Jaik Mickleburgh struck a big unbeaten century as Suffolk took total control of their Minor Counties Championship match against Bedfordshire, following day two at The Victory Ground, Bury St Edmunds, today.

The experienced Mickleburgh plundered 173 not out as Suffolk amassed a daunting 320 for three declared in their second innings, off 70 overs. Added to their first innings advantage of 186, it meant that Suffolk had set their visitors a target of 507 for an unlikely victory.

And by the close, the visitors had lost two wickets, both at the hands of Kyron Young, to finish on 41 for two.

It was an excellent day all-round for Suffolk, who quickly wrapped up Bedfordshire’s first innings.

Resuming on 65 for seven, in reply to the hosts 291 not out, Beds were dismissed for just 105 with Tom Rash taking all three of the remaining wickets.

Mildenhall captain Rash, who had taken three for 23 off eight overs on Sunday evening, wrapped up the innings by dismissing Liam Everitt caught by wicketkeeper Adam Mansfield, and then trapping both Al Mahmud Hasan and Mohammad Younas Ahmadzai leg before.

All-rounder Rash finished with fantastic figures of 15-4-38-6.

Suffolk’s second innings began positively, with Mickleburgh and Jack Beaumont putting on 64 for the first wicket before the latter was run out by Everitt for 28.

The match was effectively taken completely out of Bedfordshire’s reach by a 137-run partnership for the second wicket, between Mickleburgh and Young.

Frinton captain Young made a patient 51 off 107 deliveries, while Mickleburgh played freely at the other end.

Darren Ironside (5) fell cheaply, having contributed a fine 47 in the first innings, but Ben Shepperson kept Mickleburgh company for long into the evening session.

The duo were involved in an unbroken stand of 114 for the fourth wicket, before the declaration was made.

Mildenhall stalwart Shepperson scored 58 not out off 43 balls, featuring three sixes and six fours, but it was Mickleburgh who was the real star of the show.

The 28-year-old former Essex batsman struck 18 boundaries in his unbeaten 173, off 220 balls.

Bedfordshire looked set to at least bat out the remaining overs of the day, without incident, to give themselves a fighting chance of saving the game during tomorrow’s final day.

Openers George Darlow and Ben Coddington shared an opening stand of 40, before Young struck twice. He had Darlow caught and bowled, and then bowled night watchman Al Mahmud Hasan for a second-ball duck.