Cricket - Sharp's six-strike puts Cumberland in strong position (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cricket - Sharp's six-strike puts Cumberland in strong position

9:23am Tuesday 17th August 2010 in Cumberland CCC By Richard Daniels, Sports editor

CUMBERLAND built a hefty lead of 285 runs over Suffolk on the second day of their Minor Counties Championship match against Suffolk at Sedbergh School.

After Cumberland amassed 354-9 in their first innings, they restricted the visitors to 240 all out with Marcus Sharp taking 6-78 while Ben France top-scored with 60.

In their second innings, Cumberland stood at 171-5 at the close of play, with James Lowe (45) and Gary Pratt (42no) leading the way. France took 3-33.

Ian Sharp. the Cumberland team manager, said: "It's been another excellent day for Cumberland cricket.

"The bowlers led the way with another impressive performance by medium-pacer Marcus Sharp, who did a magnificent job to help dismiss Suffolk and give us a first-innings lead of 114 runs.

"Then the batsmen put us into the driving seat for the last day's play and hopefully we can go on from here and beat Suffolk."

Details: Cumberland 354-9 & 171-5 (53 overs - James Lowe 45, Gary Pratt 42no; Ben France 3-33.

Suffolk 240 (89.4 overs - Ben France 60, Marcus Sharp 6-78).

Cumberland 8 bonus points, Suffolk 6 bonus points.

Cumberland lead by 285 runs.