Cheshire held to draw

Former Derbyshire batsman Ben Spendlove made 70 for Cheshire © David Bailey

Cheshire took 11 points after drawing with Western Division rivals Devon at Exmouth.

The hosts recovered from 62 for three at tea in their pursuit of 317 to win from a minimum of 56 overs to close the game on 150 for three.

Former Derbyshire pair Nathan Dumelow and Ben Spendlove were the stars of the final day for table-topping Cheshire, who have now won two and drawn two of their four games.

They resumed yesterday with the bat, putting on 65 for the fifth wicket before Dumelow was out for 39 with the score at 146 for five.

Spendlove continued however to post 70, reaching his half-century off 128 balls.

Trevor Anning was the pick of the Devon bowlers, claiming 3-54 from his 25 overs as skipper Andy Hall declared Cheshire’s second innings four overs after lunch on 266-6.

From that point on there was only ever going to be one side who could win the game – and Cheshire had a chance to do just that when Devon’s top order crumbled.

Tom Young, Dumelow and Jason Whittaker all claimed a wicket courtesy of lbw shouts, but the hosts batted out to claim nine points.

Cheshire team manager Sandy Scrimgeour admitted that his side had been involved in a “difficult game”.

And while he knew that Shropshire, who began the game in joint second spot 18 points behind, had lost, he was waiting on the other results.

The Scot added: “We will still be top, but by how many points we just don’t know at this stage.”