Bucks drew their opening Minor Counties Championship match against Bedfordshire despite a remarkable innings from Russell Lane.

Set 254 for victory from 57 overs, Bucks were given a flying start by the powerful Slough left-hander, who completely dominated their second innings.

When he was sixth out at 100, Lane had contributed an astonishing 87 of them. Lane hammered 11 hours and three sixes in his 84-ball stay, but unfortunately the next highest score from the top seven Bucks batsmen was just four.

Once Lane was out, Bucks had to produce a rearguard action to avoid defeat. Fortunately, Tring Park's Gareth Steptoe produced his second useful contribution of the three-day match, while Slough's Nick Tilley made an assured unbeaten 40 on his championship debut.

Bucks finished on 165 for nine with the last pair having to survive nine balls to clinch a draw.

Choosing to bat after winning the toss, Bedfordshire made 338-6 in the first innings. Two century partnerships were at the heart of the Bucks reply.

After skipper Paul Atkins departed for the first of his two ducks, Marlow's Graeme Paskins dominated a third-wicket partnership of 123 with Beaconsfield's Danny Drepaul, before falling unluckily two short of a maiden championship century.

Following a mini-collapse, Bucks were struggling at 188 for six, before Naylor and Steptoe, playing his first innings for the county, both hit unbeaten half-centuries to keep Bucks in touch.

Beaconsfield left-arm spinner Nayan Doshi picked up five for 86 in the Bedfordshire second innings of 235, before Lane's amazing assault.

Bucks now entertain Northumberland at High Wycombe in their first home championship game starting on Sunday.

Jeremy Batty will return, while Andy Clarke is waiting for a fitness test on his injured calf muscle. The Bucks team will not be finalised until Friday.

Play starts at 11am on the first two days, and at 10.30am on the third.