Dumelow digs Cheshire out of mire

Nathan Dumelow's unbeaten 76 helped Cheshire recover from trouble © David Bailey

The race for the Minor Counties Championship Western Division title will go into the final day of the season, as Cheshire and Cornwall face up to the prospect of an enthralling day at Nantwich tomorrow.

Cheshire will be crowned champions with a win, although they could reach next month's four-day final with a draw if others help elsewhere.

And they had talismanic former Derbyshire all-rounder Nathan Dumelow to thank for yet more batting heroics on the second day yesterday.

Neston pace bowler Chris Finegan starred, claiming 5-70 from 21.3 overs to bowl the visitors out for 261 in reply to Cheshire's first innings 365 for eight declared.

Adam Syddall also chipped in with 3-73 from 22 overs to help his side gain a lead of 104, despite Tom Sharp's stylish 75.

And then it was left to Dumelow to really drag the hosts out of the mire at 36 for five in their second innings with an unbeaten 76.

Cheshire were left in tatters at five for three, they had been nought for two, as Danny Leech, Warren Goodwin and Ben Spendlove all departed.

But Dumelow, who hit a century in the first innings, shared a sixth-wicket partnership of 72 with Jason Whittaker (23) and then an unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 54 with Daniel Berry (27 not out).

The 27-year-old resumes tomorrow with Cheshire on 183 for seven. They lead by 287 with a minimum of 102 overs left in the game.

Swing was the major factor today, but the wicket is still a good one to bat on.

Cheshire are still favourites, although team manager Sandy Scrimgeour warned: "There is still a long way to go.

"I wasn't overly happy at five for three. I was worried. But it was a very good recovery. Numbers one, two, three and four all failed with the bat, but we bat quite a way down. Nathan has been superb again for us, and he held the whole thing together.

"It will make for a very interesting final day."

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