Minor Counties Championship 2009

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Wales M C v Cornwall

Cornwall's cricketers came agonisingly close to clinching the Minor Counties Western Division title for the first time , despite their game in Wales being abandoned as a 'no result' due to a saturated ground on the third morning. Only four overs were played in the entire match. Having led the table for half the season Cornwall were denied at the death by Cheshire. They clinched a late afternoon victory over Shropshire by five wickets, with just a couple of hours to spare on a dramatic final day when a rain interruption threatened to hold them up. Had Shropshire managed to survive for just another hour or so or further rain had fallen the game would have drawn and Cornwall would have been champions.

In the other key game Berkshire mounted a splendid rearguard to score over 400. They batted out most of the day to draw with title chasing Oxfordshire. It means Cornwall have finished second in the West division for the first time and are left to reflect on how close they came to history

Day 3 updates

Congratulations Cheshire!

4pm Cheshire are champions after beating Shropshire by five wickets making 201-5. Berkshire went on to make 400 against Oxfordshire in a drawn game.

3 15pm Cheshire 142-3 after rain and seemingly closing in on the title.

1 45pm Events elsewhere today: Berkshire 263-6 RSP at 1pm lead of 191 over Oxon

Shropshire 178 all out, Cheshire needing 199 to win the title are 43-1 RSP at 1pm

2 draws and Cornwall would take the title

11am at Pontarddulais Heavy rain showers have left the ground waterlogged and play has been abandoned as a No Result. 6 points each

Cornwall's hopes of winning the title seem even more unlikely following news last night that play has been vitually uninterrupted in the other key games while only 4.2 overs have been bowled at Pontarddulais.

After the third day abandonment Cornwall have ended on 89pts

After two days Oxfordshire are in a winning position at Newbury against Berkshire. Berks 288 & 117-5, Oxon 360. Berks are therefore effectively 45-5. Should Oxon win they will move to 97 points..

In the other top of the table game Shropshire 299 & 90-4, Cheshire 279 after being143-7. Should Cheshire win they would move to 101 points and win the title. Should Shropshire win they move to 90 points and would need Oxon to draw or lose.

Day 2     5pm update

Overnight rain has left the surrounds very wet. Early lunch at 12 30pm followed by an inspection. Current conditions full cloud and no wind.. Another heavy shower - pitch & ends covers on. Not looking good and the forecast yesterday of sunshine hasn't materilaised.

2pm Sun has been shining for the last half hour. Covers off and groundstaff moping up wet areas. With play possible until 8pm some play might yet be possible if the weather continues to improve -but it is wet..

2 45 pm Weather improving sun, and some wind at last. Inspection at 3pm. If play is posible an early tea will be taken before play resumes

3pm Early tea at 4pm followed by a further inspection.

4pm Sun shining but bowlers run up a real problem.

4 30 Another shower, full covers on pitch, run ups and the square. Play for the day looking doubtful

4 40 Play abandoned for the day without a ball bowled

Because 4.2 overs were bowled yesterday a one innings match cannot be played.

Lunch score at Whitchurch Cheshire 117-5 v Shropshire Tea score 200-8

Overnight scores Berkshire 288 all out, Oxfordshire 61-0 off 23 Berks 3pts, Oxford 4pts

Shropshire 299 all out Cheshire 0-0 rsp Shrops 3pts Cheshire 4pts

Day 1

Toss Wales. Cornwall will bat

11 15am Raining at Pontarddulais and Sunday's forecast is not good.

11 55 Surprisingly play has commenced

12.10 Cornwall 13-0 off 4.2 overs. Rain stopped play (Robins 9no, Angove 4no)

13 30 Rain continues to come and go. Prospects for the day not good.

15 30 Play called off for the day..

