Norfolk held by spirited Staffs

Veteran batsman Kim Barnett played a key role in Staffordshire's draw with Norfolk, hitting 51 and 126 not out

Norfolk and Staffordshire drew with level scores in a scintillating climax to their Eastern Division match at Manor Park.

Needing two runs from the final ball of the match to reach 318, Michael Eccles could only manage a single.

Ben Patston’s second innings 107 and Chris Borrett’s unbeaten 89 kept Norfolk in the hunt but Gareth Morris’ 5-97 from 30 overs helped restrict them to 317 for eight from 73 overs.

Earlier, Staffs had stumbled to 183 all out in their first innings, despite a doughty 51 from former England Test batsman Kim Barnett.

The 48-year-old was only drafted into the side at the last minute when Audley's Craig Barker failed a fitness test on a back injury.

Chris Brown was the pick of the Norfolk bowlers with 5-54, while fellow spinner George Walker returned 3-44 from 29 overs.

James Spelman’s 104 helped the hosts to 279 in reply, with Russell Ballard, another slow bowler, taking 5-42.

Brown then picked up four more wickets to leave Staffs reeling on 113 for four, a lead of just 17.

But a stunning unbroken partnership of 300 between Barnett (126 not out) and Liam Hughes (184 no) - the highest fifth wicket stand in championship history - allowed the visitors to declare at lunch on the fourth day, setting up a thrilling finale.