Bucks’ hopes of reaching T20 finals dissolve after losing three from four
The slim hopes that Bucks entertained of reaching finals day in the National Counties T20 Championship disappeared when they lost three of their four matches against Oxfordshire and Berkshire over the Bank Holiday weekend. In the first match of their doubleheader against Oxfordshire at High Wycombe on Sunday, Bucks lost by seven wickets.
A prolonged break for rain led to the contest being reduced to 18 overs per side. Bucks were restricted to 126-7, despite a late flourish from
Teddie Casterton (34no), Conrad Louth made 30. Oxon passed this target with 127-3 in just 15.3 overs thanks to sparkling innings from Harrison Ward (44), James Coles (38no) and skipper Johnny Cater (37no). Jon Burden was best best Bucks bowler with 2-19.
The hosts turned the tables in the second game, restricting Oxon 122 all out in 19.1 overs. Spinner Conner Haddow took 4-27, supported by skipper Tom Hampton (2-10) and Burden (218). Bucks sped home to 123-2 in 16 overs for an eight-wicket win thanks to 58 not out from Eliot Callis and 31 from
Conrad Louth.
The following day Bucks suffered a double defeat by Berkshire at Wargrave.
In the first game, a brilliant century by skipper Dan Lincoln helped the hosts, who had been put in, to reach 180-5 from their 20 overs. He made 101 not out from just 57 balls, reaching his ton off the last ball of the innings. Bucks never got close, finishing on 144-5 for a 36-run defeat, their leading scorers being Casterton (44no) and Ross Richardson (34). The second game was closer, although Berkshire scored even faster reaching 184-6, Jack Davies leading the way with 70 from 48 balls. A splendid 82 from 55 balls by Callis gave Bucks a chance, but Alexei Kervezee's 44 from 23 balls came just too late and they finished on 175-3 for a nine-run defeat.
Tring Park seamer Tom Weymes made his senior competitive debut for Bucks in the first game against Berkshire. This Sunday Bucks complete their T20 programme with a double-header against Wales NC at High Wycombe.