Bedfordshire start in style

Mark Nelson's late double strike tilted the balance of power in Bedfordshire's favour in their opening one-day game

Bedfordshire opened their MCCA Trophy campaign with a 16-run victory over Herefordshire at Ampthill CC in Group 3.

Despite restricting Bedfordshire to 230 for nine in 50 overs after choosing to bowl first, Herefordshire were undermined by the loss of three wickets in the first three overs.

Chris Wood and Atiq Chishti, with 71 and 57 respectively, repaired the damage in fine style, but another wobble saw them lose three wickets for six runs, before former Norrthamptonshire all-rounder Mark Nelson struck twice in two balls.

That left Herefordshire needing 23 from the last six overs with one wicket remaining, but Freddie Eburah played on to Dan Bendon as they were bowled out for 214.

Bedfordshire’s total, after rain had delayed the start until 12 noon, was built around 48 apiece from Bendon and debutant Matt Barnes, while Faisal Shahid claimed 4-51 and Luke Sellers 2-36.