WOKINGHAM CC star Simon Myles cracked a stunning 97 from just 85 balls in a man-of-the-match display for England Over 50s against New Zealand.

Finchampstead stalwart Gary Loveday, skippering the side, chipped in with 26 as England (232-8) beat their opponents (173) by 59 runs.

Myles (pictured) completed a fine all-round display by bowling a frugal nine overs for the cost of just 17 runs.

Having finished third in the table following the group stage, England (184-5) lost to Pakistan (185-5) by five wickets in their semi-final.

Both Myles and Loveday were dismissed without scoring as England crashed to 0-2, though Myles did later take 1-25 from his seven overs.

BERKSHIRE CCC are to open their pre-season fixtures by playing Middlesex 2nds in a friendly at the Wormsley ground on Sunday, April 14.

It is the scene of three of their triumphs in recent years, having won the MCCA championship, 50/50 Trophy and the T20 competitions at the prestigious Stokenchurch venue.

A week later, April 21, they play their annual Marlborough Cup fixture against Wiltshire at North Maidenhead CC and on April 28 they have arranged to play Bedfordshire away in a one-day friendly.

Berks will begin their defence of the national T20 competition away to Shropshire on May 5, followed by neighbours Buckinghamshire at Wargrave a day later, Bank Holiday Monday.

They will then be away to Oxfordshire in the T20 on June 9 and home to Herefordshire at Falkland CC on June 16.

Berkshire’s bid to regain the Trophy will start on June 2 when they host Dorset at The Oratory School.

In the championship, they have home games against Wales Minor Counties at Falkland on July 7-9, Cheshire at Finchampstead on July 21-23 and Dorset at Wargrave on September 1-3, while their away fixtures will see them visit Herefordshire on June 23-25, Shropshire on August 4-6 and Cornwall on August 18-20.