Rain washes out hope of first Lincs triumph
After the second day's play had been washed out, hosts Cumberland declared on their overnight score of 88 for nine and the Imp County were building an imposing lead when the rain began to fall.
Half-centuries from Martyn Dobson (59) and Vikram Atri (57) had helped Lincolnshire to 158 for two, a total on which they declared – but no further play was possible, as the rain continued in Carlisle.
"It was really disappointing, to be honest, because we have played really well," said Lincolnshire's director of cricket Mark Fell.
"We batted well and although we posted a low total on the first day, 152, the fact that Cumberland were 88 for nine shows that on this wicket we coped better."
However, Fell is drawing the positives from a frustrating match, stressing that he feels the side have developed with each match this season as new skipper Oliver Burford – the former Grimsby Town CC man – grows into the role.
"We have got better in most games now and we certainly played pretty well in the last one against Cambridgeshire," said Fell.
"In this match we have been pretty consistent and yesterday morning I felt our batsmen were in good form, building a decent lead.
"It is frustrating not to be able to complete this game but we have to happy overall."
The Imp County's final three-day game of the season is away against Suffolk, beginning on August 23 at Bury St Edmunds.
"What we're looking for, hopefully is a win," said Fell.
"I feel we can get a good result there if we really work hard and apply ourselves. We are improving all the time."
Comment on this story