BERKS ABANDONED AFTER POSITIVE TEST

BERKSHIRE'S final match of the season against Oxfordshire at Falkland CC on Sunday was abandoned due to a positive Covid-19 test, writes

Dave Wright.

It came after the BobWillis Trophymatch between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire at Bristol had been called off after lunch when it was learned a non-playing member of the visiting team had tested positive.

A small number of Oxfordshire players revealed they had played in a recent game which also involved the same Northants player, who is now self-isolating at home.

The news came through at Falkland whilst the teams were off the field sheltering from a short, sharp shower.

It looked close to being concluded as Berkshire were struggling at 92-9 from 33 overs (of 50) as they replied to Oxon's 146 all out in 43.3 overs having been 94-2.

Wokingham's Sukhi Kang was the home side's top scorerwith 25, whileWargrave youngster Rhodri Lewis was next highest with 16.

Middlesex professional Josh De Caires, making his Berkshire debut a week after he had played against them at Henley, was among the first three batsmen all dismissed with just one run to their name.

The game was dominated by spin bowlers with Luke Bevan (3-22),

Chris Peploe (3-20), Matt Rowe (1-17) and De Caires (1-7) all among the wickets for Berkshire.

Oxon's spinners also made full use of a helpful wicket, claiming seven victims with Ollie Clarke returning 3-14 and Max Mannering 2-1 the pick of the bowlers.

Among several Berkshire regulars missing was Henley's Tom Scriven, who this week has been playing for Hampshire in the Bob Willis Trophy.