Berry blooms for Cheshire

Daniel Berry followed up his unbeaten 87 with 5-33 to aid an 18-run victory against Cumberland at Netherfield © David Bailey

A fine all-round performance from Daniel Berry helped Cheshire start their season with an 18-run victory against Cumberland at Netherfield CC in the MCCA Trophy.

The Hyde player top-scored with an unbeaten 87 from 77 balls to help Cheshire recover from 102 for seven to post 233 for nine from their allotted 50 overs.

Then the off-spinner starred with 5-33 as Cumberland slipped from relative comfort at 120 for three to 215 all out in their reply.

Cheshire were forced to make one change before the match with Hyde seamer Tom Young ruled out with a groin injury, so Macclesfield bowler James Hawley made his debut for the county.

And, having lost the toss and been asked to bat, Cheshire started well with openers Warren Goodwin and Danny Leech putting on 68 for the first wicket.

Goodwin went on to make 54, but Cheshire conspired to lose seven wickets for 34 runs.

But Berry and Alderley Edge all-rounder Jason Whittaker staged a valiant recovery, putting on 84 runs in an important eighth wicket stand.

Berry then hit three sixes and two fours, added to a single off the opening ball from Hawley, as Cheshire scored 27 runs off the last over.

Those runs proved crucial as Cumberland fell 18 runs short in their reply.

Alex Stead top-scored with 70 for the hosts and Alex Roberts (44) and former Durham professional Gary Pratt (36) were also in the runs, but Cheshire worked hard to take wickets at regular intervals.

Berry did the bulk of the damage while Bowdon seamer Adam Syddall also impressed with three wickets - and Nathan Dumelow and Whittaker claimed a wicket each.

From 139 the hosts lost their last seven wickets for 76 runs as Cheshire claimed two points to go top of the Group One table.

"It wasn't a great start to the season, but the main thing is we've got the win," reflected Cheshire team manager Sandy Scrimgeour.

"The first 15 overs of our innings were fine, but from a good start we were in a lot of trouble.

"We did well to post 233. It was a modest total, but all credit to the team because we bowled and fielded very well."

"Danny Berry had a great game for us," added Scrimgeour. "He's always been a promising talent, but last year he won us a game against Wales with an unbeaten knock of 85."