off-spinner Nil Patel claimed a four-wicket haul as Ivanhoe were bowled out for 210. Matt Twigg scored 48 and Leicestershire Academy player Alex Kent (43) played well for Ivanhoe.

Former Leicestershire Academy player Ram Ghuman hit a terrific 126 as Syston claimed a winning draw against Thorpe Arnold. Syston scored 286-9 before Thorpe replied with 219-9.

Hinckley Town/CCA collected maximum points after winning at Kegworth. Ben Coddington (73) and Will Hunt (58*) were in good form as the visitors made 235-8 and Kegworth were bowled out for 138 as Sukhvir Singh claimed 4-21.