Bedfordshire defy Staffordshire target

Staffordshire's hopes of recording their first MCCA Championship win of the season were dashed by a determined Bedfordshire batting line-up, which successfully chased down a second innings target of 402 with just two wickets and four balls to spare.

A hundred from Andrew Reynoldson and three half-centuries from Matthew Barnes, James Kettleborough and captain Oliver Clayson provided the backbone for the home side's successful run-chase after Staffordshire skipper Paul Goodwin's declaration allowed the home side a minimum of 118 overs to reach their target.

Bedfordshire fought back from a first-innings deficit of 206 for the win after managing just 118 in reply to the visitors opening knock which was salvaged from 37 for five by a record-breaking sixth wicket partnership of 164.

However, Goodwin and Ben McGuire narrowly missed out on centuries as McGuire was trapped leg before on 96, while Goodwin was cruelly bowled on 99.

Staffordshire pushed hard to establish an unassailable lead in their second innings, declaring on 195 for seven after 52.5 overs, with Tim Maxfield and Jimmy Howson providing the lions` share of the runs.

Despite needing 402 to win, Bedfordshire achieved their task as an exhilarating final's day play was brought to a conclusion as Andy Reynoldson and co kept the scoreboard ticking over, allowing Colin Griggs to stroke the winning single from the fourth ball of the final over.

Staffordshire skipper Goodwin admitted: "I am disappointed to lose the game but I can't be disappointed with the fight we showed after lunch. We let it slip last night and this morning but came back well, making it hard for them.”