Bucks’ 100 per cent record came to an end on Tuesday when they suffered a crushing 143-run defeat against Northumberland at Newcastle Cricket Club.

Three successful run chases in their opening trio of matches had put Bucks top of the Unicorns Counties Championship Eastern Division, but they came up short at the fourth attempt.

After winning the toss the visitors elected to stick with their winning formula, electing to field – a decision which they may have been regretting as Northumberland compiled 429-8 from their 90 overs.

Shaan Khan (77) and Charlie MacDonnell (92) put on 153 for the first wicket before the former was trapped lbw – a strong position which was strengthened further by Shelvin Gumbs’ knock of 57 and an unbeaten 49 from number four Michael Payne.

Bucks were moving along nicely at 232-2 but the next seven wickets were to fall for the addition of only 104 more runs before they declared on 340-9.

Sam Helm (3-40) and Marwan Mohammed (3-58) made early inroads in Northumberland’s second innings, reducing the hosts to 29-4.

However, a middle-order recovery was staged and the home side fought their way to 272-8 before making a declaration and setting Bucks a target of 362 to win.

Another fine start to the run chase from Khan (60) and MacDonnell (63) wasn’t capitalised upon once again, and only Geroge Russell (55) and Matt Rance (13) made it into double figures as the rest of the order fell cheaply, with Bucks being bowled out for 218.

The county will look to get back to winning ways when they take on Lincolnshire at Tring Park Cricket Club on August 2, looking to climb the table from their current position of third.