Published: Thursday, 4th September, 2008 12:00pm

Berks aiming to make up for Lord's loss

by Anthony Smith

BERKSHIRE manager David Morris will not ask his players to rest this Saturday and pull out of club cricket ahead of the county's second final of the summer.

Berks begin the gruelling four-day Minor Counties Championship final against Lincolnshire at Falkland this Sunday (11am).

The showdown between the Western and Eastern Division winners was extended by a day last year as too many three-day games ended in draws.

That means players could be forced to endure five days of cricket in a row should they choose to represent their clubs this weekend.

But while Morris admits a day's rest would do them good, he says he is not in a position to lay down the law.

"I won't stop anyone playing for his club this Saturday," he declared. "That is out of my remit, it's between them and their clubs.

"It means they could end up playing five days in a row but, if they want to turn out for their clubs, they can.

"Ideally they'll decide to have the day off, put their feet up and have a good rest. But it won't worry me if they play either."

Berks have not won the prestigious Minor Counties Championship outright since 1953 and they face tough opponents in Lincs who boast three former professionals in their ranks including ex-Derbyshire and Notts all-rounder Matt Dowman, Vikram Atri, who also represented Notts, and Gareth Clough who spent many seasons at Yorkshire and Notts.

Berks also have plenty of experience in professional Richard Johnson, who played for England, Middlesex and Somerset plus Crowe brothers, Carl and Craig, who spent time with Leicestershire.

But Berkshire's success is based on a strong team ethic rather than individual brilliance and Morris believes that will carry them through to victory.

"You can dream," he said. "Last season started badly and the one before that we didn't win a single game.

"But at the end of last season we won our final three games on the bounce and we have carried that momentum through.

"I never thought we would come this far but it is the lads on the field who have taken us there. It's a triumph for good character, togetherness and team spirit."

He added: "There will never be a better example of that than in the last game against Wiltshire. They needed eight to win with two wickets in hand and that would have been the end of us. But we took two wickets for four runs to win the match which was an incredible achievement.

"Bjorn Mordt is an inspirational captain. We have a good blend of youth and experience and I'm proud of each and every one of them."

Luckily for Morris' men, it is the Western Division's turn to host the winner-takes-all final and Berks return to Falkland where they have won two Championship games already this season.

"Lincolnshire have a few players with first-class experience but they're coming to ‘Fortress Falkland' and we don't lose many there," stated Morris.

"I think home advantage counts for something in that respect, it may equalise our chances. But Lincs still have a long trip to make which could benefit us."

Skipper Mordt is also relishing the prospect of finishing the season on a high.

And the South African says that winning the Championship will make up for their Lord's disappointment where they were beaten by Devon in the MCCA Knockout Trophy final a month ago.

"To be honest, we targeted reaching the Lord's final because we are a very good one-day team," he admitted. "To lose was disappointing for everyone and now we have a chance to put that right.

"It's not often a team reaches two finals in the same season so it would be nice to win one of them.

"Lincolnshire are clearly a good side with one or two big names but we believe in ourselves and our ability. If we play our best cricket we know we can win."

Berks are attempting to sign Hampshire's David Griffiths before the clash as cover for all-rounder Paul Carter who is unavailable.

The addition of Griffiths would sharpen Berkshire's bowling attack as professional Richard Johnson and Tom Lambert are both coming back from injuries.

The 23-year-old took 7-51 in Henley's win over Reading in the Home Counties Premier League last weekend and looks to be in excellent form.

Berks (from): Stokes, Shilvock, Barnes, Mordt, Naylor, Griffiths, Morris, Carl Crowe, Johnson, Craig Crowe, Guest, Denning.

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