Berkshire slumped to an 85-run defeat at the hands of Hertfordshire in their opening National Counties Trophy Group 2 match at Henley on Monday.
They were shot out for 107 with slow left-armer Ben Waring taking five for 21 and former Essex seamer Jack Plom three for 33.
The Trophy holders, who were missing all of their contracted first-class county players, dismissed their visitors for a modest 192 after deciding to field first. Rhodri Lewis claimed 3-16 from 10 overs while there were two wickets for Tom Nugent and one each for Andy
Rishton, who also claimed a run-out, Luke Beaven, Euan Woods and Adam Searle.
Wicket keeper Dan Lincoln took three catches in addition to stumping Dominic Chatfield, the day’s highest scorer with 60.
The home batters, struggling from the start, lost three wickets in 10 deliveries and half the side had gone for 37 inside nine overs.
Charlie Dunnett top-scored with 26 and Woods made 20 before Berkshire were all out for 107 in the 24th over, Henley skipper Nugent remaining unbeaten on 18.
Head coach Tom Lambert will be hoping that some of his big-hitting batsmen will be available for the next group game against Devon at Exeter this coming Sunday.
Devon also lost their opening match, going down by 36 runs to Cornwall at Truro after being set a target of 304.
By Dave Wright
