Hertfordshire fall to Berkshire despite exciting late surge

Berkshire secured a hard-earned 23-run victory over Hertfordshire in a high-scoring NV Play NCCA Trophy match at Lucas Lane.

Batting first after Hertfordshire chose to field, Berkshire posted an imposing 310 all out in 49.4 overs, built around a superb innings from James Isbell, who struck a commanding 92 off 85 balls, including 9 fours and 5 sixes at a strike rate of 108.2. He was well supported by Charlie Dunnett, who added a fluent 49 from 65 deliveries (4 fours), while Euan Woods maintained momentum with 39 off 35 balls at better than a run-a-ball. Earlier, Johnny Connell had provided impetus with 35 from 29 balls, including 6 fours and a six, helping Berkshire recover from the early loss of Rhys D Lewis (6). Late contributions from Ben Salter (32 off 37) and a brisk unbeaten 18 from 8 balls by Samm Daniel ensured Berkshire pushed beyond the 300 mark. #

Hertfordshire’s bowling effort was led by Jack Plom, who claimed 2 for 47 from 7 overs, while Chinmay Mullapudi (1 for 48 from 9) and Tom Arnold (2 for 49 from 9 overs) struck at key moments. Ben Waring (2 for 70) and Andrew Neal (2 for 49) also picked up wickets, but Berkshire’s depth proved decisive.

Chasing 311, Hertfordshire produced a strong reply but ultimately fell short, bowled out for 287 in 49.1 overs. The innings was anchored by Dominic Chatfield, who compiled a patient 60 from 91 balls (6 fours), while Jacob Gordon added a stylish 76 off 66 deliveries, striking 9 fours and 3 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 115.2. In the middle order, Benjamin Cowell kept Hertfordshire in contention with a rapid 40 from just 26 balls (7 fours) at a strike rate of 153.8, while Finn Kelsey contributed 27 from 38 balls. However, regular wickets hampered the chase at crucial stages.

Berkshire’s bowlers delivered under pressure, with Toby Greatwood producing a match-defining spell of 4 for 28 from 8.1 overs, dismantling the lower order. He was supported by Samm Daniel, who claimed 2 for 62 from 10 overs, while Charlie Dunnett (1 for 32) and Euan Woods (1 for 54) chipped in with key breakthroughs. Despite reaching 210 for 5 in the 41st over, Hertfordshire lost momentum late in the chase, with Greatwood’s strikes proving decisive as wickets fell in quick succession.