Staffordshire are in a strong position to push for victory in their opening NCCA Championship game of the season at Bedfordshire following a remarkable second day.
Staffs had started proceedings struggling on 62-4 as they replied to Bedfordshire’s 296-5 on the first day of action in Division One East.
Porthill Park seamer Dan Gibbs then produced a stunning new-ball spell to pick up 5-9 as Bedfordshire collapsed to 43-7 in their second innings – and facing the real possibility of an innings defeat.
James Kettleborough and Alex Evans stopped the rot with a partnership of 91, but by the close Beds were 161-8 – and leading by just 98 runs going into the final day.
The day’s events marked a barely-believable turnaround from Staffordshire’s point of view as they went into day two trying to salvage the poor situation they found themselves in.
Pictured: Porthill Park seamer Dan Gibbs produced a superb new-ball spell to leave Staffordshire on course for victory over Bedfordshire