Seniors Round-Up: Double Over 50s Success Followed by Another Over 70s Victory
Berkshire’s senior teams enjoyed another productive week of county cricket, with both Over 50s sides progressing in their respective knockout competitions, while the Over 70s completed back-to-back National Division One victories with an impressive win over Wiltshire. The Over 60s also continued their preparations with a pair of competitive friendly fixtures.
Over 50s 1st XI Reach Plate Quarter-Finals
Berkshire’s Over 50s 1st XI booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 50+ County Championship Plate with a convincing five-wicket victory over Lincolnshire at Falkland CC.
Having elected to field, Berkshire restricted the visitors to 164-9 from their 45 overs through an excellent all-round bowling effort. Andy Prasad (2-34), Duncan Johnson (2-40), Jason Vaughan-Davies (2-26) and Mandip Sohi (2-29) each collected two wickets, while Daminda Kolugala also struck. Lincolnshire captain S. Behan carried his bat for an unbeaten 52, but Berkshire maintained control throughout.
The reply was led by an explosive 32 from 20 balls by Mandip Sohi before Craig Williams anchored the chase superbly with an unbeaten 61. Contributions from Jim Ettridge (19), Richard O’Toole (16) and Pete De Lange (19 not out) guided Berkshire to 165-5 with more than 13 overs remaining.
Over 50s 2nd XI Progress to Championship Quarter-Finals
The Over 50s 2nd XI followed suit with a three-wicket victory over Cheshire in the 50+ 2nd XI County Championship Play-Offs at Harpsden CC.
Berkshire dismissed Cheshire for 212 thanks to an excellent bowling display led by Andrew Parham (3-43), with Mark Dozell (2-22) and Ravi Godbole (2-28) providing outstanding support. Andy Bennion top scored for the visitors with 53 before Berkshire wrapped up the innings inside 44 overs.
The chase was dominated by an outstanding third-wicket partnership between Andy Mills and Ian Dawkins. Mills blasted 64 from just 47 deliveries, while Dawkins added a composed 44, putting Berkshire firmly in control. Nicholas Outram then struck an aggressive 43 from 34 balls before Berkshire reached 215-7 in only 37.2 overs to secure a deserved quarter-final place.
Over 70s Continue Winning Run
Following last week’s victory over Sussex, Berkshire’s Over 70s made it successive National Division One wins with a 49-run victory over Wiltshire at Bradfield CC.
Batting first, Berkshire produced another well-rounded team performance to post 246-8. There were valuable contributions throughout the order with Nino Trapani (43) and Jonathan Aldous (41) leading the way, while Phil Ridgeway (30), Ian Harvey (28) and Ronnie Brock (29) all made important starts. An excellent total was built through partnerships rather than one dominant innings, with Berkshire also benefiting from 29 extras.
Wiltshire’s reply was kept under control by a disciplined Berkshire bowling attack. Phil Ridgeway returned 2-22, while Chad Cudjoe, Errol Masters and David Brown all claimed a wicket apiece. Although Ian Swain battled hard with an unbeaten 69, Berkshire never allowed Wiltshire to threaten the target, restricting them to 197-5 from their 45 overs.
The victory strengthens Berkshire’s position in National Division One and maintains excellent momentum heading into the closing weeks of the season.
Over 60s 1st XI Enjoy Friendly Success
The Over 60s 1st XI defeated Buckinghamshire Over 60s 2nd XI by 20 runs in an entertaining friendly at Buckingham Town CC.
Retired half-centuries from Simon Longfield (51 retired), Gerry Bacon (50 retired) and Steve Clarke (53 retired)underpinned Berkshire’s 248-5, before Andy Chinn (3-50) and Jim Warren (2-14) helped dismiss the hosts for 228.
Surrey Too Strong for Over 60s 2nd XI
The Over 60s 2nd XI were beaten by Surrey despite spirited performances from several players.
Surrey amassed 315-5, with Jez Ellis (2-42) the pick of Berkshire’s bowlers. In reply, Jey Jeyarajah top scored with 36, while Ian Perry (25) and Chris Symonds (19 not out) added useful runs as Berkshire finished on 148-9.
Thank You
Berkshire Cricket extends its sincere thanks to all the clubs, umpires, scorers and volunteers who once again gave their time and commitment to make another successful week of senior county cricket possible. Their continued support is greatly appreciated by everyone involved.