LOCAL rivals Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire had to settle for a draw after a violent thunderstorm ended their under 17 clash last week. Visitors Hunts were happier when the rains came with 25 overs remaining as they still trailed by 185 runs with just

LOCAL rivals Huntingdonshire and Cambridgeshire had to settle for a draw after a violent thunderstorm ended their under 17 clash last week.

Visitors Hunts were happier when the rains came with 25 overs remaining as they still trailed by 185 runs with just four wickets left.

Unbeaten Hunts batsmen David Humphrey and Michael Kearns faced more than 20 overs without being troubled as Cambs used 10 bowlers in the innings in a desperate attempt to find the breakthrough.

Hunts will now go into the third round of matches still chasing their first victory after defeat in their opening match with Herefordshire.

Cambs won the toss and elected to bat on a wicket that offered little help to the bowlers.

The opening batsmen put on 145 in a three-hour stand before Johnny Atkinson was run out for 44.

Hunts' spinners Michael Cafferkey and Sam Matcham each claimed a wicket but the star of the show was Cambridgeshire opener Alex Fullerton who posted a magnificent 154.

Going into day two on 301 for five, the hosts continued to bat at an accelerated rate until declaring on 375 for the loss of seven wickets. Simon Rose was the top Hunts bowler with figures of 3-73.

Hunts got off to a disappointing start in reply with Ben Clement out in the first over but Wayne Bradley (24) and Cafferkey (30) got the visitors underway.

James Markland (56) anchored the innings with a fine half century but with wickets tumbling Hunts looked in trouble at 149 for six.

But it was the unpredicatable summer weather that had the final say, ending the Hunts innings on 190-6.

James Cowan (2-29) and Adam Dellar (2-30) were the pick of the Cambs bowlers.