Berkshire’s senior sides were in action across another busy week of county championship cricket, with the standout moment coming at Welford Park where the Over 60s 3rd XI celebrated their first ever league victory. The historic success over Cornwall was the highlight of the week, while the Over 70s 1st XI also enjoyed an impressive win over Sussex. Although the Over 60s 1st and 2nd XIs were unable to add to the winning tally, both produced determined performances before attention turns to the Over 50s 1st XI’s upcoming Plate knockout fixture.
Over 60s 1st XI
Berkshire’s Over 60s 1st XI travelled to North Enfield CC to face Middlesex, with the hosts winning the toss and posting an imposing 297 for 6 from their 40 overs. Darren Mathura led the innings with an excellent 107, while Michael Jadunath (55) and Mehboob Elahi (83) added further momentum. Nick Turner claimed two wickets for Berkshire, with Phil Ridgeway, Peter Henly and Jim Warren each taking one.
Berkshire responded positively, with Phil Ridgeway top-scoring with 43, Chris Petts making 48 and Jim Warren adding 33. Chris Garrod finished unbeaten on 24, but the visitors closed on 230 for 7, earning valuable batting and bowling bonus points despite the defeat.
Over 60s 2nd XI
The Over 60s 2nd XI travelled to Twyford CC to take on Hampshire after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Useful contributions throughout the innings saw Berkshire reach 190 for 7, led by Andrew South’s 47, Gary Clarke’s 44, Andrew Williams’ 31 and Rahul Mohindru’s 28.
Hampshire’s reply began with two quick wickets from Chris Symonds before Ian Stuart counter-attacked with 61. An unbeaten partnership between Mark Jackson (50*) and Graham Baker (63*) guided the home side to 194 for 3 and a seven-wicket victory.
Over 60s 3rd XI
A historic day at Welford Park saw Berkshire’s Over 60s 3rd XI record their first ever league victory, defeating Cornwall by seven wickets.
Cornwall elected to bat first and were restricted to 202 for 4 from their 40 overs. Returning to Berkshire colours after several seasons away, Tom Clay produced a remarkable opening spell of eight overs for just nine runs to frustrate the Cornish openers. Tim Hyslop (65) and Rob MacGregor (94*) shared a century partnership before Nigel Haines made the breakthrough, dismissing Hyslop before removing Mark Everett with his very next delivery. Fellow left-armer Ian Herrington also claimed two wickets, while Dave Pollitt and John Fletcher bowled superbly at the death, with Fletcher conceding just one run from the 37th over and Pollitt delivering a maiden in the 39th.
Chasing 203, Berkshire lost Rob Bennett early but Ian Herrington and Martin Kay rebuilt with a stand of 49, Kay contributing 34. After Fred Herbert departed, Richard Wyatt joined Herrington and together they steadily took control of the chase. Herrington battled through a knee injury to finish unbeaten on 89, while Wyatt struck an excellent 60 not out as Berkshire reached 205 for 3 with 16 balls to spare. Even an unexpected invasion of sheep from the neighbouring field could not prevent a memorable first league victory for the side.
Over 70s 1st XI
The Over 70s bounced back impressively with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Sussex at Hurley CC.
Sussex posted 211 for 5 from their 45 overs, with Steve Thompson making 53 and Chris Knight finishing unbeaten on 43. Chad Cudjoe was Berkshire’s standout bowler with figures of 2 for 29, while Ian Harvey, Phil Ridgeway and Jonathan Aldous each claimed a wicket.
Berkshire’s reply was dominated by a superb opening partnership worth 180 between Phil Ridgeway and Ian Stuart. Ridgeway produced a magnificent unbeaten 123 from 114 balls, including 20 boundaries, while Stuart contributed an excellent 64. Ronnie Brock added an unbeaten 17 as Berkshire cruised to 215 for 1 with almost nine overs to spare.
This Weekend
Attention now turns to the Over 50s 1st XI, who host Lincolnshire in the 50+ County Championship Plate Knockoutat Falkland CC on Sunday 2 August, with play getting underway at 1.00pm. Supporters are warmly welcomed to come along and cheer on Berkshire as they look to book their place in the next round.
Finally, thank you to all of the clubs who hosted matches this week, together with the umpires, scorers and the many volunteers whose continued support ensures senior county cricket continues to thrive across the county.
CHECK OUT ALL THIS WEEKS BERKSHIRE CRICKET RESULTS AND SCORECARDS HERE