Cornwall v Devon

Cornwall’s dream of winning a first ever title, in 106 years of trying, is still very much alive after an astonishing day’s cricket at Truro on Tuesday. Somehow, against all odds, the Duchy managed to pull off a spectacular win over old rivals Devon, with just two balls to spare. It keeps Cornwall at the top of the table and a victory in their final game should be enough to rewrite the history books. Tuesday’s success had something of a ‘Botham’s Ashes’ feel to it, such was the way the day turned in Cornwall’s favour. With the second day all but washed out, and Cornwall tottering on 67 for four in reply to Devon’s 222, the only hope of a positive result on the third morning seemed to be the setting up of a contrived run chase. Tom Sharp and Bobby Dawson were unable to come to a mutual agreement, with Dawson no doubt being aware that any generosity would be closely scrutinised by title hopefuls elsewhere in the country. Cornwall batted on for bonus points, with a tame draw looking odds on. At 113 for eight however it was Devon calling the shots. Gavin Edwards (47no) and Rob Harrison (31) had other ideas and added 87 for the ninth wicket in fine style, only 15 short of the 71 year old Cornish ninth wicket record. Cornwall’s deficit was 20 on first innings but with only around four hours remaining, and news that Cheshire had taken over at the top of the table with an emphatic 356 run win at Abergavenny, Cornwall’s title hopes were fading fast. In what proved to be a masterstroke Sharp elected to open the bowling with his own off spin, and to devastating effect. Seb Benton was lbw to Sharp’s first ball. Two balls later Rob Holman was caught at short leg and in his next over Bob Dawson was caught at slip to make it 2 for three. That became an unbelievable 19 for seven and the visitors still needed 11 to beat their all time low. The tail wagged however and with the final hour looming Matt Robins trapped Ian Bishop for 30 and Sharp picked up his sixth victim at a cost of 27 runs. Cornwall were left with 18 overs to get 94 to win. In hindsight the decision for seamer Bishop to bowl the opening over, ensuring that was the only one before the mandatory 17 overs in the last hour began, backfired somewhat as eleven runs came off it. The required rate was maintained but wickets kept falling to the spin of Chris Metters. Fifteen were needed off the last two overs and eight off the last. Keith Parsons hit a single then drama as Chris Hunkin clubbed a six over long on to tie the scores. Metters had him lbw next ball but Rob Harrison scrambled a leg bye to start the Cornish celebrations. Keith Parsons was undefeated on a vital 27. After a seventy minute delayed start on Sunday Devon made 222 all out at a pedestrian pace. It took them 88.2 overs with Rob Holman top scoring with 53. The grip on the scoring rate the Cornish bowlers had was highlighted with Sharp sending down 31 overs for just 46 runs and taking three wickets. Werrington, and former Bude player, Sam Hockin was drafted into the side at the eleventh hour to make his debut. His clubmate Alex Smeeth had to withdraw after sustaining an ankle injury on Saturday. Hockin took full advantage to take an encouraging four for 60 from sixteen overs. Cornwall lost three valuable wickets on Sunday evening in the 17 overs before the close, at just before 8pm due to bad light. Ian Bishop struck twice to remove openers Ben Smeeth and Matt Robins while Dan Davis was lbw to Trevor Anning. Only 13 overs of play were possible on the second day. Persistent drizzle cleared enough for a couple of starts to be planned only for the weather to close in again. Eventually play got underway at 5pm but only 52 minutes were possible in which time Cornwall lost Keith Parsons to end the day on 67 for 4. At tea on Sunday the Chairman Col Ronnie Potts presented county caps to Alex Smeeth and Dan Davis. Davis has made just five championship appearances in which he’s already hit a couple of centuries this season. So Cornwall are in the unique position of controlling their own destiny with one game to go. They play Wales M C at Pontarddulais , near Swansea, a week on Sunday. Cornwall have 83 points followed by Cheshire with 78, Oxfordshire 73 and Shropshire 67. Shropshire entertain Cheshire at Whitchurch with both sides having something to play for. Oxfordshire are at Newbury against Berkshire. The West Division champions are away to the Eastern champions in the County Championship four day final from 6-9 September.

As it happened:

Team News: Two changes from the side which lost to Oxfordshire. Ben Smeeth replaced Michael Munday and Werrington's Sam Hockin made his debut in place of injured clubmate Alex Smeeth, who pulled out on Saturday Night with an ankle injury.

Day 1 Delayed start until around 12.10pm due to rain

13 10 Drizzle stopped play Devon 46-0

14 00 Devon 46-1

16 55 Tea Devon 147-3 off 66 overs

Caps awarded to Dan Davis & Alex Smeeth

18 35 Devon 222 all out in the 89th over

(R J Holman 53, S R Benton 35, C M Mole 28; S C Hockin 4-60 on debut, K A Parsons 3-29, T G Sharp 3-46 from 31 overs),

19 53 Close (Bad Light) Cornwall 41-3 off 17 overs (Parsons 13no, Sharp 4no) Ben Smeeth, Dan Davis and Matt Robins dismissed.

