National Counties U18 T20 Champions
Semi-Final Report: Berkshire U18s vs Cheshire U18s
Berkshire booked their place in the final with a convincing five-wicket victory over Cheshire in the U18 County T20 semi-final.
Cheshire, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were restricted to 141 for 9 from their 20 overs. Berkshire’s bowlers kept a tight grip throughout, with regular breakthroughs preventing any major partnerships. Cheshire’s middle order provided some resistance, but disciplined bowling ensured the total stayed within reach.
In reply, Berkshire’s top order set the tone with positive stroke play. Despite losing a few wickets, their chase remained comfortably ahead of the required rate. A composed partnership in the middle overs steadied the innings before the lower order guided them home. Berkshire reached the target in 17.3 overs, finishing on 142 for 5, sealing victory with 15 balls to spare.
The result saw Berkshire progress to the final, carrying strong momentum after a clinical all-round performance.
Final Report: Berkshire U18’s v Devon U18’s
Berkshire’s Batting Brilliance
Berkshire U18s won the toss and opted to bat first—a decision that paid dividends as the batters posted a competitive total of 196 for 7
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Ralf Beer (28 balls): 53 (6 fours, 1 six), anchoring a solid start
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Bobby Brown (25 balls): 34 while supporting the strong opening stand
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Connor Lamsdale (29 balls): A commanding 57 (2 fours, 5 sixes), steering Berkshire past the 100-run mark swiftly—100 in just 12.1 overs
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Andrew MacEwen (14 balls): Quick-fire 26, helping accelerate the total near the finish
The innings featured several explosive partnerships:
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50 in 5.1 overs (Ralf Beer & Bobby Brown)
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Another 50 in 23 balls (Connor Lamsdale & Andrew MacEwen) Play Cricket.
Extras also contributed—9 (1 b, 3 lb, 3 w, 2 nb)
Devon’s Fightback with the Ball
Devon bowlers picked up key breakthroughs:
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Alex Shutt: 2 wickets
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Luke Thomas: 2 wickets
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Noah Musikanth: 2 wickets—all chipping in to contain Berkshire’s momentum
Devon’s Pursuit of 197
Chasing 197, Devon showed intent but couldn’t keep the required rate:
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A brisk cameo from Freddie Cockram (50 off 26 balls; 4 fours, 3 sixes) stood out
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Noah Musikanth offered some resistance with 39 (18 balls), but the chase faltered as wickets fell regularly
Berkshire’s Bowling and Fielding Excellence
A well-rounded bowling effort sealed the win:
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Connor Lamsdale: 4 overs, 3 wickets
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Abdullah Iqbal: 4 overs, 2 wickets
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N. Bhandari: 4 overs, 2 wickets
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Finn Mercer: 4 overs, 2 wickets
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Ibrahim Zafar: 3.1 overs, 1 wicket
Summary & Takeaways
Berkshire’s dominant all-round performance—brilliant batting power displays from Lamsdale and Beer, backed by an incisive bowling effort—clinched the National Counties U18 T20 crown with a 23-run victory. The teams success in this competition is remarkable – winners in 2025, 2023, and 2022 and beaten finalists in 2024.