Berkshire crowned champions

Berkshire capped a memorable season in the Western Division by clinching the title by just a single point following a dramatic four-run win over Wiltshire at Falkland CC.

The hosts fell agonisingly short of a victory target of 297 on the final day as Berkshire wrapped up the victory which saw them top the table ahead of Cheshire.

After opting to make first use of a flat pitch, Berkshire amassed 385 for four from their 90 overs in the first innings, Daniel Shilvock (147) and David Barnes (104) putting on a commendable 200 for the second wicket.

Bjorn Mordt (38) and Steven Naylor (57 not out) continued to pile on the runs until the innings closed.

Wiltshire ended day one on seven without loss after being required to bat for two overs at the end of day one, with 15 overs being lost.

Following the loss of day two due to inclement weather, day three saw a Wiltshire declaration on 89 for one, followed by Berkshire forfeiting their second innings to leave Wiltshire needing 297 from 91 overs for victory.

The innings began badly with the loss of three early wickets for a meagre 18 runs.

However, Eddie Abel (22) and James Hayward (56) put on 39 for the fourth wicket, with Hayward and Richard Bedbrook (10) then putting on 48 before both were dismissed with the score reading 111.

A partnership of 130 then followed between James Hibberd (74) and debutant Oliver Howick, who finished 90 not out.

Their effort put Wiltshire in sight of an unlikely win but Hibberd’s removal, with the score at 241, preceded a spell of two wickets falling in three balls to dismiss Wiltshire for 292 and leave Howick stranded despairingly five short of the target.

The result capped a superb season for Berkshire as they topped the Western Division by just a solitary point, with Wiltshire ending in ninth.