Cheshire suffer with rain

Cheshire's A team were forced to settle for a draw against the Yorkshire academy after heavy rain ended their hopes of victory on the second and final day's play at Middlewich Cricket Club.

Resuming on 252 for no wicket, Cheshire held a 30-run first-innings lead having dismissed their hosts for 222 on Tuesday.

Hyde off-spinner Danny Berry was the pick of Cheshire's bowlers with 5-79, while clubmate Tom Young claimed two wickets.

But play started an hour late because of the wet weather and halted Cheshire's charge for quick runs.

The hosts did reach 399 for five - a lead of 177 - but then the heavens opened again shortly after 2pm and no further play was possible.

Opener James McCoy failed to add to his overnight 187, while fellow opener Johnny Kettle was finally dismissed for a gutsy 64.

Skipper Nick Cantello (32), Lee Dixon (25) and an unbeaten 25 from Rick Moore all helped Cheshire close in on the 400 mark, but the rain eventually had the final say.