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County hopes cut short by rain in Herts derby
BEDFORDSHIRE were left to reflect on what might have been after rain washed out play on the final two days of their Minor Counties Championship match against Hertfordshire at Bishop’s Stortford.
They had the better of things on Sunday, despite being dismissed for 167 on a bowler-friendly wicket.
The Herts batsmen struggled even more against some superb bowling by Martin Weightman, Andy McGarry and George Thurstance and were 51-5 at the close.
It was no surprise when Beds found themselves batting after losing the toss and it was only a masterly innings by Steve Stubbings, pictured, which prevented a total collapse.
The former Derbyshire batsman realised that occupation of the crease was crucial, scoring only four runs in the first hour.
But he punished anything loose as his knock progressed and went on to make 65 before before finally succumbing.
Only skipper Oliver Clayson gave him any real support, but an attempted reverse sweep was again his downfall when he had made 21.
A bit more application would have secured Beds a batting point, but they were all out eight runs short.
Herts were soon in trouble when they replied with Weightman, moving the ball both ways at a lively pace, grabbing two quick wickets, the first courtesy of a brilliant catch at first slip by Stubbings.
McGarry bowled equally well at the other end and at one time Herts were 7-3, which would have been 7-4 had Thurstance managed to pull of what would have been an incredible catch at third slip.
The ball flew at him above head high but he managed to knock it up and just failed to grab the rebound as he dived.
There was a slight recovery after this, but Thurstance swung the game back Beds’ way by grabbing two wickets in the final overs of the day.
Beds’ bowling figures reflected the accuracy of the attack, Weightman taking 2-9 from nine overs, McGarry 1-10 from 11 overs and Thurstance 2-5 from five.
The county have no game this weekend but the following Sunday they start a championship game against Suffolk at Bury St Edmunds.
Scores: Bedfordshire 167, Hertfordshire 51-5.
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Weather for Luton
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
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