Day 2 Delayed start due to overnight rain and drizzle. Play was due to commence at middday and 2.45pm but further drizzle just as play was about to start. Covers back on.

Play finally began at 17 00

17 52 Close Cornwall 67-4 off 30 overs (Parsons 17, Sharp 19no, Thomas 7no; Bishop 3-23)

Only 13 overs possible in the day in 52 minutes of play

Day 3

13 20 Lunch Cornwall 187-8

Cornwall batted on and are 187 for 8 at lunch after being 113 for 8. Gavin Edwards 34 not out and Rob Harrison 28 no after Tom Sharp had made 38.

Cheshire have gone to the top of the table having beaten Wales MC by 356 runs at Abergavenny.Cheshire 356-8d and 351-7 Wales MC 246 and 105

16 20 Tea Following an astonishing afternoon session Devon were 50 for 8 at tea in their second innings having at one stage been 0 for two, 5 for four and 19 for seven. Tom Sharp, opening the bowling, took five for 19. Cornwall were dismissed for 202 in their first innings – a deficit of 20 runs.

17 15 Devon 73 all out (Sharp 6 for 27). Cornwall need 94 to win in probably a minimum of 18 overs

18 15 Cornwall 57-4 with 6.5 overs remaining (Parsons & Edwards not out)

18 30 Cornwall 82-6 - 12 to win off 10 balls (Parsons & Hunkin batting)

18 40 Cornwall 94-7 - 8 were needed off the last over (Parsons 1, Hunkin 6, Hunkin lbw, leg bye). Cornwall win by three wickets with two balls to spare to remain top (see table below) Parsons 27 not out.

Round 5 results Berks 331-6 Wilts 60 & 236. Berks won by Inns & 35 Berks 24 Wilts 2

Cheshire 356 & 351-7d Wales 246 & 105 Cheshire won by 356 Chesh 24 Wales 5

Shrops 158 & 167 Dorset 71 & 157 Shrops won by 97 Shrops 20 Dorset 4

Hereford 263 & 230 Oxford 358 & 139-2 Oxford won by 8 wkts Oxford 24 Hereford 6

Table after 5 of 6 games Cornwall 83 Cheshire 78 Oxford 73 Shrops 67 Dorset 63 Berks 56 Wilts 52 Wales MC 50 Devon 39 Hereford 39.

Remaining games August 23-25 Berks v Oxford Newbury, Devon v Hereford Sidmouth, Dorset v Wilts Bournemouth, Shrops v Cheshire Whitchurch, Wales M C v Cornwall Pontarddulais.

