Durham are the C&G visitors - again

As a result of wins against Ireland and Norfolk in the first two rounds of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy, played in 2002, Berkshire have been rewarded with a home tie against Durham in the third round. The tie will be played at Reading Cricket Club's Sonning Lane ground on Wednesday, May 7th.

If Durham are not perhaps the strongest opposition that Berkshire could have drawn, they can boast two members of England's World Cup squad in all-rounder Paul Collingwood and one of the quickest bowlers in the English game, Steve Harmison. In addition, they Australian Test batsman Martin Love as one of their overseas players, while the other is South African Test fast bowler Dewald Pretorius.

Berkshire entertained Durham at the same stage of the competition in 2000 when they bowled them out for 140 with John Emburey earning the man of the match award for his amazing figures of 9.4-3-13-4. In reply, Berkshire could only muster 97, but the memory of five lbw decisions will linger long in the memory of all who saw them.

The winners of the tie will be at home in the fourth round on May 28th against the winners of the third round tie between Devon and Lancashire.