Berkshire produced two outstanding performances against a Wales National Counties side featuring six contracted Glamorgan professionals, completing an impressive T20 double at the picturesque setting of Panteg Cricket Club.
Against an opposition boasting first-class experience, Berkshire demonstrated their quality with both bat and ball, combining disciplined bowling, sharp fielding and aggressive batting to secure two convincing victories.
Bowlers Set Up Opening Success
Berkshire’s attack laid the foundations for victory in the opening match, restricting a powerful Wales batting line-up to just 91 for 9 from their 20 overs.
Euan Woods and Rhys Lewis both claimed two wickets apiece, while Andy Rishton, Toby Greatwood, Samm Daniel and Sulaiman Akhtar all chipped in with a wicket as Berkshire’s bowlers applied pressure throughout the innings.
Wales never recovered from a series of early setbacks, slipping to 39 for 6 before Sami Khan’s unbeaten 39 from 34 balls provided some late resistance. Alex Horton was the only other batter to pass 20, making 23 at the top of the order.
Berkshire’s response was positive and controlled. Johnny Connell set the tone with a fluent 26 from 17 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes, before Ben Salter continued the momentum with an aggressive 27 from just 16 balls.
After James Davies removed Connell and Ben Morris accounted for Salter, Rhys Lewis ensured there would be no late drama, finishing unbeaten on 22, while James Isbell struck two sixes in an unbeaten seven-ball 14 as Berkshire raced to 95 for 2 in only 9.5 overs.
The eight-wicket victory highlighted Berkshire’s dominance and sent them into the second game full of confidence.
Salter Stars as Berkshire Complete the Double
The second contest saw Berkshire produce an even more emphatic display.
After being asked to bat, Berkshire piled up an imposing 203 for 7 from their 20 overs. Ben Salter was the star of the innings, blasting a superb 83 from just 42 deliveries, striking five fours and eight sixes in a breathtaking display of power hitting.
Johnny Connell provided the perfect support with a rapid 34 from 17 balls, sharing a partnership that helped Berkshire reach 91 inside seven overs. Valuable contributions followed from Euan Woods (32), Andrew MacEwen (11 not out) and Sulaiman Akhtar (7 not out) as Berkshire maintained their momentum throughout the innings.
With a formidable target on the board, Berkshire’s bowlers completed the job in style. They were once again aided by some brilliant fielding which was a feature throughout the day.
Euan Woods impressed again claiming 3 for 24, while Sulaiman Akhtar ripped through the middle order with 3 for 21.
Only Cameron Hemp offered prolonged resistance for Wales with 45, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. Andy Rishton and Toby Greatwood also struck as Berkshire bowled Wales out for just 96 in 16.1 overs.
The 107-run victory underlined Berkshire’s superiority and capped an excellent day against high-quality opposition.
“It was an incredible team performance today and a statement win away to an excellent Wales team. There were some breathtaking individual performances today and it is great to see different players putting in match winning performances every week”
We now look forward to welcoming Buckinghamshire CC to Wokingham next Sunday in a top of the table clash “