Championship final Sun 6 - Wed 9 Sept venue - East Division winner

Oxfordshire v Cornwall

Cornwall's Minor Counties Championship hopes were dealt a blow at Challow & Childrey on Tuesday evening when a late collapse saw them lose to Oxfordshire by 116 runs. It's not all gloom and doom however as Cornwall still lead the table with two games remaining. That's thanks to the weather gods as they've been kind to the Duchy this week. Whilst play went ahead with limited interruption in rural Oxfordshire it was a different story 'up north'. The second and third placed sides, Cheshire and Dorset' had their game washed out without a ball bowled at Alderley Edge. The six points each matched Cornwall's bonus points gained in defeat. The gap at the top remains the same but wins for Wiltshire over Herefordshire and a contrived Wales success over Devon means only 16 points cover the top seven teams . Cornwall lead with 62 pts, Dorset have 59, Cheshire 54, Wiltshire 50, Oxon 49, Shropshire 47 and Wales 46 pts. Cornwall made one change with Michael Munday replacing Ben Smeeth. They got off to a dream start as the hosts were reduced to 24 for four after half an hour with Rob Harrison and Alex Smeeth taking two wickets each. By mid afternoon they'd recovered to 162 for eight before a remarkable unbroken ninth wicket partnership. David Smith and Paul McMahon proceeded to add 189 before the 90 overs ran out to take the total to 351 for eight. Smith made 129 not out and McMahon was just one short of his century. It smashed Oxfordshire's previous record for the ninth wicket of 117 against Devon in 1954 and was only 12 runs short of equalling the all time Minor Counties record of 201. That was achieved way back in 1897 - seven years before Cornwall were even admitted to the Championship. Alex Smeeth took three for 47 with Harrison and Chris Hunkin taking two apiece. Cornwall lost Matt Robins and Antony Angove to the record breaking 49 year old seamer Keith Arnold before the close to end on 39 for 2. Play ended 45 minutes early on the first evening. On day 2 it began 45 minutes late after overnight and morning rain but play was extended to 7.45pm to make the time up. Cornwall were soon reduced to 75 for five and were in serious danger of having to follow on. They were rescued by another record partnership. Dan Davis made 93 and Gary Thomas 62 to put on 150 for the sixth wicket. The previous record of 140 was achieved by Steve Williams and Terry Willetts at Stalybridge, against Cheshire, 20 years ago. Cornwall's tail didn't quite take full advantage as the last five wickets fell for 62 runs with almost six overs unused, but the deficit of 64 runs was a lot better than had looked likely before lunch. Chris Hunkin ended stranded on 26. Davis had returned from his sick bed after returning to the hotel feeling ill on the opening day. In the 39 overs remaining on the second evening Oxfordshire reached 101 but lost four wickets with Keith Parsons striking twice. On day three Oxfordshire virtually batted the visitors out of the game declaring on 278 for seven at lunch. It was thanks to a Richard Williams century and fifth wicket stand of 167 with Richard Kaufman. Cornwall were set an unlikely 343 in a minimum of 60 overs, after a shower delayed the restart. All looked well as Robins and Angove added 56 for the first wicket, at four an over, but former Oxford University off spinner McMahon got rid of the openers and Keith Parsons before Sharp was run out for 0 to see four wickets fall for 19 runs. Dan Davis and Gary Thomas added 62 and with Davis reaching his second century of the campaign Cornwall looked safe. However a dramatic last hour saw the last five wickets fall for just 26 runs. Whether those four draw points lost for prove to be vital remains to be seen. Reflecting on the day skipper Tom Sharp said "We got lucky with that result (Cheshire v Dorset) and we know if we win our last two games then we can win the division," "This will serve as a wake-up call for us and we know that while we played well for parts of the game we didn't play well throughout and it's tough to get a victory over three days if you do that. Hopefully we can bounce back." Cornwall's run in is against Devon at Truro on 9 August and Wales M C at Pontarddulais a fortnight later.

As it happened:

Team News . One change. Michael Munday replaces Ben Smeeth from the team that beat Wiltshire.Weather cloudy.

Day 1 11.30 am Oxfordshire after being put in 24 -4 after six overs. Two each for Harrison and Alex Smeeth.

12.40pm Oxfordshire 84-6 Two wickets for Chris Hunkin

1 20pm Lunch Oxfordshire 105-6

4 20 Tea Oxfordshire 253-8 after 78 after being 165-8.

5 30 Oxfordshire 351-8 Inns closed 90 overs. (Unbroken 9th wicket stand of 189). Minor Counties record 9th was 201 set in 1897 Smith 129no, McMahon 99no; A Smeeth 15-4-47-3, R Harrison 23-6-80-2, A Angove 2-0-10-0, C Hunkin 13-6-29-2, M Munday 21-3-83-0, T Sharp 13-3-53-1, M Robins 3-0-34-0.

6 15 Cornwall 39-2 (12 overs) Bad Light stopped play Robins lbw Arnold 2, Angove lbw Arnold 7 AG Smeeth 23no, Parsons 6no

Day 2

Delayed start by 45 mins.

2.05 Cornwall 128-5 after 48 overs at lunch. Thomas 25no, Davis 31no after being 75-5 (Parsons, Alex Smeeth and Sharp out this morning).

5 05 Tea Cornwall 287 all out (84.1 overs) Davis 93, Thomas 62, Hunkin 26, Smeeth 25, Sharp 19, Parsons 15, Edwards 11; Shirazi 4-74, Arnold 3-57, Rowe 2-58 (Davis & Thomas 150 for 6th wicket - A Cornwall record)

7 45pm Close Oxfordshire 2nd Inns 101-4 (lead of 165) Williams 29no; Smeeth 6-1-13-0, Harrison 5-3-12-0, Parsons 9-2-18-2, Angove 11-2-22-1, Sharp 5-0-18-0, Munday 3-1-7-1.

