Cheshire end Berkshire dominance to reach trophy final

Cheshire 356-7 (50 overs), Berkshire 223 (34.5 overs). Cheshire won by 133 runs

Perry hits third ton in a week, and four wickets apiece for Dearden and Green to take  Alderley Edge honours...

Scorecard and video highlights    YouTube match stream    YouTube highlights    Norfolk v Cambridgeshire semi

Cheshire set up a KO Trophy Final shoot out with Norfolk after an outstanding 133 run win over Berkshire at Alderley Edge.

With poor weather ruling the venue out earlier in the season, great credit must go the Club to restore Alderley Edge to it's old safe. It felt good to be back.

Berkshire's dominance of the trophy has seen them win it every year since Cheshire beat Devon by two runs in the 2018 final. 

And amassing 356-7 from their 50 overs, it was once again Sam Perry who hit the headlines plundering 147, his third century in a week. Having hit 102 in the Championship against the same opponents last week and then hitting a club century 24 hours earlier, this was classic Perry once again.

And after losing out to Berkshire by three wickets on Tuesday, this was a great comeback as the white ball side powered their way to victory.

Invited to bat, Rob Sehmi (24) and Perry put 68 on the board before Sehmi was well caught at short third man. The Cheshire charge was further checked with two wickets in two balls as Alex Money (25) and Luke Young went in successive balls to see Cheshire on  129-3.

Enter big-hitting Kevin Carroll (33) who added 65 with Perry for the fourth wicket before Cheshire showed their strength in depth with sold contributions from Harry Dearden (17), Nick Anderson (24), Steven Green (32*) and Andy Jackson (24*).

Perry's epic innings closed on 147 as he skied one to mid wicket to become seventh out in the 45th over. In all he faced 142 balls, hit eleven 4s and five 6s.

With a short boundary and quick outfield, this strong Berkshire side started their innings unfazed and raced to 122 in just 13 overs.

With little joy from his opening pace attack, Dearden switched to spin and had immediate success as Green had Johnny Connell (79) well caught on the cover boundary.

With Dearden then picking up the wicket of Euan Woods, Green tasted success again as the impressive Rhys Lewis (79) drove one to the covers.

Dearden, Green and Xander Selby then took charge, the slower pace causing havoc as Cheshire sensed victory.

Charlie Dunnett (22) and Andy Rishton (20) offered some late resistance but with Dearden taking 4-52, Green 4-31 and Selby 2-49, it was a day to remember for the spinning trio, and a day to remember for Cheshire.

Onwards to a Wormsley final for the first time in six years where Cheshire will face Norfolk on 25 August.

Norfolk beat Cambridgeshir eby 59 runs - details here