Peploe stars as Berkshire romp home

Devastating delivery of runs and wickets as leaders flay rivals

BERKSHIRE hammered nearest rivals Oxfordshire by an innings and 53 runs to maintain their top spot in the Western Division of the Minor Counties Championship.

They bowled out the home side for only 131 in their second innings at Challow and Childrey as Oxon chased a target of 184 to make Berkshire bat again, but they were ripped to shreds by Chris Peploe, who took 8-15 in 20 unplayable overs to deliver a fourth championship success for the county.

Peploe had taken two wickets in the first innings when Oxon were dismissed for 207 after the hosts had failed to build on knocks of 60 and 59 respectively from Delray Rawlins and Jon Cater. Euan Woods took 3-11 while Tom Nugent took 3-71 in his 23 overs.

Berkshire limped to 41-3 in reply, but Peploe’s 103 led a rally, supported by 89 from Andy Rishton in a sixth-wicket stand worth 118 before Joe Thomas added an unbeaten 57 as Berkshire posted 391-

-9.