Day 3

Lunch 1 20 Oxfordshire 278-7dec. Run out ended fifth wicket stand of 167. Two late wickets for Munday. Cornwall set 343 in a min of 63 overs.

Rain delayed the restart.

News from Alderley Edge. Cheshire v Dorset match abandoned without a ball bowled. 6pts each. Cornwall will still lead the table tonight.

Tea 4 30 Cornwall 128-4 with a min of 27 overs to survive Davis 53no, Thomas 16no. Robins, Angove, Parsons & Sharp out.

6 30 Cornwall 226 all out (with 5 overs left) Davis 114, Robins 29, Angove 26, Hunkin 19, Thomas 17. Last five wickets fell for 26. McMahon 23-8-82-4, Kaufman 8.2-0-32-3,

Cornwall v Wiltshire

The words 'Cornwall County Cricket Club' and 'championship leaders' have rarely, if ever, been uttered in the same breath in recent times. However Cornwall's second successive win, by ten wickets against Wiltshire at Camborne on Tuesday afternoon, has sent them soaring to the top of the Western Division at the half way stage of the season. Cornwall have 56 points with Dorset, three points behind. Cheshire are third on 48 points having suffered a third day washout this week against Herefordshire. Cornwall have plenty to look forward to in pursuit of a first ever title. Visits to Oxfordshire and Wales are sandwiched by what could be a vital encounter with, of all teams, Devon at Truro in early August. It was skipper Tom Sharp who spun Cornwall to victory this week with career best county figures of six for 24. At the other end Chris Hunkin claimed four wickets to take eight in the match, and fifteen in four days following his 'seven for' at Callington on Saturday for Truro. Having conceded a first innings lead of 74 Wiltshire were shot out for 98 to leave Cornwall the formality of getting 25 run to win. Matt Robins and Ben Smeeth reached the target to record only the eighth ten wicket win in Cornish history and the first since the memorable success at Exmouth against Devon in 2004. It was an all too familiar story on Sunday as the first day was ruined by the weather. Remarkably, the eighth successive championship match at Roskear to be interrupted by rain. In the 30.4 overs possible, having elected to bat, the visitors reached 98 for the loss of three wickets. That was just before four o'clock when a 'monsoon shower' was enough to end play for the day. Such was the ferocity of the deluge the groundstaff fought a losing battle to protect the pitch in time. Morning rain had meant the start was delayed until 12.35 pm. On the second morning there was another 45 minute delayed start. Despite a poor forecast, the rest of the day was bright and breezy allowing uninterrupted play to an extended finish at 8pm. Having reached a promising 232 for five Wiltshire lost their last five wickets for just 16 runs with Chris Hunkin taking four for 50.Cornwall lost an early wicket when Matt Robins was caught behind. Ben Smeeth and Dan Davis took the total to 64 before Davis was bowled on the back foot for 35. Antony Angove made a lively 23 and Ben Smeeth was batting well before he fell leg before on 38. Keith Parsons and Sharp then added 109 for the fifth wicket over the next 25 overs. Sharp was caught at deep square for 61 and in a double blow Parsons was caught bat and pad for 28. Chris Hunkin made a useful 33 before being dismissed in the penultimate over of the day. At the start of day three the draw looked the most likely outcome, with eighty overs having been lost on Sunday. Cornwall pushed on to add 40 to their overnight total of 282 for the loss of their last three first innings wickets. Things hadn't quite gone to plan as Cornwall missed out on a fourth batting point by just three runs and had eight overs unused. There was no sign of what was to come as John Chandler and Ben Walker added 36 for Wiltshire's first wicket second time around. Sharp got the breakthrough to have Chandler lbw with his fourth ball. Just before lunch the game turned in Cornwall's favour with Walker caught and bowled by Sharp and Chris Hunkin having Joe Breet caught by a diving Robins in the gully. In his next over Hunkin claimed the big wicket of Greg Lamb, caught behind by Gavin Edwards. At lunch the visitors had lost four wickets in wiping out the 74 run deficit. The last six wickets fell in a hurry, within an hour after the interval for just 24 runs. Cornwall's close fielders were kept busy as nine of the ten wickets to fall were catches. Hunkin ended with four for 20 and match figures of eight for 70. On reflecting on three good days Tom Sharp said afterwards "I was delighted at the outcome especially having lost so much time on the first day. We got a good lead but had been hoping for 100 to 120, but any sort of lead was going to put pressure on them. The pitch was a little sporty but I was pleased with the way we exploited it. 'Chunky' (Chris Hunkin) bowled well to take eight wickets and it was a good team effort with the bat with plenty of good partnerships". Cornwall's next game is against Oxfordshire at Challow & Childrey a fortnight on Sunday.

