Day 2: Berkshire fightback sets up intriguing finish

Western Division 1 Championship Day 2: Cheshire 287 (87 overs) & 161-7 (70 overs), Berkshire 254 (65.3 overs). Cheshire lead by 194 runs with 3 wickets remaining

Cheshire 7 points, Berkshire 6 points.

Scoreboard & video highlights   Day 2 YouTube highlights

Berkshire fought back on day two at Nantwich to set up an intriguing final day with Cheshire.

The recovery from 48-5 continued first thing with the hosts struggling for the breakthrough on a flat pitch on another baking day.

Resuming 0n 108-5, Rhodri Lewis crafted a fine 63 and Dan O'Driscoll 59. Andy Rishton's 46 ensured the tail wagged too as Berkshire batted themselves back into the game to close just 33 runs short of Cheshire's 287, with 254.

Having had the visitors by the throat yesterday afternoon, Cheshire struggled to capitalise despite some excellent bowling from Xander Selby (4-90) and Luke Young (3-50). Henry Dobson offered good variation too with 2-13.

Cheshire found the going tough from the off second time around,with the spinners on early doors. .  

Young and Tom Hafill ground out 40 before Young was dismissed for 23 , the turning ball indicating a sign of things to come. Hafill went on to complete his first half century for the county (59) with Henry Dobson (50) in fine form at the other end as the storm was seemingy weathered and Cheshire worked their way to  136-1.

However, as Adam Searle and Luke Beaven turned the screws, a manic hour ensued and Cheshire contrived to lose six wickets for just 14 runs. Searle ended on 4-67, Beaven 2-37.

Tense cricket in front of a decent Monday crowd then saw a procession of appeals in the last half hour but with runs at a premium,  Dan Newton and Dan Wilson manged to hold off to close on 161-7 as Berkshire pushed to enhance their advantage.

Much is promised on the third day with Cheshire 194 ahead.

Play resumes at 11am.