Cricket: Shurben scores ton as Imps tie first three-day clash
LINCOLNSHIRE CCC's first three-day match of the Minor Counties Championship Eastern Division season against Northumberland ended in a draw despite the best efforts of both teams to force a result.
Persistent rain on day two restricted play to just three overs and, consequently, the teams sportingly declared in an endeavour to secure victory.
Cleethorpes spinner Harry Clewitt made his three-day county debut but remained wicketless in 14 overs.
On the first day, Lincolnshire – having won the toss and elected to bat – enjoyed a steady opening partnership of 83 as Dan Birch (49) and Jonathan Cheer (18) laid the foundations.
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Both players were dismissed in quick succession, and with Karanjit Bansal falling soon after the Imp County found themselves struggling at 98 for three.
However, a fourth wicket stands of 202 between Matthew Dowman (118) and Akhil Patel (91) – whose brother Samit plays for England – put the hosts back into a commanding position at Sleaford Cricket Club.
Liam Andrews (22), Brett Houston (20) and Adam Shepherd (24) made late contributions as Lincolnshire were eventually dismissed for 394.
In reply, Northumberland lost a wicket to their first delivery and closed the day on 82 for two – and with only three overs possible on day two, the visitors crept to 97 for two.
As the final day progressed, Northumberland declared on 185 for six with Lincolnshire then returning the favour after scoring a quick-fire 141 for six in just 16 overs.
In pursuit of an unlikely 351 for victory, the away side finished on 284 for eight despite a magnificent century from opening batsman Dan Shurben (104).
Lincolnshire took ten points from the game – the Imp County's next fixture is against Cumberland at Furness Cricket Club. That match will commence on Sunday, June 24.
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