Berkshire stay top after sharing T20 double-header with Buckinghamshire
Berkshire maintained their position at the top of the group after a hard-fought T20 double-header against Buckinghamshire at Wokingham Cricket Club, recovering from defeat in the opening game to secure an emphatic victory in the second.
Match One: Buckinghamshire 133 all out beat Berkshire 91 all out by 42 runs
Buckinghamshire posted 133 all out from their 20 overs after Rhys Nicholas top-scored with 34 and Ryan Friend added 17. Berkshire’s bowlers kept things under control, with Toby Greatwood taking 3-21 and Andy Rishton claiming 2-30.
In reply, Berkshire were unable to build partnerships after a disastrous start that saw them slump to 5-3. Only Euan Woods offered significant resistance with 25, but Berkshire were eventually bowled out for 91 in 17 overs.
The outstanding performer was Conner Haddow, who produced a devastating spell of 6-9 from four overs, claiming more than half of Berkshire’s wickets. Wicketkeeper George Harvey also impressed behind the stumps with three stumpings.
Match One highlights – SCORECARD
- Rhys Nicholas (Buckinghamshire) – 34
- Toby Greatwood (Buckinghamshire) – 3-21
- Conner Haddow (Buckinghamshire) – 6-9
- Berkshire all out for 91
Match Two: Berkshire 200-6 beat Buckinghamshire 67 all out by 133 runs
Berkshire responded brilliantly in the second match, producing one of their best batting performances of the season.
Johnny Connell led the charge with a stunning 84 from 40 balls, smashing 11 fours and four sixes, while James Isbell provided excellent support with 59 from 33 deliveries. Their explosive partnership laid the platform for Berkshire’s imposing total of 200-6.
Buckinghamshire’s bowlers struggled to contain the scoring, with only Tom Weymes enjoying notable success with 2-20.
The chase never got going as Berkshire’s attack dominated from the outset. Rhys D Lewis claimed 3-14, Euan Woods took 3-22 and Sulaiman Akhtar added 2-11 as Buckinghamshire were bundled out for just 67.
Match Two highlights – SCORECARD
- Johnny Connell (Berkshire) – 84 (40)
- James Isbell (Berkshire) – 59 (33)
- Rhys D Lewis (Berkshire) – 3-14
- Euan Woods (Berkshire) – 3-22
- Berkshire won by 133 runs
The story of the day
After suffering a 42-run defeat in the opener, Berkshire showed impressive character to bounce back in the second game. Connell and Isbell’s explosive batting set up a huge total before the Berkshire bowlers completed a comprehensive victory.
The split result means Berkshire continue to sit top of the group, keeping their title challenge firmly on course as the T20 campaign moves into its last round where Berkshire head up to Bedfordshire – GROUP TABLE
Thank you to everyone at Wokingham Cricket Club. They were wonderful hosts