Suffolk enjoyed another excellent day, in the Minor Counties Championship, thanks to Oliver Bocking’s excellent bowling on day one of their three-day contest away at Hertfordshire.

Fresh from their crushing victory over Norfolk from a fortnight ago, by an innings and two runs, Suffolk were again in fine form at North Mymms CC today.

Bocking claimed outstanding figures of 18-3-44-6 as Hertfordshire were bowled out for 221 in 67 overs, and Suffolk progressed along to 144 for two by the close.

That means Adam Mansfield’s side are just 77 runs behind, with eight wickets still in tact, going into tomorrow’s second day.

The hosts were soon reduced to 58 for six, as Bocking, Tom Rash and Michael Comber all had joy taking wickets.

Former Ipswich School pupil Bocking made the initial breakthrough, having opener J Cooke caught by wicketkeeper Adam Mansfield with the score on 25. It was the first of Bocking’s six wickets, and also the first of Mansfield’s six catches – he caught the top four batsmen.

Mildenhall captain Rash took two for 38 off 16 overs, while Frinton’s Comber weighed in with the important wicket of skipper R Hussain, again caught by Mansfield.

A Axon ensured that the home side would at least reach a respectable total thanks to a patient innings of 86 at No. 7. He hit 12 fours in his 140-ball stay, before he became the last wicket to fall, another victim of Bocking.

Axon put on 71 for the seventh wicket with B Cowell (33) and 79 for the eighth wicket with S Kazmi (33).

Suffolk lost Alex Oxley (1) early on in their reply, while Jaik Mickleburgh was dismissed for 35 to leave the visitors on 75 for two.

However, Kyran Young (47 not out) and Jed Cawkwell (51no) saw Suffolk in a very strong position at the close.