Minor Counties Cricket: Cambs hold small advantage

Cambs take a 54-run lead into the final day (June 23) of their Minor Counties Championship clash with Bucks at Wisbech.

It was a long day in the field for Cambs yesterday (June 21) as the visitors to Harecroft Road amassed 382-8 in the 90 overs allowed in their first innings. Wisbech seamer Sam Rippington (4-123) was the most successful Cambs bowler, while skipper Paul McMahon took 2-91 from 45 overs. Joe Dawborn of Peterborough Town and Ramsey’s Michael Cafferkey both claimed one wicket from economical spells.

Bucks healthy score was still 45 runs short of Cambs’ 427-8, a lead they had extended to 54 runs for the loss of opener Ben Howgego by the close.

Peterborough Town’s Asim Butt is at the crease on seven after scoring 123 in the first innings. Ben Bryant of Ketton Lions cracked an unbeaten 101 on his debut. Bryant stroked 14 fours in a classy knock.

Butt hit 18 fours and a six in his first innings as Cambs took full advantage of an excellent batting track.

Butt’s only previous Minor Counties ton also arrived against Bucks last season.

Howgego (71) also batted well, while Ramsey’s Michael Cafferkey struck 29 from 26 balls. Nassington’s Dan Robinson (4) missed out.

Scores: Cambs 427-8 (A. Butt 123, B. Bryant 101no, B. Howgego 71, P. Richer 49, M. Cafferkey 29) & 9-1, Bucks 382-8 (C. Macdonell 99, M. Payne 83, D. Hampton 83).