CRICKET: Suffolk cricketers have never been in a better position to join the ranks of giantkillers.They play Northamptonshire at Bury St Edmunds tomorrow in the third round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy with director of cricket Kevin Brooks upbeat about their chances.

By Elvin King

CRICKET

SUFFOLK cricketers have never been in a better position to join the ranks of giantkillers.

They play Northamptonshire at Bury St Edmunds tomorrow in the third round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy with director of cricket Kevin Brooks upbeat about their chances.

"Wins by Minor Counties over first class sides are few and far between," said Brooks. "But Herefordshire chased over 270 to beat Middlesex in 2001 – and nobody gave them a chance.

"We beat Herefordshire in the second round of this year's competition, played last autumn, and this has given us fresh heart.

"On top of this I feel we have a side that is capable of a big match. We look better equipped now than at any pervious time to give a good account of ourselves in this major competition.

"If our team play to the top of their performance then we must have a chance. We have respect for Northants but we are not in awe of them.

"There is a significant gap between our level and theirs and it will take a top showing, but Northants have everything to lose and we have everything to gain.

"As a former Derbyshire player I know that these matches can be difficult for first class sides – and we must capitalise on that. One thing is for sure, Northants will not treat us lightly."

Last year Suffolk lost a disappointing game to Nottinghamshire at Mildenhall at this stage of the competition. Put into bat they suffered against a tidy swing attack, and the visitors won in a canter.

Northants have not enjoyed the best of starts losing three and drawing one of their first four county championship matches including a seven wicket defeat by Notts yesterday.

They won three of their five Benson and Hedges Cup ground matches, so their one-day form is better. But they still present an opportunity for Suffolk to make a name for themselves.

Northants, led by Australian Mike Hussey, have no star names with former Essex bowler Darren Cousins suffering a series of injuries since his move.

One of many flimsy batting displays saw Northants lose by an innings to Middlesex in the Second Division County Championship.

Northants, who lost in three days to Derbyshire in their previous game, have much to do redeem a worrying start to their season.

South African test all-rounder Andrew Hall is set to make his Suffolk debut, while pace bowler Richard Pineo is available after exams led to him not being available for Sunday's 38 County Championship game against Cambridgeshire.

Chris Warn will keep wicket after playing for Derbyshire Second XI last week, and former England batsman Bill Athey, who is unlikely to play in the Minor Counties this summer, has a vital role.

Entrance can be gained on the day at £8 (£4 children and OAP's) with £2 for parking (Suffolk members free with membership card) and Suffolk will be hoping for a fine day and a big crowd.

A victory for Phil Caley's side would help to make it a red letter day for the county.

Suffolk (from): P Caley, R Catley, M Catley, T Catley, A Brown, B Athey, C Warn, C Swallow, A Hall, R Pineo, K Shaw, T Smith, G Kirk, J East.

Northants (likely): MHussey, ARollins, MLoye, EWarren, GSwann, APenberthy, JCook, TBailey, RAndersen, CGreenidge, DCousins.