Berks build-up for Lord's with 266-run win

BERKSHIRE

A 266-run victory was the perfect build-up to Berkshire’s Lord’s final in two week’s time.

In their latest Minor Counties Championship three-day clash which ended on Tuesday, Berkshire proved too strong for Herefordshire at Finchampstead CC.

Berkshire were always in control of the match when they posted a massive 406-9 declared in their first innings, built around Jono McLean’s 122 and Steve Naylor’s 121.

Herefordshire’s reply was halted at 224 thanks to some excellent bowling which new Hampshire recruit David Griffiths led with a return of 4-72.

Carl Crowe (2-44) and Tom Lambert (2-92) also got among the wicklets.

Looking for quick runs to set a total, Berkshire smashed 234-3 declared off just 39 overs withopener David Barnes producing an eye-catching 123 from 125 deliveries.

His knock included 15 fours and a six, and with Mitchell Stokes (27), McLean (38) and Naylor (29) not hanging around, Berkshire were able to set the visitors a target of 417 to win.

Herefordshire did not even get close as they lost early wickets.

At various stages they were 32-3 and 89-6, but eventually managed to drag the score up to 150 in 59 overs before being rolled over.

Spinner Carl Crowe returned impressive figures of 6-52 from nearly 20 overs, while paceman Griffiths added two more wickets to his haul for the match.

Two coaches have been laid on to take fans to Lord’s for the Berkshire v Devon final of the Minor Counties Knockout Trophy on Wednesday, August 6.

One coach leaves Fakland CC at 7.45am, calling at Purley CC at 8.15am, while another leaves Finchampstead CC at 8.15am.

Tickets cost £15 and all bookings must be made in advance. To reserve your seat, please call Cecil Fright on 0118 942 9833.

Before that, Berkshire have another three-day league match, against Oxfordshire at Banbury CC, starting on Sunday, August 3.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Set a total of 338 to win, Buckinghamshire were unable to put together a decent innings and eventually lost their latest three-day clash by 127 runs to Staffordshire.

The hosts were always chasing the match, held at Slough CC, after they were held to 226-6 in their first innings in reply to Staff’s 329-7.

Slough CC youngster, and Bray resident, Fahim Qureshi was the anchor in the Bucks innings with a patient 69 in 206 deliveries.

Michael Jones (39) also took his time as Bucks struggled against some tight bowling.

After Staff had replied with 235-8 declared, Bucks set about chasing, but were always behind the pace despite Lane (27), Qureshi (34), Jones (51) and Brandon (31) all making starts.

Harper (33 in 90 deliveries) and Wynd (17 in 80 deliveries) held up the inevitable before Bucks were bowled out for 211.