CRICKET: Berkshire off to Lord's

A professional batting performance ensured Berkshire will be at Lord’s for the first time since 2004 following their comprehensive seven-wicket win against Oxfordshire on Sunday in the Minor Counties Knockout Cup.

It did not go all Berks’ way as they lost the toss and, being asked to field, saw Oxfordshire post a total of 245-7 off their allotted 50 overs on a good Banbury pitch. 

The major contribution came from ex-Berkshire player Dave Taylor (84) despite being injured early in his innings and batting with the help of a runner, which restricted his scoring opportunities.

Fine bowling from the Berks attack, helped by some excellent fielding, kept the opposition score in check and the general consensus of opinion was that the Oxfordshire total, while competitive, was below par.

The wickets were shared between Richard Johnson (2-51), Tom Lambert (2-58), Carl Crowe (1-55), Craig Crowe (1-29) and a direct hit run out from James Morris. 

Craig Crowe’s spell was particularly telling, putting the opponents on the back foot at a crucial time of their innings.

In reply, the Berkshire innings got off to a painful start when the first ball, an accidental beamer from opening bowler Jack Brooks, hit David Barnes a glancing blow on the jaw forcing him to retire to be patched up.

Craig Crowe was then promoted to join opener Mitchell Stokes - and the pair produced a fine partnership of 78 followed before Crowe departed for a belligerent 23. 

Stokes continued to bludgeon the Oxfordshire attack, reaching his 50 off only 31 balls, before becoming the second victim of the economical McMahon for a fine 56 which was largely instrumental in setting the tone for the remainder of the Berkshire innings.

With the bloodied Barnes returning to the crease, a further partnership of 42 with Jono McLean saw Berkshire to 136 before McLean departed for 16 - once again McMahon being the successful bowler.

Captain Bjorn Mordt then joined Barnes, who by now was receiving regular medical attention for his bleeding wound. 

In a shirt more blood red than traditional white, the heroic Barnes reached his half century off 77 balls and, ably assisted by his captain, saw Berkshire home with an unbeaten stand of 113 - Barnes finishing on 79 not out and Mordt 46 not out.

Victory was achieved for the loss of only three wickets with five overs to spare.

Berks team manager, David Morris, was delighted with the result, saying: “What a tremendous performance. Yet another triumph for team spirit.  Our bowlers and fielders performed brilliantly and the batsmen showed massive self belief. 

“Mitchell Stokes’ innings got us off to a fantastic start and the captain and David Barnes saw us home. I don’t usually like singling out players for special mention, but the guts and determination of David Barnes were truly immense - on leaving the field he looked more like Rambo than a cricketer!”

Berkshire will now meet Devon, conquerors of Norfolk in the other semi-final, at Lord’s on Wednesday, August 6 and hope to repeat the success of Gordon Child and Julian Wood’s team of four years ago.

Supporters coaches have been organised and will leave from Falkland CC, Purley CC and Finchampstead CC. The cost is £15. To book a place call Jane Forbes 01183 766136.

Captain Mordt was certainly hoping for some vocal encouragement on the day, saying: “We would love massive support. We will be travelling to Lord’s immediately following a three-day championship game - ironically against Oxfordshire - and it would be just great to be welcomed by our ever-increasing band of followers.”

- Berkshire return to three-day championship duty starting on Sunday when they host Herefordshire at Finchampstead CC, starting at 11am.

With neither professional Richard Johnson nor Craig Crowe available, Paul Carter returns to the side following university commitments and Hampshire and Henley bowler David Griffiths has been registered to play.

Berkshire team (v Hertfordshire): B Mordt, D Barnes, P Carter, C Crowe, T Lambert, J McLean, J Morris, S Naylor, M Stokes, J Trower, D Griffiths. 12th man: T Dellor.

- Buckinghamshire resume their three-day Minor Counties Championship campaign with a clash against Staffordshire on Sunday starting at 11am.

This Eastern Division encounter is taking place at Slough CC, Upton Court Park, Slough.