CUMBERLAND just missed out in a thrilling run-chase at Netherfield on the hottest day of the summer so far and had to settle for a draw in their Championship game against Cambridgeshire.

Set 258 to win in what became 35 overs Gary Pratt's side finished 13 runs short on 245 for 8 after a compelling drama-filled last session.

Neil Longhurst and Barrow's Sam Dutton set up the chase with an opening partnership of 56 in eight overs before Dutton fell for 20.

Longhurst and Keswick batsman Glen Weightman then added 64 in seven overs until Longhurst went for 56.

Skipper Pratt's dismissal for a first-ball duck, caught and bowled by Cambs skipper Lewis Bruce was a massive blow but Cumberland never gave up the chase. Weightman made an impressive 50 off 46 balls including three huge sixes and fellow debutant Bob Carr weighed in with 47 but despite further contributions from Mattie McKiernan and Adam Syddall Cumberland just failed in their pursuit of victory.

The draw ends Cumberland's hopes of retaining the Unicorns Championship title they lifted for the third time last year, but there were plenty of positives to emerge from the game.

With a much-changed side, including five players on Championship debut, 19-year-old wicket-keeper Ben Howarth was another stand-out with a near faultless display.

Leg-spinner McKiernan wheeled his way through 39 first-innings overs, taking five for 101 as Cambs were bowled out for 260.

The 22-year-old looks set to follow Richard Gleeson as the latest Cumberland player to play county cricket with several first-class counties monitoring his progress.

Supported by Toby Bulcock, whose four for 85 from 31.3 overs was another fine effort on a superb batting track, Cumberland's spin twins combined effectively with opener Peter Richer (51) and James Williams (68) providing the main resistance.

Dutton and stand-in opener Bulcock then posted 100 for the first wicket in 21 overs as Cumberland replied in positive fashion.

Dutton was bowled by Bruce after making 70 off 72 balls in only his second Championship match and Bulcock (31), Weightman (33) and Carr (38) also batted well.

Carr was a last-gasp replacement for Wigton pro Michael Slack who pulled out through injury. A stand of 117 for the sixth wicket between Pratt (68) and McKiernan (75) helped Cumberland secure maximum batting points.

McKiernan hit 75 off only 65 balls including three sixes to confirm his genuine all-round status. Facing a first-innings deficit of 113, Cambs player-coach Ben Smith steered them away from danger with a painstaking six-and-a-half hour innings that saw him remain unbeaten on 168.

The 44-year-old former Leicestershire and Worcestershire batsman, a veteran of more than 600 first-class and List A games, frustrated the Cumberland bowlers though he survived two chances in the field. Smith received good support from teenager Mino Mniszko in a fifth-wicket stand of 147 that ate up 46 overs.

Cambs skipper Bruce smashed an unbeaten 40 against some occasional bowlers to finally set up a declaration after a tedious afternoon session. And spectators, basking in the sunshine at the beautiful Parkside Road ground, were rewarded for their patience with a thrilling end to the game.

McKiernan and Bulcock combined to bowl 77 second innings overs, taking three for 130 between them but despite their stranglehold were unable to bowl out the visitors on a pitch that was a batsman's paradise.

The Netherfield club were perfect hosts and an appreciative crowd were delighted to watch an uninterrupted game after the recent poor weather.

Result: Cambridgeshire 260 (JD Williams 68, PG Richer 51, MH McKiernan 5-101, T Bulcock 4-85) and 370-6 declared (BF Smith 168no, MA Mniszko 71); Cumberland 371 (MH McKiernan 75, SM Dutton 70, GJ Pratt 68, LR Bruce 4-146) and 245-8 (NJ Longhurst 58, GR Weightman 50) Match drawn, Cumberland 12pts, Cambs 10pts.