LINCOLNSHIRE maintained their challenge for the Eastern Division title with a convincing victory by 150 runs over defending champions Cumberland at Grantham.

An outstanding display by former Notts all rounder Adam Tillcock, 22, highlighted the Lincs performance as he smashed his third Championship century of the season with a classy 165 that included 15 fours and seven sixes.

Tillcock combined with Yorkshire Seconds opener Jonathan Tattersall who made a patient four-hour 87 to help his side post a commanding first innings total of 381 for 7 in 90 overs.

Cumberland rued the absence of Toby Bulcock, missing his first game for the county since his debut in 2011 though Adam Syddall deserved better fortune than indicated by his figures of two for 82 and Penrith all-rounder Greg Hall, 20, took three for 64 on a promising debut that included the wickets of both Tattersall and Tillcock.

Only opener Josh Tolley showed sufficient application in Cumberland's reply as they were bowled out for 226, 155 behind, but Lincs captain David Lucas elected not to enforce the follow-on.

Tolley made a classy 85 off 158 balls with eleven fours, sharing a first-wicket stand of 78 with Will Hale.

But when he was third out, stumped off spinner Louis Kimber, Cumberland lost their last eight wickets for 75 runs despite Hall making 30 off 40 balls coming in at number nine.

Tattersall took four for 28 with his off-spin to put his side in control of the game. Tillcock, one of the classiest and most destructive batsmen Cumberland have encountered in recent years, hit 69 off 94 balls to help Lucas set up a challenging declaration.

Kimber (51) and Conrad Louth (42) also made valuable contributions as Syddall again bowled well and without much good fortune to take three for 75. Set 345 to win Tolley again provided the main resistance with a composed innings of 60 off 83 balls before he was caught behind off Tillcock, who is also a capable slow left arm spinner.

Despite 38 from skipper Pratt and a defiant 22 from Hall, Cumberland were dismissed in the murky drizzle just before the start of the last hour with Tillcock completing a fine all-round performance with four for 62.

It was only Cumberland's second Championship defeat in their last 18 games. Cumberland play their final three-day game of the season against Norfolk at Sedbergh School commencing on Sunday August 14 (11am).

Result: Lincolnshire 381 for 7 dec (AD Tillcock 165, JA Tattersall 87) and 189 for 5 dec (AD Tillcock 69, LPJ Kimber 51); Cumberland 226 (JR Tolley 85, JA Tattersall 4-28) and 194 (JR Tolley 60, AD Tillcock 4-62). Lincolnshire won by 150 runs at 5-40pm on the third day. Lincolnshire 24pts, Cumberland 5pts.