Herefordshire v Berkshire – NCCA Championship Preview
Berkshire return to NCCA Championship action this weekend when they travel to Eastnor Cricket Club to face Herefordshire in their fourth Western Division 1 fixture of the season.
The three-day match gets underway at 11.00am on Sunday 23 August, with play continuing through to Tuesday 25 August.
Berkshire currently sit fourth in the Western Division 1 table with 42 points, behind Devon, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Herefordshire are fifth with 17 points.
The visitors will be looking to bounce back from their most recent Championship outing, when Wiltshire secured an eight-wicket victory at Henley-on-Thames. Berkshire were bowled out for 295 in their first innings before Wiltshire responded with 364, leaving Berkshire 69 runs behind. A second-innings total of 147 left Wiltshire requiring just 79 to win, which they reached for the loss of two wickets.
Despite the disappointment of that result, Berkshire have made a positive start to their Championship campaign. They opened with an impressive five-wicket victory over Oxfordshire, before earning a valuable 12-point draw against Devon at Blundell’s School.
The draw against Devon was a particularly competitive contest. Berkshire posted 348/8 declared in their first innings after Devon had made 342, before declaring on 284/6 in their second innings. Devon finished on 374/5, with the match ending in a draw and Berkshire taking 12 points.
Herefordshire are yet to record a victory in the Championship this season, having drawn their opening three matches. Their most recent fixture against Oxfordshire ended in a draw, despite Oxfordshire posting 492/9 declared in their second innings.
Earlier in the season, Herefordshire were beaten by Wiltshire by 233 runs and by Devon by eight wickets, although they have demonstrated their ability to compete over three days and will be determined to make the most of home advantage at Eastnor.
With Devon, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire all currently separated by just six points at the top of the table, Berkshire know that a strong performance against Herefordshire could be crucial in keeping them firmly in the Championship title race.
The fixture is also an important opportunity to respond immediately to the Wiltshire defeat. Berkshire will be aiming for a complete three-day performance with bat, ball and in the field and will be looking to return from Eastnor with a substantial points haul.
The match forms the fourth of Berkshire’s four scheduled Western Division 1 Championship fixtures, following their opening victory over Oxfordshire, the draw at Devon and the recent defeat to Wiltshire.
With the Championship table finely poised, another competitive three-day contest awaits as Berkshire look to strengthen their position and continue their challenge for Western Division 1 honours.
Herefordshire v Berkshire
NCCA Cluberly Western Division 1
Sunday 23 – Tuesday 25 August 2026
Eastnor Cricket Club
Start: 11.00am