Berkshire clinch victory in the final over at Wormsley in a tightly contested pre-season affair.
Middlesex’s 2nd XI went in to bat first at the Sir Paul Getty’s Ground and got off to a strong start thanks to Stirling & Cracknell, but Berkshire would have been happy to claim the important wicket of Stirling in the 5th over, with the score at 34/1.
Middlesex seemed to be in some trouble at 60/3, but as George Scott joined de Caires at the crease, the tide began to turn in their favour.
A brilliant partnership of 157 between the two took Middlesex past 200, before de Caires was finally dismissed for 70.
George Scott was undeterred however and was able to reach his century off just 98 deliveries. He was bowled by Lewis in the 46th over, just shy of Middlesex’s 250.
Despite further wickets falling, a quickfire 37 from Sowter in the final few overs saw Middlesex finish on 294-9 from their 50 overs.
Berkshire did not get off to the start they would have wanted, losing 3 wickets in quick succession to leave them on 17-3, thanks to 2 wickets from Bamber and 1 from Helm.
However, they would push on after this, reaching their 100 in the 21st over without further loss.
Wickets proved harder to come by for Middlesex in the latter overs, and Lincoln scored an impressive 94 for Berkshire. Despite this, after the 7th fell in the 43rd over, Berkshire found themselves on 228/7, and Middlesex seemed to be in control.
However, brilliant batting down the lower order from Berkshire, including an unbeaten 50 for Carter, brought Berkshire within touching distance of their set total.
They would then go on to secure the win in the final over with 4 ball to spare, and two wickets in hand.
Bamber obtained the best bowling figures of 3-52 for Middlesex, whilst Stirling took figures of 2-41.
Middlesex 2nd XI
Berkshire
