AFTER a year’s absence due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Berkshire play their first home three-day championship match since winning the title in 2019 when they host Dorset at Finchampstead on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, writes Dave Wright.
The defending champions will be looking to extend their incredible unbeaten run in the competition to 36 matches, stretching back to June 2015 when they defeated Oxfordshire by 40 runs at Henley with Chris Peploe taking six wickets in each innings to finish with outstanding figures of 12-110.
In addition to spinner Peploe, the Henley quartet of Richard Morris, Euan Woods, Stewart Davison and Tom Nugent all remain in the side.
Berkshire and Dorset both drew their opening Western Division One match of the season against Wiltshire and Cheshire respectively although delays for rain almost certainly prevented them
from winning.
Dorset then went on to beat Wiltshire by eight wickets at Wimborne this week and that makes it a must-win game for Berkshire if they are to finish above them in the five-county table.
As usual, Berkshire head coach Tom Lambert has to check with Middlesex and Hampshire over the availability of players who are attached to the first-class counties before naming his side. Work commitments for players could prove another issue.
But Dan Lincoln looks set to return following his recent three appearances for Kent’s 1st XI. Now starring for Home Counties Premier League Division Two leaders Slough, the batting star will be playing at his former club, while his ex-Finchampstead team-mate Olie Soames, now with Guildford, is expected to be in the Dorset team.
Play on all three days is due to commence at 11am.
The entrance is free and the Finchampstead club bar will be open from noon on all three days, serving drinks and light snacks.