TWO Cambridgeshire batsmen came within three runs of a competition record in their MCCA Knockout Cup victory at Wiltshire on Sunday. Tom Harvey (101) and Nick Ferraby (123) shared a second wicket partnership of 248 before Ferraby was bowled by James Hibbe

TWO Cambridgeshire batsmen came within three runs of a competition record in their MCCA Knockout Cup victory at Wiltshire on Sunday.

Tom Harvey (101) and Nick Ferraby (123) shared a second wicket partnership of 248 before Ferraby was bowled by James Hibberd only three runs short of setting a new partnership record in the cup.

Their efforts were the perfect response to losing Wisbech's Gary Freear for a duck. Former captain Ajaz Akhtar helped Harvey to his maiden century for his county in the final over of the innings, which ended with Cambs on 280-4.

Wiltshire got off to an uncertain start as Andy Clarke (3-17) helped to remove the openers but the home side threatened to steal the game when Hibberd and James Golding formed a dangerous partnership.

The pair added 70 runs for the fifth wicket until Cambs skipper Damien Brandy claimed Hibberd for 100. When Andrew Kelly was forced to retire hurt after he top-edged Brandy's delivery into his face mask, the tide had turned back into the visitors' favour.

Clarke mopped up the tail-enders and helped to dismiss Wiltshire for 251 after 47.3 overs.

With two group matches to play in the competition, Cambs will be looking to follow their first cup win of the season when they entertain Buckinghamshire at Wisbech Cricket Club on May 20.

They complete the group stages with a trip to Hertfordshire.