AFTER two washed out weeks Sutton got back into league action. But the story was depressingly familiar as they clung on for a draw at Parkfield.

The home side took first knock and for 20 overs Sutton looked good as Ray Foster's tidy control brought him three wickets and reduced Parkfield to 66-4.

From this point the bowling worsened rapidly. The home side gratefully helping themselves to a massive 196-6 declared within 50 overs.

Facing this target the Sutton reply soon faltered as wickets fell rapidly although the evergreen John Lawton played fluently to record a fine 40 runs.

Sutton were never in the hunt against an enthusiastic Parkfield side and had to rely on stubborn resistance by Phil Kelly, Mark Reynolds and Geoff Bowles to avoid defeat as they closed on 106-9.

The boot was on the other foot at New Street as the seconds were denied by the Parkfield second string.

Sutton posted 156-9 declared after a careful start.

Phil Jukes (52) and Sean Anders (42) cracked an entertaining partnership and skipper Jeff Pye chipped in 145 at the end.

The visitors charged to 80 without loss before Stuart Rimmer put the brakes on with a four wicket haul.

Three more wickets fell as Sutton pressed for the win but the visitors went on the defensive and closed at 130-7 in a well-contested game.

The Sutton under 15 and 18 sides are both enjoying their seasons and new players will be welcome at the club.

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