Despite an exceptional performance by Conner Haddow, Bucks could only draw with Cambridgeshire in their National Counties Eastern Division 1 match at Chesham that ended on Tuesday. 

The High Wycombe left-arm spinner produced a best match return of 13 wickets for 211 runs from a mammoth 68 overs and then held the visitors' attack at bay for the last 13 overs as Bucks held on for the worst end of a draw.

Haddow's match return - his third ten-wicket haul for the county - was one of the best in Bucks's history and included a personal best second-innings return of 7-91.

Cambridgeshire were always on top after winning the toss and making 366-9 from 90 overs in their first innings on a flat pitch with a fast outfield.

Left-hander Alex Pierson led the way with a splendid 122 off 138 balls with six sixes and 12 fours. Opener Callum Guest supported well with 71, while Haddow took 6-120 from 31 overs.

Bucks lacked a major innings in reply. Billy Dodds made a stylish 42, while there was a very promising 71 from debutant Rehaan Edavalath, who shared a stand of 89 with skipper Alexei Kervezee (54). Once they were parted, the innings fell away and Bucks were all out for 254 - a deficit of 113. James Cox, a seamer with a whippy action, returned 5-76 off 19.3 overs.

With a big lead, Cambridgeshire's batsmen built on this patiently in the second innings. The bowling from Haddow and clubmate Cameron Parsons was tight, but they scored at less than three runs an over.

When they were eventually all out for 237 after lunch on the final day, they set Bucks a victory target of 351 from approximately 60 overs.

Bucks had a shaky start after they slipped to 77-6 with nearly 30 overs left, and the threat of defeat was apparent.

But Kervezee and Bragg steadied the ship before the skipper was dismissed for 47 with 15 overs to go.

However, Bragg, with an unbeaten 32 from 94 balls,  and the brilliant Haddow batted out the remaining overs with few alarms to secure Bucks a draw on 147-9 from 62.4 overs.

Bucks Men's will face Staffordshire in their next NCCA Cluberly Championship match at Stafford, starting this Sunday.

Captain Alexei Kervezee shared his thoughts on the contest: I think in the end a draw was what we deserved. We weren’t good enough with the bat in the first innings and it just meant we were behind the game, unfortunately. I think the bowlers bowled really well throughout the game and stuck to the plans under testing conditions, and I’m pleased we showed resilience with the bat in the second innings after finding ourselves in a tricky situation.

I think Conner bowled exceptionally well. His ability to hold line and length for long periods of time was outstanding, and he reaped the rewards of doing so. He’s been really good all year, and when he bowls his best ball it always carries a high level of threat for batters.

I think we were a little bit sloppy at times in the extras department. The weather had a part to play in what were tiring conditions, but also the plans we implemented were unfortunately not executed to our expected standards in phases.

Billy and Rehaan both played nicely in the first innings and showed glimpses of what they are capable of.

We’re in a good place in terms of the table. If we execute our skills and plans for long periods of time, I’m sure that will translate into putting good performances on the board. If we do that, we stand a good chance of progressing.

Plenty of positives from this game, but also plenty of learning curves, which I’m sure the boys are all aware of and will take in their stride.