Hunts fall as the runs flow

HUNTINGDONSHIRE'S under-17 cricketers were beaten in a high-scoring contest against top-of-the-table Leicestershire last week.

Visitors Leicestershire won the toss and elected to bat, making a first-wicket stand of 149.

Huntingdonshire had little response and the visiting side batted for most of the first day's play, totalling a mammoth 475-4.

Leicestershire batsman Chad Yates made a magnificent 200 not out in only the second double century recorded at Godmanchester. Skipper Steve Punchard weighed in with an unbeaten 123 to leave Hunts fighting to save the match on the second and final day.

Michael Kearns was the most successful home bowler with figures of 3-116, but that was of little consolation to the home side.

Ben Clement (40) and Michael Cafferkey (85) began Huntingdonshire's reply with an opening stand of 101 before the first wicket fell.

However, Wayne Bradley and James Markland were quickly back in the pavilion before skipper Andy Stewart (25) joined Cafferkey to add 37 for the fourth wicket.

A mid innings collapse then saw Hunts lose four wickets for 15 runs, and at 188 for 7 an early end to the match looked inevitable.

But the home side dug deep to discover unexpected resistance and earn some pride as David Humphrey (33) in two hours, Amar Hussain (30) and Kumail Khaki took the score to 261 for 9, still 39 runs short of maximum batting points.

A last wicket stand of 43 between Khaki (34) and Simon Rose (12 not out) eased the score past 300 to give Hunts some consolation in defeat.

Batting hero Chad Yates trundled out 25 overs of off spin to finish with the best Leicestershire figures of 3-64 and cement his title as man of the match.

Hunts now travel to Garboldisham next week for their final match still seeking their first win in this year's competition.