As it happened:

Day 1

Delayed start to 12.35pm. rain & lunch 1.48 to 2.31pm.

Rain 2.47 to 3.30pm. 'Monsoon' rain at 3.52pm with played then called off for the day.

Wiltshire 98-3 off 30.4 overs. (Chandler 39, Walker 29, Breet 21; AD Angove 2-28)

Day 2

Delayed start to 11.45pm. Lunch Wiltshire 188-5 off 53 overs. Wickets for Alex Smeeth and Chris Hunkin.

3pm Wiltshire 248 all out in 70th over Chris Hunkin 4 -50, Angove 2-46

8pm Close Cornwall 282-7 off 75 overs. Sharp 61, B Smeeth 38, Davis 35, Hunkin 33, Parsons 28, Angove 23, Thomas 21no; Lamb 3-73)

Day 3

11 30am Cornwall 322 all out in 82 overs Gary Thomas last out (run out) for 30, Cornwall lead by 74.

Lunch Wilts 74-4 . 2 wkts each for Sharp and Hunkin. Scores level.

Wilts 98 all out Sharp 6-24, Hunkin 4-20

Cornwall 25-0 Robins 17no, B Smeeth 8no

Table after 3 games: Cornwall 56pts, Dorset 53pts, Cheshire 48pts

Herefordshire v Cornwall

Cornwall won their Minor Counties Championship game with Herefordshire on Tuesday by 125 runs, a fourth win in the last five attempts against the midland county. The success extended the run to thirteen seasons since the County failed to win a championship game in a season. Victory at Brockhampton came shortly before five o'clock, with ninety minutes to spare, to cap a good three day effort by the Duchy. They had declared before lunch to set the home side 357 in a minimum of 84 overs, which would have been exceeded with spin operating for most of the innings. They had to be patient early on but on a turning pitch Tom Sharp and Michael Munday bowled long spells and eventually shared all ten wickets. Sharp took five for 78 from 35.3 overs while Munday's five for 96 was his first five wicket haul for Cornwall in his thirteen championship games, spread over the last nine seasons. Cornwall had enjoyed the best of the first two days after being put in. They lost openers Matt Robins and Ben Smeeth with only 38 on the board. However Callington's 20 year old Dan Davis, playing only his second championship game, was promoted up to number three and produced a superb innings of 153. He added 203 for the third wicket with Keith Parsons who made 83. Tom Sharp made 40, Gavin Edwards 23 and Gary Thomas 20. Thomas was earlier presented with an engraved decanter by the Chairman Col Ronnie Potts to mark his one hundredth championship appearance. Cornwall closed on 384 all out, failing to use seven overs. An hour's play was lost before lunch due to drizzle, which was not entirely made up due to bad light ending play 40 minutes early, on ironically the longest day of the year. Herefordshire reached 56 without loss at the end of day 1. The Cornwall bowlers did well on the second day to restrict the home side to 299 for 8 in their 90 overs. Tom Sharp and Michael Munday sent down 61 overs between them sharing seven wickets. David Exall held the innings together to make 98 not out. With a lead of 85 Cornwall got themselves into a strong position as Matt Robins made 69 and Dan Davis 63 to get to 143 for 1. Late wickets fell however to the spin of Charlie Griffiths who took ten wickets in the match. Cornwall slipped to 182 for 7 overnight but on the third morning Alex Smeeth made 38 not out and Gavin Edwards 35 to enable the declaration after fifteen overs of batting had added a further 89 runs. Cornwall now face a tough game against Wiltshire at Camborne which starts on Sunday 5th July.

