Northumberland top table after impressive Buckinghamshire victory

Northumberland claimed their first NCCA Championship victory of the season with an impressive eight-wicket win over defending champions Buckinghamshire at Benwell Hill earlier this week.

Jonny Bushnell was the star man with the ball in hand, taking Championship-best figures of 6-88 in the first innings, while Ross Whitfield caught the eye at the crease with a knock of 57.

In Buckinghamshire’s second innings, Championship debutant Harry Lumsden struck twice in quick succession, while Oli McGee and Joe Stuart combined to take seven wickets as the visitors were eventually bowled out for 175.

From there, Sol Bell then led Northumberland’s chase with a stellar unbeaten 106, sharing an 83-run opening partnership with Harry Crawshaw, before going on to complete an unbroken 105 with Bushnell, who capped a fine personal display with 57 not out.

Off the back of their statement result, Northumberland now sit top of the NCAA Eastern Division One.