Rain frustrates Northumberland

Phil Nicholson hit useful late runs for Northumberland as they forced a draw

Northumberland and Cambridgeshire had to settle for a draw in the Minor Counties Championship after the third day of a high scoring game was washed out.

Only 10 wickets fell in the first two days and a draw always seemed the most likely result.

After winning the toss and deciding to field, Cambridgeshire struck early when Allan Worthy was caught by Simon Kellett off Akhtar for 15.

Marc Symington moved up the order to number three from his usual number five spot but Paul Muchall was caught behind at the other end.

Brad Parker and Symington took the score onto 74 before Parker fell.

Symington and Adam Cragg (102) then seized the initiative for Northumberland with a stand of 182 before Symington was finally dismissed for 116.

Rob Fahrenheim, Mark Wood, Phil Nicholson and Jon Wightman all hit useful late runs as the Northumberland innings came to a close at 349 for seven after 90 overs.

Cambridgeshire began well with Mills and Clarke putting on 93 for the first wicket before Clarke fell lbw to Muchall for 52.

Captain Gary Freear formed a partnership with Mills to take the score to 212 before Freear was run-out.

But Mills continued to compile runs with the experienced Kellett and eventually completed his first century for his county.

Having gained maximum batting points, and with the score on 325 for two after 86.2 overs, Cambridgeshire declared.

Worthy and Muchall put on 43 for the first wicket in Northumberland’s second innings before Worthy fell for 26.

With light drizzle turning to heavy rain on the third morning umpires Tythcott and Joy abandoned play for the day at lunchtime.