Keogh and Berrill lead Beds to victory

Rob Keogh made a match-winning half century for Bedfordshire at the weekend

Bedfordshire continued their fine start to the Unicorns KO Trophy Group Four season with a five wicket victory over Buckinghamshire on Sunday.

After winning the toss and opting to field first at Gerrards Cross CC, Beds made early inroads, as Adam Wheatcroft took two early wickets to reduce the hosts to 25-2.

Bucks then put on 65 for the third wicket, before captain Andy Reynoldson broke the stand, dismissing his opposite number Michael Payne for 33, caught by Ben Howgego.

The visitors struck again as England spinner, Monty Panesar picked up two quick victims, finishing with 2-26 from his 10 overs, continuing to improve his match fitness for Northamptonshire.

Bucks’ lower order managed to recover from 120-5 with some valuable runs, as they eventually reached 210 all out as Rob Keogh took 1-34, while George Thurstance ended the innings, claiming taking 3-28 from 6.4 overs.

Beds got off to a poor start themselves as the top three of Thurstance (4), Luke Thomas (12) and Howgego (5) were all back in the pavilion with the score on 40.

Reynoldson soon followed for 19 as Beds were 50-4, but then Keogh (77), another looking to boost his Northants claims, dug in with Callum Berrill (67) to add a superb 149 for the fifth wicket.

Keogh was finally out just before the target was acquired, caught and bowled by Hamza Riazuddin, while Berrill finished on 69 not out as Beds were 211-5 in the 41st over, to win by five wickets.

Beds IIs also played a friendly 40-over clash against a Bedfordshire Cricket Board Representative XI on Monday at Luton Town and Indians.

Beds Cricket Board made 289 as J Biviano hit 83, before Beds replied with 180-5, falling short by 109 runs.

Bedfordshire next host Wiltshire in the Knockout Trophy on Sunday at Dunstable Town.