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NatWest Trophy: Hancock humbles Berkshire

Neil Hancock, Devon's Australian import, put Berkshire to the sword to crown his NatWest Trophy debut with a breathtaking century at Torquay. Hancock, a 23-year-old born in Casino, New South Wales, who is playing club cricket for Sidmouth, was one of only two century-makers in yesterday's programme of 13 second-round matches, and it was no ordinary century.

Devon always seem to relish the big occasion, although they were 84 for five at one stage, before Hancock's pyrotechnics lit up the seaside venue. He scored 113 not out off only 67 balls, racing from 50 to 100 in just 18 deliveries, with 48 of the second half-century coming in sixes.

In all Hancock hit 10 sixes and five fours, and his sixth-wicket partnership with Adrian Small (52) was worth 158. Devon finished on 267 for six, and Berkshire were bowled out for 199, Hancock removing both openers in single figures and returning to claim the final wicket for figures of three for 18.

Buckinghamshire were the day's most comfortable winners, easily picking off the Yorkshire Board XI at Sheffield. Yorkshire collapsed to 91 all out as every one of the five Buckinghamshire bowlers used claimed wickets. Mike Rindel, the South African all-rounder, chipped in 31 of Buckinghamshire's 92 for three.

For thrilling finishes, the best action was at Wellington where Shropshire were beaten by the Hampshire Board XI by one run. Shropshire went into the final over from Roger Miller on 212 for seven, chasing Hampshire's 217 all out. But they somehow managed to lose three wickets - including two run-outs - in scraping just four runs.

As far as job satisfaction went, the day's most gratifying victory came from Herefordshire, who turned the tables on Wiltshire to avenge Sunday's 108-run ECB 38-County Cup defeat at Brockhampton. Chris Boroughs contributed 50 of Herefordshire's 211 for nine, and Wiltshire were soon out of the equation on 57 for six. They were bowled out for 131.

David Ward, the former Surrey batsman, helped earn Hertfordshire a place in the last 32 with an unbeaten 83 against the Sussex Board XI at Hertford. Ward and Andy Griffin (60 not out) put together an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 118 to see their side overhaul Sussex's 209 for nine.

Of the 17 recreational first-class board XIs who were included in the NatWest Trophy this season, only three survive into the third round. They are Hampshire, Kent and Durham, who booked their place by defeating Staffordshire, the Minor Counties champions, by four wickets at Gateshead Fell. Shaun Birbeck's 88 was decisive.