Cheshire’s Trophy dream ended by ruthless Berkshire

NCCA KO Trophy Final, Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC: Berkshire 210 (46.4 overs), Cheshire 98 (34.4 overs). Berkshire won by 112 runs.

Scorecard & video

Cheshire’s brave pursuit of the NCCA KO Trophy ended in final heartbreak as Berkshire produced a commanding all-round performance to secure a 112-run victory at Copdock & Old Ipswichian CC.

Before play began, players, officials and spectators observed a minute’s silence following the sad passing of Cheshire CCC President Pete Babbage earlier in the week.

Having battled gallantly through the competition, Cheshire arrived with hopes of lifting the trophy—but, two years after losing the 2024 final to Norfolk, they were once again forced to settle for runners-up medals.

There was plenty of early encouragement after captain Sam Perry’s side were asked to bowl. Andy Jackson, Will Valentine and Henry Dobson exploited the conditions superbly, reducing the 2023 champions to 48-4. Dangerous opener Johnny Connell accounted for 36 of those runs before being sent back to the pavilion.

Berkshire’s middle order, however, launched a vital recovery. Euan Woods struck 59 and Ben Salter made 49, the pair combining for a match-defining fifth-wicket partnership of 104. Andy McEwan added a useful 29 as Berkshire recovered to post 210 from 46.4 overs.

Dobson was the pick of the Cheshire attack with 3-41, and at the halfway stage the target appeared well within reach.

But Cheshire’s reply never found the momentum it needed.

The crucial moment came with the score on 52-1 when Perry, who had made 23, was run out. His dismissal triggered a dramatic collapse from which Cheshire were unable to recover.

Henry Murray offered resistance with a determined 31, but Jackson, with 11, was the only other Cheshire batter to reach double figures as the innings subsided to 98 in 34.4 overs.

Sulaiman Akhtar claimed 3-10, while Walker completed a fine individual performance by taking 4-11 to add to his earlier contribution with the bat and earn the player-of-the-match award.

Congratulations go to Andy Rishton and his Berkshire side. For Cheshire, the disappointment of defeat will hurt, but it should not overshadow a memorable campaign featuring several outstanding performances and glorious victories on the road to the final.

Cheshire: Sam Perry (captain, Alderley Edge), Dan Newton (Lindow), Henry Murray (Toft), George Lavelle (Ormskirk), Freddie Vaughan-Hawkins (wicketkeeper, Timperley), Henry Dobson (Oxton), Kevin Carroll (Brooklands), Will Valentine (Alderley Edge), Andy Jackson (Hyde), Will Street (Didsbury), Isaac Brooks (Lindow).

12th man: Zak Rogers (Neston)
Scorer: Inge Bevers
Coach: Gavin Colebourn
Team Manager: Nick Brooks