COUNTY CRICKET: A FRUSTRATING combination of rain and poor umpiring ended Wiltshire's hopes of victory over Cornwall in the Minor Counties Championship at Camborne.

With all but 26 overs lost to rain on day two, Wiltshire were thwarted by two determined batsmen and two umpires who were even more determined to keep their hands by their sides. Wiltshire captain Richard Bedbrook said his side could "not have done anything more" to force a victory.

He said: "I don't really like to slag off the umpires but some of the decisions were just ridiculous. I'm not saying they bottled it, but they certainly took the easy option. "We must have had six big lbw shouts on the final afternoon and at least two bat-pad appeals. It was very disappointing."

Bedbrook led by example in the first innings, the skipper taking five wickets for 39 runs to help dismiss Cornwall for 187. Vice captain James Hibberd was also on song as he picked up four for 37.

In reply, Wiltshire fell two runs short of securing maximum batting points as they were bowled out for 323 on the last ball of the 90th over. South Wilts opener Eddie Abel (103) scored his maiden century for Wiltshire, batting on all three days of the match.

Corsham's Peter Dennett (54) and Michael Coles (46) were the other major contributors.

With 82 overs to avoid defeat, Cornwall were reduced to 129-8, a deficit of seven runs, before a dogged ninth wicket stand of 84 between Chris Hunkin (64) and Rob Harrison (35 not out).

By the close of play Cornwall had reached 231-9, a lead of 95, and the match ended in a draw. The result was tough to accept for Wiltshire, who dominated proceedings from ball one. Bedbrook, who took four wickets in the second innings, said he was proud of his players.

"We can't control the weather and we can't control the umpiring, but give some credit to Cornwall, they fought hard for the draw," he said. Baqar Rizvi will hope to keep his place for Wiltshire's next championship match against Oxfordshire on July 23-25.

Rizvi was handed a surprise recall for the Cornwall clash after he was dropped following a string of poor performances. He came in for Damian Sherazi, who had to drop out at the last minute.