Northumberland play out exciting draw

Northumberland's Graeme Bridge played an integral role

Northumberland’s Minor Counties clash with Lincolnshire ended all square after an entertaining game at a picturesque Benwell Hill Cricket Club.

A torrential 15-hour downpour had led to play being abandoned on day one, however conditions were suitable for play to commence on the morning of day two with the visitors predictably inserting the hosts after calling the toss correctly.

Openers Allan Worthy and Paul Muchall rode their luck through a tricky opening spell before Northumberland lost three wickets for no runs after reaching 58.

Worthy and Muchall were both caught behind by wicketkeeper Burford for 36 and 14 respectively, whilst the incoming David Myers failed to make an impression on his home ground and was caught and bowled by Huston.

The home side looking considerably shaky and only a partnership of 72 between Parker (32) and Patterson (38) restored any semblance of respectability.

Following their departure Symington and Nicholson continued to score freely before the latter became Burford’s third victim caught behind, and he was soon followed back to the hutch by Rutherford.

Matthew Muchall then dug in to became Symington's unlikely partner as they took the attack to the Lincolnshire bowlers.

Symington was particularly severe and although he perished in the last over before tea it wasn’t before he had lashed a welcome 94, with Muchall 25 not out.

A declaration soon followed, with Houston proving the pick of the visitors attack with 4-47 from 17.2 overs.

The visitors were quickly on the back foot in their reply when opener Dobson was adjudged lbw to Rutherford for three, and the home side had further cause for encouragement when Dowman was cleaned up by Matthew Muchall for four.

Vikram Atri and Morgan set about repairing the damage and had moved the score on to 86 before Arti departed for a well-made 38 after offering a catch to Paul Muchall off the bowling of Gary Stewart.

Lincolnshire skipper Bob Cook and Morgan then steered the visitors to the close with the score standing on 162 for three, and after arriving for the third morning, promptly declared at their overnight total.

Northumberland’s second innings started poorly with Worthy departing for 17 before Paul Muchall was unluckily run out.

However Myers pressed on and although he fell to the bowling of Airey Parker and Patterson continued to force the pace as the home side looked for quick runs.

Parker departed for 32 but Patterson livened the proceedings with a quickfire 57. With the score at 164 for five, Northumberland declared setting Lincolnshire a target of 301 in 69 overs.

Dobson and Morgan again opened the Lincolnshire innings before Dobson fell for 10 with the scoreboard reading 21.

Morgan and Dowman steadily increased the score to 106 before two wickets fell in quick succession - Morgan (83) and Dowman (59) both departing to leave the home side smelling victory.

Wickets fell at regular intervals and the home side looked in pole position to pick up the win when, with the score reading 284 for six, a trio of wickets suddenly dented Lincolnshire's hopes.

However with the last pair putting up some stubborn resistance it was left to Bridge to bowl the last over of the day and, despite a brace of confident appeals, they duly held on to frustrate the home side and claim an exciting draw.

Northumberland's next fixture is away to Staffordshire at Stone.