Two heavy defeats against Berkshire

24 Apr 2023

Bucks face a tough task to qualify for the later stages of the National Counties T20 Championship after losing both games in their double-header against a powerful Berkshire side at High Wycombe on Sunday.
Berkshire won both contests comfortably, leaving the hosts with just one win from three games in this competition.
The first match was very one-sided. Bucks, put in to bat on a green-looking pitch after all the recent rain, were bowled out for 104 in 19.3 overs. Ross Richardson (batting left) top-scored with 27, while seamer Andy Richardson, supported by some smart fielding, took 3-19.
Berkshire knocked off these runs in just 11.3 overs, after an opening stand of 89 in 8.5 overs between Savin Perera, whose 50 came off 29 balls, and Dan Lincoln (35). Scorecard: Match 1

Bucks were also inserted in the second game. Their batsmen did better this time, scoring 144-6 in their 20 overs. Buckingham's Ewan Cox top-scored 38, while Wycombe's Teddie Casterton boosted the total with a sparkling 32 not out off 16 balls. Rishton again picked up three wickets. (Picture shows Connor Haddow celebrating a wicket).

Some smart catches kept Bucks in the game, but Rishton completed a triumphant day with 62 not out, which included five sixes, to see Berkshire home at 148-5 with 14 balls to spare.
This Sunday, Bucks play their next group double-header against Wales NC at Lisvane just north of Cardiff, where they must win both games to have a chance of reaching the quarter-finals. Scorecard: Match 2