County capitulate to a huge Cumberland defeat

They capitulated to Cumberland by an innings and 110 runs in their Minor Counties Championship match at Bedford Modern School, which ended just after tea on the second day.

The pitch did a bit on the first morning as it dried out, but Bedfordshire’s collapse was due just as much to poor shot selection as good bowling.

George Thurstance looked in good touch in making 27 as did Dan Simpson (25), but nobody else got to 20 as Bedfordshire were tumbled out for 160 with Toby Bulcock taking 6-60.

It looked a totally different game when Cumberland batted as openers James Lowe and Jon Tolley put on more than 200 for the first wicket.

Lowe went on to make 134, Tolley 85, and it was complete carnage on the second afternoon with Gary Pratt racing to an unbeaten 114 as, at the end of their 90 overs, Cumberland’s score stood at 454-3.

The Bedfordshire bowling figures made for sorry reading.

Andy Reynoldson finished with 1-157 having bowled 36 overs, while fellow spinner Chris Esh went for 87 from 13.

An extraordinary Twenty20-like performance from Bedfordshire followed as they romped along at seven an over as the wickets tumbled.

The innings in fact lasted just 24.5 overs, during which time Bedfordshire scored 184.

Dan Bendon launching a late assault and his knock of 78 from 46 balls included two sixes,

Scores: Bedfordshire 160 and 184; Cumberland 454-3.