SUTTON CC earned a draw after the long trip to Buckley on Saturday.

Batting first, Sutton put the Welsh bowlers to the sword as they rattle up 228-7 in 48 overs.

But at 49-5 it had looked shakey. But Brimelow (30) and Sean Anders put together a rescue act and when Phil Kelly joined Anders the score raced along.

A hard-hit 52 by Anders put Sutton on maximum batting points and when he was out Kelly took up the attack.

Supported by the patient Mark Reynolds (20 not out), Kelly smashed the ball to all parts until he was caught agonisingly one short of his century going for another big shot.

The home side made a positive start as Sutton ringed the bat with close fielders. But a straightforwadr catch was dropped and the opener made them pay, striking a superb 81 runs.

Buckley had wickets in hand going into the final 20 oevrs, but Mark Reynolds removde the stubborn opener and a 4-20 burst by Brimelow put pressure on the Welshmen.

At 150-5 Buckley shut up shop and Sutton were unable to break down their defence and the game fizzled out to a draw with Buckley closing on 163-6.

The seconds made short work of a weak Buckley eleven.

The visitors were shot out for apathetic 38 runs, thanks to a remarkable seven-wicket performance by seamer Steve Greener.

Sutton knocked off the required runs without loss for the easiest 20 points of the season.

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