GARY Loveday blasted an unbeaten century as Berkshire defeated Buckinghamshire by nine runs in an Over 50s County Championship game played at Farnham Royal.

The Finchampstead veteran made 104 off 125 balls with the help of a six and 15 fours, holding the innings together after Berks had slumped from 60-1 to 79-6 with David Shaw, Phil Oxley and Richard O'Toole all falling to Mohammed Raza Khan for ducks.

But Andy Davis (20) and Peter Randall (16no) stayed around long enough to help Loveday take his side to 196-7 in their 45 overs.

Bucks looked well placed at 111-2 as Ian Pulsford (56) led the way, but Mark Baker (3-30) and John McDonald (2-21) applied the brakes and the hosts fell just short at 187-9.

There was also a wicket apiece for Randall (1-34) and David Hartley (1-27), while keeper Davis ran out two batsmen in addition to a stumping.

Berkshire Over 60s lost to Hampshire by seven wickets at Binfield.

They made 184-8 in their 45 overs with skipper David Tooze top scoring with 54, followed by Don Townsin (42no), Ronnie Brock (30) and Ian Harvey (27).

The visitors reached their target in the 42nd over, opener Chris Wheeler hitting 68 and Ian Britton 46 not out.

The same two counties also met in a 2nd XI game at Royal Ascot.

Berkshire were dismissed for 107 as Joe Richardson top scored with 30, Hampshire sealing victory at 109-4 in the 32nd over, Peter Trapper making 44.

Keith Woodman took 3-23 and Simon Wilkinson 1-28.

BERKSHIRE Women's match against fellow unbeaten side Devon at Sidmouth on Sunday was cut short due to rain.

The hosts recovered from 17-3 – two wickets for Lauren Bell (2-29) – to reach 203-5 with Georgia Hennessy unbeaten on 78 and Emily Edgcombe making 59.

Berks made a dreadful start to their reply, Emily Cunningham and Millie Allerton both dismissed without scoring.

Sophie Day (6no) and MacLeod (10no) took the total to 22-2 off five overs before rain brought the game to an early end.

Devon remain top of the table on 61 points, three more than Berkshire, who host Durham at North Maidenhead CC this coming Sunday (11am).