STAND-IN Suffolk skipper Tom Huggins said his side always believed that they could beat Cambridgeshire despite slipping to 46 for seven in their first innings on the opening day.

Huggins, in charge of Suffolk in a three-day match for the first time in the absence of injured skipper Justin Bishop, said: “We always had belief because we know we have a strong batting side with strength in depth.

“While Freddie (Klokker) was still there we knew he could turn it around because he has done it before, most notably when he scored a hundred earlier this season to help us beat Berkshire in the KO Cup.”

Huggins also paid tribute to Tony Palladino, the Essex bowler who was making his Minor Counties Championship debut for Suffolk.

“Having Tony in the side was a big help. Not only have you got his skills but he is someone who can lift the team through his performance. We have played well in the last two days.”

Huggins, who claimed five second-innings wickets yesterday, said: “I enjoy bowling – it keeps me involved in the game, but I think I took some of Tony’s wickets – he bowled very well today but didn’t have a great deal of luck.”