The champions were superior in every department of the game and looked on course for another emphatic victory when they posted a huge score of 315 for two off their 50 overs.

Having won the toss, Sleaford put their hosts into bat and then had to toil in the field as the Bracebridge batsmen showed their class and ruthlessly set about the visitors' attack.

Mark Fell was one of only two batsmen to fall, but the free-scoring opener had 74 to his name before he was bowled by Sleaford spinner Steve Bradford.

Peter Morgan and Jason Vero continued to smack the ball all over the ground, with Morgan eventually falling to a catch by Cossins off the bowling of Bradford for 127, while Vero remained undefeated on 108.

On a torrid day for the Sleaford attack, Bradford (2-71) was the pick of their bowlers.

From the moment opener Richard Tomlin was returned to the pavilion for two, Sleaford's reply never gained any momentum.

The required run rate was always going to be beyond them, so the Sleaford batsmen dug in to deny Bracebridge the victory.

With solid contributions from Cossins (35) and Bradford (31 not out), they slowly made their way to 139-8 off their 50 overs to pick up two points.

For Bracebridge, former Sleaford player Airey (2-40) and Houston (2-36) were the most successful bowlers.

lDespite being held to a draw by Sleaford, Bracebridge Heath opened up the gap at the top of the Lincolnshire ECB Premier League after closest rivals Woodhall Spa failed to capitalise on their rivals' dropped points by going down to Nettleham.

Woodhall looked to be in an excellent position after bowling out Nettleham for 148 at Jubilee Park. But Woodhall too lost early wickets and never recovered, slumping to an all out total of 124.

Results: Louth 248-4 (Shiroman 122, Roberts 65), Caistor 130; Lindum 279-7 (Bansal 50, Rutherford 56, Morley-Barnes 56), Market Deeping 100; Messingham 108 (Brown 7-24), Grimsby 107; Nettleham 148, Woodhall Spa 124; Bracebridge Heath 315-2 (Morgan 127, Vero 108no, Fell 74), Sleaford 139-8; Haxey 166 (Wraith 55, Spinks 5-23), Bourne 167-1 (Bamber 64, Stroud 60no)