Berkshire Seniors Update – Weekly Round-Up
It was another busy week for Berkshire Seniors Cricket, with teams in action in both the 50+ County Championship and the National 70+ Championship.
There was an excellent away victory for the 50+ 2nd XI at Hampshire, while the 70+ 1st XI were narrowly beaten by Surrey despite a spirited fightback at Hurley.
50+ 2nd XI v Hampshire – County Championship Group C
Berkshire Seniors 50+ 2nd XI produced one of their best performances of the season with an impressive seven-wicket victory over Hampshire Seniors Over 50s 2nd XI at Sparsholt Cricket Club.
After Hampshire elected to bat, Berkshire’s bowlers delivered a disciplined display to restrict the home side to 240 for 8 from their 45 overs. Andy Parham was the standout performer, returning outstanding figures of 4 for 25 from his nine overs, while Saraff Saleem (2 for 28) and Sean Taylor (2 for 39) ensured Hampshire never gained complete control despite half-centuries from C. Mottola (58) and Gary Cockroft (78).
Chasing 241 for victory, Berkshire lost two early wickets before producing a superb recovery through Pankaj Garg and Ian Dawkins. Garg played a magnificent innings of 113 from just 98 balls, striking 17 fours and two sixes, while Dawkins provided the perfect foil with a composed unbeaten 72.
Their partnership took the game away from Hampshire before Ravi Godbole joined Dawkins to complete the chase, as Berkshire reached 241 for 3 with more than eight overs to spare and collected a valuable 20 points.
70+ 1st XI v Surrey – National Division 1
The 70+ 1st XI were involved in another closely fought National Division 1 encounter but were ultimately beaten by 16 runs by Surrey Senior Cricketers Association at Hurley Cricket Club.
After electing to field, Berkshire made an excellent start with the ball, reducing Surrey to 90 for 6. Chad Cudjoe and Ian Harvey each claimed two wickets, while David Brown, Phil Ridgeway, Errol Masters and Bob Bolton all chipped in with one apiece.
However, Surrey recovered well thanks to an outstanding 89 from Prakash Ganatra, who shared important partnerships to help his side post 205 for 8 from their 45 overs.
Berkshire’s reply got off to the worst possible start as both opening batters were dismissed with only three runs on the board. Ronnie Brock and Ian Harvey responded superbly, adding 131 for the third wicket to bring Berkshire firmly back into contention.
Brock led the recovery with an excellent 64, while Harvey anchored the innings with a patient 62. David Brown added a useful 19 and Colin Ainger struck an entertaining 22 as Berkshire pushed hard in the closing overs, but Surrey held their nerve to restrict the hosts to 189 for 7 and claim victory by 16 runs.
Despite the defeat, Berkshire can take plenty of positives from another determined all-round performance against strong opposition.
Chris Harding Memorial Walk – Final Reminder
This is a final reminder that Berkshire Seniors Cricket are supporting the Chris Harding Memorial Walk, taking place on Friday 10th July in conjunction with Ron Hedley’s March for Prostate Cancer and the Bob Willis Fund.
Chris was a hugely respected and popular member of Berkshire Seniors, representing the county at Over 50s, Over 60s and Over 70s level before later qualifying as an umpire to remain involved in the game following his prostate cancer diagnosis.
The walk, starting and finishing at The Rowbarge, Woolhampton, aims to raise both awareness and funds for prostate cancer research. We hope as many members, families and friends of Berkshire Seniors as possible will be able to support this very worthwhile cause and celebrate Chris’s life.
Full details of the walk, together with information on how to donate and take part, can be found by clicking here.
Check out all the full match scorecards here.