Berkshire eyeing history as they chase the double
THE chance to create history has been the main motivation behind Berkshire’s scintillating start to the season, according to their captain James Morris.
Berks have cruised into the Unicorns KO Trophy last eight with four wins from four. And last season’s Championship victors are hoping to create history.
No side has retained the Unicorns Championship but Morris, 32, said:“To have won all four KO Trophy group games was deserved after the hard work we put in over the winter but our aim is to make history and be the first to defend the Unicorns Championship and be the first side to win the league and one-day double.
“Of course there is a long way to go but it would be an incredible achievement. For the time being we must focus on the next match.”
Having beaten Devon, Dorset, Cornwall and Oxfordshire, Berks will now take on Suffolk in the oneday cup quarter-final and Morris said:“Our team has been in great form this season and it is really exciting to see the lads pick up where they left off last season.
“We are going to have to keep this form going as we approach the Championship season as well as doing our best in the one-dayers.
“One of the great successes of our side is that everyone is able to contribute in a big way.We have great depth in the squad and we all know each other well, something that has helped us continue our good form.”
Berkshire will take on Cornwall this weekend in their opening Championship Western Division match as they look to defend their crown.
Morris is confident his side can quickly adapt between the oneday format and three-day cricket to ensure Berks are fighting on all fronts.
He said:“This is a very ambitious group – we know what is at stake.
“We haven’t found it too hard to adjust our game from one-day to championship cricket. Our aim is always to get ahead of the game and not go through the motions, to be proactive with our cricket.”
The experienced batsmen hit 52 to help steer his side to a 131-run victory over Dorset but Morris was quick to praise his teammates including his brother Richard.
“Of course it was nice to get a good innings but the main thing is the team is performing really well.
“It has been great to be out there with Rich, he is one of our most consistent batsman and someone I can rely upon.We’ve played school cricket together and now for Berkshire so that’s been enjoyable.”
The other one-day cup quarterfinals will see Hertfordshire take on Cheshire, Lincolnshire will host Devon and Norfolk travel to Staffordshire with all fixtures taking place on June 11.