Report: Michael Knox

Image: Andy Bone, Sports Shots

Bucks Men's skipper Conner Haddow produced a spectacular spell to help his team win the first of their double-header against Berkshire in the Dojo National Counties T20 Cup at Wokingham on Sunday. 

The High Wycombe left-arm spinner returned the stunning figures of 6-9 from four overs to bowl Bucks to a 42-run victory. 

His spell - one of the best in the competition's history - dismissed the hosts for 91 in 17 overs. This was after Bucks had struggled to only 133 all out in their 20 overs after choosing to bat first. Rhys Nicholas top-scored with 34.

However, Berkshire turned the tables dramatically in the second game, hammering Bucks by a massive 133 runs.

Choosing to bat first, Berkshire were given a flying start by Johnny Connell, who thrashed 84 from 40 balls with four sixes and 11 fours. He was supported by James Isbell's  59 off 33 as the hosts rattled up 200-6 from their 20 overs. Tom Weymes was the best Bucks bowler with 2-20.

In reply, Bucks Men collapsed ignominiously from 23-0 to 67 all out in 15.5 overs, Euan Woods returning 3-22.

By sharing the spoils on the day, Bucks are still second in the Group 3 table behind Berkshire with a good chance of reaching the Super 12s.

Their fate will be decided by their double-header against Wales NC at Marlow on Sunday July 5th. 

Men's Head Coach Jason Harrison was pleased with the efforts: “In Game One, it was a brilliant performance all round and, as a group, we came through the day well under testing weather conditions. The entire staff were absolutely superb, and securing a win [Game One] on Berkshire’s patch is never easy. Johnny Connell was outstanding in the second game and, with his class, really took the game away from us.”

Scorecard - Game One

Scorecard - Game Two

NCCA T20 Group 3 - Table