Berkshire to make debut in new Minor Counties T20 contest

BERKSHIRE make their first appearance in the new Minor Counties T20 competition this weekend.

The national three-day and oneday champions play Shropshire at Wargrave CC on Sunday followed by neighbours Buckinghamshire at Amersham on Bank Holiday Monday. There will be two games per day, starting at 11am with the second scheduled for around 3pm.

Berkshire’s preparations for the new season have been badly affected by rain with fixtures against Wiltshire and Bedfordshire both being cancelled due to the bad weather.

And a recent practice session was marred by an accidental collision between two players going for a high catch, leaving Waqas Hussain nursing a facial injury.

It is too early to say when the all-rounder will be able to resume playing.

With several youngsters in the squad attached to first-class counties and playing for their

2nd XIs this week, Berkshire head coach Tom Lambert has to check their availability before naming his teams for this weekend’s games, but there is likely to be a few changes to the side that completed the double last year.

Berkshire will open their defence of the Unicorns Trophy against Cornwall at The Oratory School, Woodcote, on Sunday,

May 20.

While the holders received a bye, Cornwall (155-3) defeated Dorset (156-3) by seven wickets in their first-round tie last weekend. The Trophy has now become a straight knock-out competition.

THE LOCAL league seasons also get underway in earnest this weekend.

Finchampstead, led by new skipper Dan Lincoln, host Thame Town in Home Counties Premier 1, while newly promoted Wokingham go to Chesham in Premier 2.

The Thames Valley, Berkshire and Chiltern Leagues are also due to begin on Saturday.

KNOWL HILL are seeking new players for this season.

The club play on Saturdays in Division 2 of the Berkshire League and all abilities are welcome, as well as anybody interested in scoring or umpiring.

For more information, call Tony on 07833 151816.