NCCA XI

2023 Season Review

HEREFORDSHIRE’S rain-ravaged season ended in disappointment with the county side relegated back to NCCA Western Division 2 after a two-season stay in the top flight. While defeat in the final match against Devon at Sidmouth sealed the county’s fate, it was the final day of the three-day clash against Berkshire at Eastnor which ultimately proved crucial. After dominating proceedings for the first two days, Herefordshire lost their grip on the game on the final morning when Berkshire were allowed to get away to set a victory target of 206. This proved well beyond the home side who were shot out for 76 after a disappointing batting display. Herefordshire had also been in the game throughout against Oxfordshire in their other home game, but regular interruptions by rain prevented a conclusive result. Matters had been even worse against Cheshire when all three days of the match at Alderley Edge were washed out, allowing not even a single ball to be bowled.

Notwithstanding the disappointments of the red ball campaign, there were some notable highlights with Ben Chapman-Lilley scoring 260 runs at an average of 65.00 with two 50’s and one century and James Rudge the leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets at 19.00, which included a 10 wicket haul against Berkshire. In the all-rounder category, Roshan Venkatamaran took 12 wickets at 32.75 and averaged 37.66 with the bat. The full list of Championship averages can be found here.

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