BUCKS skipper Jason Harrison tipped teenager Paul Sawyer for a big future after the pair of them put on a record-breaking third-wicket stand of 322 in Bucks' draw with Norfolk.

Their partnership is Bucks' highest ever stand in the Minor Counties championship, beating the unbeaten 300 set by Tom Busby and Jack O'Connor against Bedfordshire in 1947.

Sawyer, just 18, whacked 181 runs while at the other end former Middlesex player Harrison weighed in with a composed 140 during his six hour stay at the wicket.

But it was Sawyer, who had not previously scored a century for his county, who grabbed the limelight.

He hit 27 fours during his 239-ball stay as Bucks declared on 401 for six in the rain-affected match at Slough.

Afterwards Harrison paid tribute to his young partner.

He said: "It was an excellent performance and a brilliant experience for him. It was a difficult pitch and they bowled very well.

"He's got the potential to become a very talented cricketer and I think he's got a big future in the game. He works hard at his game and if he keeps progressing he's got a good chance of going a long way.

"He's got to keep playing well for Wycombe and Bucks and if he does, and keeps getting his name in the paper, people will sit up and take notice of him.

"He was out there for four hours and the experience will have done him a lot of good."

Harrison knows what he is talking about. He was at Middlesex for six years but found his first team chances limited with the likes of Mike Gatting, Mark Ramprakash and Jason Pooley around and youngster Owais Shah.

But despite Harrison and Sawyer's heroic stand they had to settle for a draw.

Bucks' bowling attack was blunted by the withdrawl of left-arm spinner Tim Scriven who dislocated his finger in fielding practice. He went to hospital and was unable to bowl until late in the Norfolk innings.

Norfolk progressed to 271 for six to claim the draw.

Tim Scriven is a doubt for Bucks' next match against Hertfordshire at Long Marston this Sunday and Monday.

But Harrison and Sawyer look set to turn out again for the county.

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