Berkshire must keep up the pressure

Berkshire bounced back from their defeat by Hertfordshire to beat Devon by six wickets in their second NCCA Trophy Group 2 game, writes Dave Wright.

The holders totally dominated Sunday’s game at Exeter, their bowlers making run-scoring extremely difficult for the batters who failed to score off 189 deliveries as they were dismissed for 113 in 43 overs.

Deciding to take first use of a wicket that was showing some signs of wear before the start, the Devon innings never got going with only two batters getting past 20.

With skipper Dan Lincoln constantly changing his attack, five of the six bowlers he used took a wicket. They were headed by spin trio Luke Beaven, who claimed 3-15, Rhodri Lewis 3-33 and Adam Searle 2-16, with Lincoln snapping up five catches behind the stumps.

Berkshire, adapting to the conditions far better than their hosts, cruised to their target in just 23 overs with Euan Woods left unbeaten on 37, while Lincoln contributed 21, Johnny Connell 18, Tom Scriven 15, Archie Carter nine and Charlie Dunnett five not out.

Lincoln’s men host Cornwall at his former club, Slough, on Sunday (11am) and must win to keep the pressure on group leaders Hertfordshire, who have won both of their games. Cornwall, who beat Devon last time out, have lost all four Trophy ties they have played in Berkshire.