Berkshire CCC brimming with confidence as they prepare to defend MCCA T20 title 

Andy Rishton

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Berkshire are brimming with confidence as they prepare to defend their MCCA Twenty20 competition title this coming Bank Holiday weekend.

The national champions start with two Group 2 fixtures at Shropshire at Whitchurch on Sunday, followed by two matches against neighbours Buckinghamshire at Wargrave on Monday, 11am and 2.30pm (approx) starts each day.

Berkshire have warmed up with T20 victories over Wiltshire at North Maidenhead on Easter Sunday, and Bedfordshire at Dunstable a week later.

In their opening game against Beds on Sunday Berks made 132-7 with the bulk of their runs coming from Richard Morris (54 off 39 balls), Joe Thomas, who hit 34no from 17 deliveries and Andy Rishton (13) Beds replied with 124-7, Euan Woods taking 2-19 from his four overs.

The second match proved much easier for Berks, who dismissed their visitors for 115 in 19.1 overs.

Rhodri Lewis was the pick of the bowlers with 3-30 off four overs. Woods claimed 2-13 from 3.1 overs,

Rishton blasted an unbeaten 53 from 41 balls - which included a six and six fours - to drive the team to their target in just 13.4 overs.

He lost two partners - Perera (4) and Lincoln (18) - before being joined by Morris (37 from 25 balls). Dan Lincoln, Woods, Rishton, Greatwood and Jack Davies have all be representing Middlesex 2nds in their match against Hampshire 2nds on the Isle of Wight this week.

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Berkshire Women open their county championship campaign this weekend by playing Essex and Worcestershire on Sunday and Monday respectively (11am starts), both at North Maidenhead's ground at Summerleaze.