As it happened:

Day 1Tea Cornwall 257-3 off 57 overs (Dan Davis maiden century, Keith Parsons 84 (203 for the third wicket)

Close Cornwall 384 (Davis 153, Parsons 84, Sharp 40, Edwards 23, Robins 21, Thomas 20; Griffiths 5-98). Herefordshire 56-0 bad light stopped play at 7 20. Hour lost for rain during the day.

Gary Thomas was presented with a decanter on the occasion of his 100th cap at lunch by the chairman Col. Ron Potts..

Day 2-Lunch Herefordshire 180-5 off 64 overs. 3 wkts for Tom Sharp, 2 for Michael Munday

15.15 Herefordshire 299-8 after their 90 overs (innings closed). Cornwall lead by 85 runs.

7pm Close Day 2 Cornwall 182-7 after being 143 for 1. Lead of 267.

Cornwall go into the third and final day of their Minor Counties game with Herefordshire at Brockhampton with a lead of 267 runs and three second innings wickets standing. After Cornwall made 384 on Sunday Herefordshire replied with 299 for 8. The Cornwall spinners Michael Munday and Tom Sharp shared seven of the wickets to fall. In their second innings Cornwall are 182 for 7. Matt Robins made 69 and Dan Davis 63 before the loss of six wickets in the last hour.

Day 3 Cornwall added 89 in 15 overs with Alex Smeeth 38no and Gavin Edwards 35 before the declaration. . Herefordshire set 357 in a min of 84 overs. At lunch 65 for 1 of 25.

Tea- Hereford 227-7 Sharp 4 wkts, Munday 3 wkts. 1 hour 50 mins in final session (17 overs min in final hour)

16.50 update 229-9

Herefordshire 231 all out shortly before 5pm. Cornwall win by 125 runs. Sharp & Munday 5 wkts each. Munday's best figures for Cornwall.

Cornwall and Cheshire had to settle for a draw in their Minor Counties Championship game at Falmouth on Tuesday. After Monday’s second day wash out it would have taken some ‘negotiations’ between the captains to manufacture any chance of a result. Cheshire skipper Andrew Hall declined Tom Sharp’s offer to chase down 320 in 90 overs leaving the game to peter out to an inevitable draw. Cheshire batted out their first innings for much of the day to take maximum batting bonus points, making 408 for six before declaring a ball short of their 90 overs. Ben Spendlove made 148. Cornwall made 92 for four in the remaining 29 overs of the match. Chris Hunkin hit 27 and Ben Smeeth 25. Another rain ruined game was a disappointment as Cornwall had enjoyed a good opening day on Sunday. They made 375 with the visitors on 95 for two at the close. The record books were rewritten with proceedings dominated by one of the biggest partnerships in Cornwall’s history. The considerable county experience of Keith Parsons and Gary Thomas combined to add 272 for the fifth wicket. The stand broke Ryan Driver’s and Tom Sharp’s previous fifth wicket record of 179. That came at Exmouth in the famous ten wicket win against Devon in 2004. It was also Cornwall’s fifth highest partnership on record and Parsons 175 has only been bettered on four occasions by a Cornish batsman. It was Thomas’s first century for four years, since his 126 against Wales MC at Camborne. It extended his record to fourteen overall and was the 150th championship century in total by Cornwall in their history in the competition since 1904. It all came after an ordinary start by the Duchy with Adam Syddall having openers Ben Smeeth caught behind and Matt Rowe caught in the slips with only 23 on the board. Matt Robins followed for 10 and when Tom Sharp played on Cornwall were in some trouble at 87 for 4. Parsons and Thomas then took over and were not parted until some six overs from the mandatory 90 overs, with 359 on the board. With 400 a target the rest of the order threw caution to the wind with wickets falling quickly to attacking shots. Syddall benefited picking up Chris Hunkin, Dan Davis (on debut) and Alex Smeeth who all holed out to end with six for 98. Cheshire’s reply saw Dan Leech caught by Parsons off Alex Smeeth for 8. Warren Goodwin followed, caught by Rowe off Sharp for 29. The visitors scored at four an over to close on 95 for 2 off the 23 available overs. Persistent rain set in around mid morning on Monday and play was eventually called off for the day by umpires Roger Tolchard and Graham Curson at 3pm. Cornwall’s next game is at Brockhampton a week on Sunday when they take on Herefordshire.

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