Berkshire’s opening NCCA Championship match with Devon at Wargrave petered out into a tame draw on Tuesday, with the hosts not even being given the chance to bat a second time.
A delayed start on Sunday and Monday, plus interruptions for rain led to several hours being lost over the three days.
Devon lost skipper James Horler first ball, bowled by Charlie Dunnett, but a second-wicket stand of 173 between Elliot Hamilton (87) and Matt Thompson (68) took them to a 90-over total of 270-9 in their first innings. Seamer Josh Lincoln claimed five wickets for 52 in 17 overs, his best figures for the team.
The reigning Western Division champions replied with 317 all out, with Wargrave’s Rhys Lewis making 86 off 134 balls and Henley’s Charlie Dunnett 62 off 107, the pair sharing a second wicket partnership of 99.
In their second innings, Devon reached 221-3 in 62 overs before the captains shook hands on the draw. Opener Hamilton produced another superb innings, making 124 not out off 179 balls, whilst featuring in a second-wicket stand of 120 with wicketkeeper Thompson who stroked 56 off 111.
Henley youngster Connor Lamsdale took two wickets for 42 in 12 overs on his Championship debut.
Finchampstead’s experienced batter Greg Smith also made his first Berkshire appearance, scoring 18 runs in an opening stand of 76 with Lewis.
Dan Lincoln’s men, who earned 11 points, are back in action this coming Sunday when they make the long journey to Truro to play Cornwall.
Cornwall also drew their opening Championship match with Oxfordshire at Banbury this week. Only one innings per side was possible, Oxon making 302 and Cornwall 185.
Berkshire hammered Cornwall by an innings and 111 at Wargrave last season. They posted a huge
439-7 with Johnny Connell blasting 130, Dan Lincoln 88 not out and Charlie Dunnett 77.
Cornwall were shot out for 124 in their first innings after being 103-2 and, following on, 204, with Wokingham allrounder Andy Rishton recording outstanding match figures of 12 wickets for 92.
