Cumbria are up against it after two days of their NCA Championship game with Bedfordshire.
The hosts lead by 253 with seven second innings wickets in hand after another disappointing batting display by Cumbria.
Bedfordshire had resumed on 172-9 and Cumbria, warned beforehand that the home county had a tail that wagged pretty effectively, that to be correct.
Tom Brett (48) and Joe Lowe (31no) put on 87 for the last wicket so that Bedfordshire were eventually bowled-out for 239.
Paul Hindmarch was the most effective Cumbrian bowler with 5-44.
The Cumbrian reply could hardly have got off to a worse start as they lost Nathan Waterston, Ben Davidson and Matthew Sempill with only seven on the board.
Mike Slack, who finished with 88 not out, adopted a sheet anchor role and helped stop the immediate rot but his only support came from Sam Dutton (49) and were eventually all out for 160 with Sam Sharp unable to bat.
The Cockermouth spinner had picked-up a bug and spent the day in bed in the team’s hotel. Hopefully he will be fit to resume for the final day.
An opening standoff 63 added to Bedfordshire’s advantage and success with the ball was rare for Cumbria as the lead increased.
Hindmarch, Matthew Siddall and Sempill each took a wicket but the home side were well in command when they closed on 174-3.
