Berwick have a shot at cricket silverware

The Pier Field side were in devastating form as they bowled the visitors all out for 121 in 36.2 overs with Stephen Thompson taking 4/29 in eleven overs that included four maidens.

James Thompson, Declan Mark and Michael Shearer all took two wickets apiece as they restricted the visitors and tied them down on the crease with Murtaza Javed’s 24 the highest that they could muster.

“It was a very important win,” said James Thompson.

“Collectively, our fielding was the best it’s been for a very long time and we took some excellent catches which allowed us to keep taking regular wickets and restrict GEMs to a well below par total.”

Although Manu Shukla walked lbw for a duck to leave Berwick on 4/1, they didn’t hit the panic button and Donaldson slammed his total off just 76 balls with nine boundaries and one big six.

He has now racked up 899 runs in his maiden season in UK cricket since coming over from Australia.

With nine half centuries and one century under his belt, Donaldson is averaging 69.15 runs a game.

Jordan Woodcock departed on 12 when he was caught by Zohaib Gohar off Mohammed Hamid but Elliott Keenan came in a knocked a steady 34 not out as himself and Donaldson menaced the bowlers.

“The run chase was comfortable in the end with an excellent partnership between Dom and Elliot,” said Thompson.

Berwick go to Whickham seconds on Saturday looking to keep up the pressure on leaders Blagdon Park – then are in Cup action on Sunday.

“We are aiming to bring back some silverware from the William Birkett cup finals day when we play Blagdon in the 2nd semi-final of the day.”