Cambridgeshire and Devon shared in a record-breaking day of Minor Counties
cricket.
Openers Simon Kellett (127 not out) and Nigel Gadsby (76 not out) put
together a new record opening stand of 241 for Cambridgeshire against Suffolk
at Saffron Walden, eclipsing the previous best of 229 between Gadsby and
Richard Merriman against Cumberland in 1992.
Suffolk replied with 200 for four, and the two Cambridgeshire openers ended a
prosperous day on 47 without loss off 11 overs in the second innings.
Cheshire were on the wrong end of a blistering partnership by Devon at Bovey
Tracey. Centurions Bobby Dawson (151) and Nick Folland (110) compiled a new
Devon record second-wicket stand of 243 as Devon racked up a huge first
innings total of 372 for five off 58 overs. It beat the 214 that Folland and
Gareth Townsend had scored against Wiltshire three years ago, and Folland's
110 was the 20th championship century of his career.
A dispirited Cheshire were bowled out for just 106 in 53 overs. They were 38
for five at one stage but Chris Hall hit 29 and No.10 Charlie Lamb made 16 to
allow them to limp into three figures. Devon enforced the follow-on and
Cheshire closed still 250 runs in arrears on 16 without loss in their second
innings.
Staffordshire's Minor Counties clash with Buckinghamshire was swallowed up by
the weather at Cannock. Day two was washed out without a ball bowled, with
the decision to abandon the game as a draw taken at 4.20pm.
Minor Counties Championship
Cannock: Bucks 206-6 & 12-0 Staffs 181-4. No play yesterday. Drawn. Staffs 4 Bucks 2
Saffron Walden: Cambs 241-0 (SA Kellett 127 not, NT Gadsby 76 not) & 47-0 Suffolk 200-4 (RJ Catley 52)
Bovey Tracey: Devon 372-5 (RI Dawson 151, NA Folland 110) Cheshire 106 & following on 16-0
Cannock: Bucks 206-6 & 12-0 Staffs 181-4. No play yesterday. Drawn. Staffs 4 Bucks 2
Saffron Walden: Cambs 241-0 (SA Kellett 127 not, NT Gadsby 76 not) & 47-0 Suffolk 200-4 (RJ Catley 52)
Bovey Tracey: Devon 372-5 (RI Dawson 151, NA Folland 110) Cheshire 106 & following on 16-0