Berkshire retain Marlborough Cup

Shaun Udal was among the wicket-takers as Berkshire retained the Marlborough Cup with a heavy defeat of Wiltshire at Thatcham

Berkshire won the Marlborough Cup for the second year in a row with a crushing 225-run victory over Wiltshire at Thatcham.

After winning the toss and batting first, opening pair David Barnes and Michael Roberts put Berkshire in control with a 160-run partnership for the first wicket.

Barnes top-scored with 90, while Roberts and number three Jono McLean hit valuable knocks of 61 and 63 to help their side to a total of 346 for eight from 50 overs.

The loss of early wickets damaged Wiltshere’s hopes of chasing down the large score and they were bowled out for 121 after 32 overs.

Only Tom Morton, who made 52 and continued his good form of last year, scored over 20 as Wiltshire were unable to cope with Berkshire’s experienced spinners.

Shaun Udal, Chris Peploe and Luke Beaven took two wickets apiece as Berskshire regained the trophy they won last year at Devizes.