BUCKS were outclassed in all departments as they crashed to a ten-wicket defeat in just two days away to powerful Norfolk, in the Minor Counties Cricket Championship.

The depleted Bucks team, who had to draft in 50-year-old manager Steve Lynch at the last minute, were on the back foot from the moment Norfolk won the toss and batted first on an excellent pitch at their new Manor Park headquarters in Norwich.

Openers Carl Rogers and Carl Amos put on 144 for the first wicket, the former going on to score a century, before former Derbyshire all-rounder Steve Goldsmith weighed in with a half-century to lift Norfolk to 345 for six declared.

Only seamer Simon Stanway (Tring Park) commanded respect.

At the close of the first day, Bucks were struggling at 32 for four. In-form Marlow batsman Graeme Paskins led the fight back with a bold 82.

But although the tail wagged a little, Bucks failed to avoid the follow-on by just two runs. Goldsmith, the bane of Bucks, finished with five for 61.

After being made to follow on, Bucks were always struggling. They batted hard and just managed to avoid the indignity of an innings defeat.

To save the sides having to come back for a third day, extra time was found at the end of the second for Norfolk to complete a comprehensive ten-wicket win.

Bucks have just one championship game left - against Suffolk at Marlow, starting on Sunday, August 19.