ECB U17 Championship Hunts U17 (169-8) drew with Norfolk U17 Hunts 5pts Norfolk 6pts ALTHOUGH Huntingdonshire finished the season as champions, there was an air of disappointment as rain ruined the final game of the campaign. Persistent drizzle over St I

ECB U17 Championship

Hunts U17 (169-8) drew with Norfolk U17

Hunts 5pts Norfolk 6pts

ALTHOUGH Huntingdonshire finished the season as champions, there was an air of disappointment as rain ruined the final game of the campaign.

Persistent drizzle over St Ives on Wednesday and Thursday last week meant no result was possible as the home side looked to end the season in style.

The weather robbed Hunts the chance of recording five straight wins in the season's series of matches. Meanwhile, Norfolk were left frustrated as any slim chance the visitors had of joining Hunts in the higher division next season were dashed.

Despite the disappointment, home manager Hedley Swannell was proud of his team, who recorded Huntingdonshire's best ever set of results in the two-day format.

The visitors edged what little play was possible between showers.

Hunts skipper Michael Cafferkey won the toss for the fourth time in five games and elected to bat in the drizzle.

When the hosts finally did get out to the middle, four hours later, the visitors found the damp track afforded a lot of help to their bowlers.

By the time the rain caused the third stoppage of the day, only 20 overs had been possible, leaving Hunts on 60-2.

Alex Mitchell (24) tried his best to anchor the innings but when he became the fifth wicket to fall Hunts were struggling at 82-5.

However, a fine innings from James Markland - his best of the competition - got the innings back on track as he posted a total of 55, including a 43 partnership with Steve Brooks for the sixth wicket.

Brooks was injured after being struck on the ankle but bravely came back later in the innings with a runner when the rain halted play for the final time on the second afternoon.

Hunts, still with their innings incomplete, finished on 169-8 as the final downpour proved too much for the sodden turf. Sam Thelwell was the most successful Norfolk bowler, returning 4-42.

Hunts are promoted as champions from Division Three North, six points clear of second-placed Shropshire.

Next year Hunts are likely to face a tougher challenge from the likes of Leicestershire, Warwickshire and Derbyshire in Division Two North next season.