Norfolk were brought crashing down to earth with an almighty bump after a bright start to the season when they suffered one of the heaviest one-day defeats in their history.

Having won their opening two games in the Unicorns Minor Counties Knock-out Trophy, Ashley Watson's men knew a win against Lincolnshire at Bracebridge Heath yesterday would all but guarantee a place in quarter-finals.

But the game was anything but the memorable occasion they had hoped for, with the hosts piling up 381-3 in their 50 overs before bowling out a shell-shocked visiting side for just 134 to complete a thumping 237-run success.

Having appeared to be in pole position in their group, Norfolk now need to beat Cumberland at Netherfield next Sunday to progress – and they will certainly need to play a lot better than they did yesterday if they are to reach the knock-out stages.

Lincolnshire lost opener Louis Kimber for just 17 after being put into bat – but from then on it was plain sailing against a Norfolk attack who all conceded runs at more than seven an over.

Jonny Tattersall was joined by Matt Lineker and the pair quickly went on the front foot to add 164 for the second wicket in under 30 overs.

Tattersall eventually went for 107, caught by Jordan Taylor off the bowling of James Hale, but there was no respite for the visitors, with Dan Freeman then helping Lineker to add a further 133.

The new man played second fiddle as the former Derbyshire batsman added a further 95 to his total before being bowled by new pro' Rob Taylor for a brilliant 153 that came off just 113 balls and included 10 fours and no fewer than 11 sixes.

Freeman (48 not out) and Adam Tillcock (29 not out) maintained the momentum to the very end as Lincolnshire set a daunting target that was to prove well beyond Norfolk.

Opener Sam Athurton batted well to make 56 in 72 balls, but only three other visiting players reached double figures, with just one – Lewis Denmark – getting above 20, To be fair, wickets were always likely to tumble in the pursuit of quick runs but it was still a disappointing effort and the end came in just the 32nd over