Cumbria had to settle for runners-up spot for a third time as Berkshire retained the NCCA Trophy again at Wormsley.
The holders’ powerful batting line-up saw them home with five wickets and 11.1 overs to spare.
It was the third final in four years (the other wasn’t played because of COVID) that Berkshire have beaten the Cumbrians.
Winning the toss and electing to bat Cumbria had runs at the top of the order but would be disappointed that they only eventually reached 227-8.
Sam Dutton (67) and Ben Walkden (64) gave them a sound platform to push on from, as their opening partnership realised 108 in 24,1 overs before they were parted.
Dutton was the first to go after receiving only 65 balls and hitting eight fours with one six – the only one hit in the Cumbrian innings.
When Walkden went at 149-3 they had used 34.2 overs but from there couldn’t accelerate as they would have wished.
Marcus Stables made 36 but nobody else really stayed around to maker a significant contribution and a 50-over total of 227-8 looked vulnerable.
Five of the six Berkshire bowlers who were used took wickets.
Berkshire did not make a good start as skipper Michael Slack clean bowled opener Archie Carter and Walkden did the same to his partner Johnny Connell and after seven overs they were 29-2.
But in the next 20 overs the third wicket pair of Euan Woods (84) and Jack Davies (64) put on 135 to turn the game Berkshire’s way.
Davies, who signed a contract with Middlesex four years ago and has played County Championship cricket this season made his 64 off 50 balls before he was clean bowled by Slack.
Woods who has been on Surrey’s books and toured with England Young Lions was fourth out at 191 and with17.1 overs left the holders had victory in their sights.
Skipper Dan Lincoln, who signed for Middlesex for the 2019 T20 series, is also a goalkeeper with National League newcomers Dorking Wanderers, and he was there at the finish to help steer his side to the five wicket win.
Slack (2-37), Nico Watt (2-50) and Walkden (1-38) were Cumbria’s wicket-takers.
