Berkshire Seniors Weekly Round-Up
Before we reflect on this week’s on-field action, Berkshire Seniors came together to support a very worthwhile cause by taking part in the Chris Harding Memorial Walk, raising both awareness and funds for prostate cancer research.
A walk in aid of prostate cancer research and in memory of the late Chris Harding took place on Friday 10th July. Around 35 hardy souls took part in the 4.25-mile walk from The Rowbarge at Woolhampton to Aldermaston Lock and back on what proved to be a very hot Friday morning.
The walk was held in conjunction with Ron Hedley and the Bob Willis Fund. Ron is undertaking walks with Seniors cricketers from counties competing in the National Over 60s and Over 70s Championships and is now closing in on his remarkable fundraising target of £100,000. Thanks go to everyone who took part and made a donation to support the fund.
Ron’s efforts recently attracted the attention of the BBC, with his walk alongside Essex Seniors being filmed. He will feature in a special edition of Songs of Praise, dedicated to walks and walking, which is due to be broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 9th August 2026.
Ron has been battling prostate cancer himself, having first been diagnosed in 2018, just six months after Chris Harding. His message to everyone is simple but important – if you haven’t already, please get tested.
On the field it was another busy week for Berkshire Seniors, with five Championship fixtures producing three impressive victories and two hard-fought defeats.
The week began with the 50+ 1st XI suffering a six-wicket defeat to Middlesex despite posting 183 at Thatcham. Jason Vaughan-Davies (40), Pankaj Garg (39) and Jim Ettridge (30) all contributed with the bat before Mandip Sohi claimed 2-39 and Daminda Kolugala and Chris Bird each picked up wickets. Middlesex reached their target with five overs to spare.
The response came quickly on Tuesday as the 60+ 2nd XI produced an excellent six-wicket victory over Wiltshire. Rahul Mohindru starred with the ball, returning outstanding figures of 2-12 from eight overs, supported by Ronnie Brock (2-39), Jez Ellis (1-24) and Andrew South (1-25) as Wiltshire were restricted to 151-8.
After an early wobble at 31-3, Berkshire recovered superbly through Parminder Mangat’s unbeaten 51 and an excellent partnership with Graham Cassie (30) before Simon Longfield finished unbeaten on 25 as Berkshire raced to 153-4 in just 25.4 overs.
Wednesday saw two excellent away victories.
The 50+ 2nd XI defeated Wiltshire by five wickets after restricting the hosts to 194-7. Mark Dozell produced a remarkable spell of 2-6 from eight overs, while Andy Parham (2-30), Timothy Howson (2-38) and James Summers all chipped in.
In reply, Ian Dawkins anchored the chase with 53, Nicholas Outram struck an aggressive 43 from just 30 balls and Sean Taylor gave Berkshire the perfect platform with 36 as Ravi Godbole and Rob Ettridge calmly saw Berkshire home with five overs remaining. This win maintained the teams 100% record and also secured them a home tie at Binfield next Tuesday in the competitions last 16.
There was also an outstanding performance from the 50+ 1st XI, who bounced back from Sunday’s defeat with a convincing seven-wicket win over Hertfordshire.
Excellent bowling from Daminda Kolugala (3-35), Duncan Johnson (3-41), Simon Foster and Chris Bird dismissed Hertfordshire for 197 before Berkshire produced one of their best batting displays of the season.
Mandip Sohi blasted 45 from just 25 balls to give Berkshire a flying start before Craig Williams played a superb unbeaten innings of 62. Pete De Lange added 23, Anup Urath scored 23 and Pankaj Garg finished unbeaten on a fluent 30 as Berkshire reached 198-3 inside 30 overs.
The week’s final fixture saw the 70+ 1st XI edged out by Hampshire in an entertaining contest at Bradfield.
After losing early wickets, Berkshire recovered brilliantly thanks to Ronnie Brock’s attacking 47 before David Brown’s unbeaten 57 and Nino Trapani’s retired unbeaten 33 lifted the hosts to a competitive 201-6.
Hampshire looked in trouble at 33-2 thanks to Andy Brown’s two early wickets and Jonathan Aldous then claimed excellent figures of 4-50, reducing the visitors to 180-7. However, Hampshire held their nerve in the closing overs to reach 205-7 and secure victory by three wickets in a closely contested finish.
Overall, it was another encouraging week for Berkshire Seniors, with three wins from five matches. The victories for both 50+ sides and the 60+ 2nd XI highlighted the strength throughout the squads, while the two defeats both came against strong opposition in competitive contests.
Berkshire Seniors would also like to place on record their sincere thanks to all the clubs who generously host our fixtures throughout the season, together with the umpires, scorers and volunteers whose continued support makes county seniors cricket possible. Your commitment and dedication are greatly appreciated by everyone involved.