Published: Wednesday, 17th June, 2009 9:00am

Bucks knocked out

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Cricket

Bobby Sher.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE"S hopes of reaching the last four of the Minor Counties Knockout Trophy were dashed when they suffered a last-over defeat in their quarter against Bedfordshire at Dunstable on Sunday.

The hosts, chasing the Bucks total of 200-6, got home with three wickets three balls to spare, although the margin of victory flattered the visitors.

After choosing to bat first, Bucks failed to capitalise on a blistering start given to them by opener Russell Lane. The powerful left-hander struck 41 off 35 balls with nine fours to get them off to a flier.

But the bowling tightened up and both Jason Harrison (39) and Mark Hardinges (21) were kept in check.

It needed a sparkling half-century from High Wycombe left-hander Paul Sawyer, who struck 57 not out off 67 balls, to take them up to 200, a target that looked insufficient.

The Bedfordshire innings followed a similar pattern against some tidy Bucks bowling, especially from Slough off-spinner Bobby Sher who collected 2-30 from his 10 overs.

But Beds were always in charge of their run chase, and it was only when they lost three wickets with the total on 199, that hope was briefly raised for Bucks to pull off a dramatic win but it was not to be.

Following their convincing nine-wicket victory over Northumberland, Bucks resume their Minor Counties Championship Eastern Division campaign on Sunday when they start a three-day match against Lincolnshire at Tring Park. It will be the first time they have played a championship game on this well-appointed ground.