Devon looking to beat Berkshire

DEVON captain James Horler wants to eliminate any doubts about qualifying for the knockout stages of the National Counties Trophy by defeating Berkshire in the final round of group matches, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

- Conrad Sutcliffe

Berkshire, the group leaders, have already qualified for the last eight thanks to a perfect three-from-three record. Devon are next best on four point with Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire both on two.

If Devon lose to Berkshire they will finish the group stages on four points, as will either Oxfordshire or Bucks, who meet at Tring. Then net run rate will come into play, which is a hit-and-miss deadlock decider.

Devon don't have a brilliant record against Berkshire in the 50-over competition - they have lost the last three meetings - and have dominated National Counties cricket in one and three-day cricket for the best part of decade.