BERKSHIRE Over 50s made it three County Championship wins out of three as their 57-run triumph against Middlesex put them top of the table, writes Richard Ashton.

The leaders endured a difficult start at Nick Pitcher was given out lbw fourth ball, but Gordon Morgan – playing at his home ground of Wraysbury – and Gary Loveday then showed all their class and experience in putting on 119 for the second wicket.

Morgan was caught by Gary Pettet off the bowling of Andrew Marshall for 59, and when the same bowler trapped David Shaw in front, Berkshire were 136-3.

Loveday (69) became the third lbw victim of the innings when he was ruled against off the bowling of Raj Patel with the score on 150, and when Jeremy Baker and Mark Baker fell cheaply, the hosts were 167-6.

However, useful cameos from Steve Clarke and Andrew Davis rectified the situation and ensured Berkshire reached a competitive 193-6 from their 45 overs.

Pettet and Michael Judanath shared 55 for the opening stand in reply, Randall breaking the stand when he had the former stumped by David for 21.

Richard West bowled Judanath 10 runs later, but the score had climbed to 108 before the third wicket fell, John Macdonald cleaning up Algie Corbin.

Macdonald (3-33) went on to take a further two wickets, and with West (2-24) and Randall (4-20) also bowling well, Middlesex collapsed and were all out for just 136.

Berkshire Over 60s 2nds fell to a four-wicket reverse against Kent at Hurley CC.

Tony King (32) top scored for the home side as they were restricted to 151-8 off 45 overs, and despite John Muir claiming 3-30 from his nine overs, Kent ended on 154-6.