Suffolk are on the brink of a big victory, against visiting Buckinghamshire, following a superb double-century opening partnership between Jaik Mickleburgh and Martyn Cull on day two of their Minor Counties Championship match at the Victory Ground, Bury St Edmunds.

East Anglian Daily Times: Martyn Cull, who scored his second century of the season in the EAPL to help Copdock & OI to victory at Burwell. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTMartyn Cull, who scored his second century of the season in the EAPL to help Copdock & OI to victory at Burwell. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

Buckinghamshire, with just five second innings wickets in tact, still need another 42 runs to make their hosts bat again tomorrow.

Replying to Buckinghamshire’s modest first innings total of 260 all out, Suffolk resumed on their overnight score of 87 for 0.

Former Essex county batsman Mickleburgh and Suffolk stalwart Cull took the score on to 203, just 57 short of the visitors’ overall total, when Cull was trapped leg before by Masoor Khan for an excellent 98.

Cull’s innings spanned 165 balls and featured 10 boundaries and a six.

Mickleburgh did celebrate his century, before retiring on 108 not out suffering from a migraine. He hit 14 boundaries in his 192-ball stay at the crease.

Suffolk continued to score at a healthy rate, and had reached 394 for six at the end of 90 overs, so enjoying a lead of 134 runs on first innings.

Mildenhall captain, Ben Shepperson, contributed a brisk 77 at No. 4, scoring at more than a run-a-ball and helping himself to three sixes and eight fours.

Likewise Michael Comber, back on familiar turf – he was Bury St Edmunds captain up until the end of last season, before his switch to East Anglian Premier rivals Frinton – blasted 46 off just 25 balls, including three sixes.

An in-form Hugo Douglas, who had recorded fine figures of 14-6-19-4 in the first innings, did not take long to get back into the groove when Suffolk returned to the field.

Copdock & Old Ipswichian’s Douglas removed both openers, Masoor Khan and Alex Woodland, while Tom Rash dismissed Liam Gough for a duck, all three caught by Suffolk captain and wicketkeeper Adam Mansfield.

Buckinghamshire were staring at a possible defeat inside two days, when they slumped to 28 for four, but they recovered slightly to reach 92 for five at the close.

Suffolk will hope that the weather is kind to them tomorrow, so that they can complete what would be a deserved victory.