Bedfordshire County Cricket Club began their T20 competition in the best possible fashion, winning two games out of two against a strong Wales side at Sudbrook Cricket Club near the Welsh coastline.
Bedfordshire top group three in the early stages, after a 27-run victory was backed up with a tighter 11-run victory as Wales could not usurp either of their targets.
The strong T20 start comes after a disappointing 50-over campaign in which Bedfordshire failed to win any of their opening four competitive games, finishing bottom of NCCA Trophy group two.
Norfolk go on to the knockout stages from that group after claiming victory from the jaws of defeat to beat Bedfordshire by two wickets on Sunday, 17 May.
Batting first, Nabil Moughal anchored a first innings of 269/6, with the Flitwick batter scoring 127, and backed up by Jamie Dunk who chipped in with 68.
With Norfolk at 192/8 in the chase, it looked as if Bedfordshire were to post their first win of the season, only for Benjamin Wilcox (94 not out) to guide the tail to an unlikely victory, despite four wickets for the excellent Moughal.
Wins in Wales
It has now become imperative for Bedfordshire to do well in the T20 tournament, and the side captained by Jake Tarling started the NCCA T20 competition in the best possible style.
Each county will play eight group games across four matchdays, with Bedfordshire facing Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Wales in their group.
Up first was a trip over the Welsh border, with Bedfordshire winning back-to-back games batting first.
Patrick Harrington was amongst the runs in the first game, top scoring with an unbeaten 61 from just 24 balls as Bedfordshire posted a target of 158/5, which Wales fell short of.
Moughal’s 3-25 included the key wicket of Wales’ opener, Cameron Hemp who departed for 57, while Anson and Tarling were also amongst the wickets as Bedfordshire comfortably claimed a 27-run triumph.
Attention quickly turned to the second match, and once again Bedfordshire won the toss and elected to bat.
Up stepped Jamie Dunk, who hit four fours and a pair of sixes, dragging Bedfordshire up to a competitive score of 149/7; another total that Wales were unable to reach.
Max Hunt’s 3-16 was the main danger with ball in hand, while James Anson picked up a further brace of wickets as Wales fell 11 runs short on 138/6.
Next up is the visit of Buckinghamshire in a local derby, with Leighton Buzzard Cricket Club hosting on Sunday, 31 May.
The first game starts at 11:00 and the second at 14.30. Entry is free.
The Bedford Independent has committed as a ‘Business Plus’ partner for this season, with Bedfordshire County Cricket Club part of its ongoing commitment to local sport, both on and off the pitch.
Read: Bedford Independent extends commitment to local sport with County Cricket Club partnership
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