AS befits the first day of Wimbledon, it was rain that won the day at Ransomes Sports Ground, Ipswich yesterday.But in the play that was possible on the second day of this Minor Counties Championship game Suffolk put themselves in a position to take the honours today.

By Elvin King

AS befits the first day of Wimbledon, it was rain that won the day at Ransomes Sports Ground, Ipswich yesterday.

But in the play that was possible on the second day of this Minor Counties Championship game Suffolk put themselves in a position to take the honours today.

They removed Bedfordshire for 185 just before 6.30pm, and in the remaining overs until stumps were drawn shortly before 8.pm they built up a 177-run lead.

With an improved weather forecast for today - and a minimum of 102 overs to fit into the day - the reigning Eastern Division champions can collect their first three-day win of the season.

It may have been nothing more than a drizzle but spectators were left frustrated from 11am until the first ball was bowled at 3.45pm.

Efficient work by the Ransomes groundstaff ensured that the wicket remained hard and true and by start time the runs-ups had dried.

But it only lasted for two overs, and it was raining as hard as at any time during the day with Dhaval Naik leg before to Andrew McGarry with just one run added to the overnight score.

The covers came off again in time for a re-start at 4.45pm, but again only two more overs were possible before the umpires called a further halt.

Suffolk skipper Phil Caley was naturally keen to get on with proceedings, while his opposite number James Knott, just as naturally, was less enthusiastic.

After tea, the conditions improved from the downright dire to bearable, and the players re-took the field at 5.50pm. Simon Greyvensteyn soon departed, caught at slip off McGarry, but a final wicket partnership of 37 held up Suffolk before Steve Watts was caught at mid-on.

Tom Huggins continued the quick-fire controlled aggression he showed in the first innings, scoring 35 fluid runs in a first-wicket second innings partnership of 42 before being caught behind.

Two other Bury St Edmunds batsmen - Nick Lee and Tobias Hembry - took the score to 65 before stumps were drawn for the last time at 7.50pm.