SUTTON had to be content with a draw on a rainy afternoon at New Street.

Visitors Old Xaverians were put in on a wet track and Sutton were made to suffer as the openers put on 80 for the first wicket.

After a second rain break Ray Foster was introduced to the attack and his fine control of line and length soon had the visitors in trouble.

He took five consecutive wickets and could have had more given a couple of dropped catches.

The visitors' late order pushed the score to 182-9 declared in spite of Fosters effort and some keen field work by Sutton.

Foster finished with 6-52, underlining what a good acquisition he is for Sutton.

After tea Suttons' reply started disastrously as they slid to 40-5.

Opener Dave Hodgson stood firm and he and Geoff Bowles tried to rebuild the innings in poor light.

Another rain break put paid to any victory hopes but Hodgson continued to put bat to ball as the visitors pushed for a win.

Bowles vigil ended with an excellent caught and bowled but Hodgson found another ally in keeper Barry Evans.

They took the score to 135-6 in the last over until Hodgson was bowled for a splendid 93 as the game ended in a draw.

A powerful Sutton second eleven were far too good for the college second string at Woolton.

The Sutton bowlers dismissed the home side for a paltry 66 runs with Sean Anders, Stu Rimmer and Andy Barnett among the wickets.

Steve Brimelow made a welcome return to Sutton colours with two wickets to suggest he will be pushing for the first team along with the other bowlers.

The total was never a problem for Sutton and they duly posted a 10 wicket win as Keiron Barr and John Lawton knocked off the runs between them in fine style.

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