BERKSHIRE Seniors won three out of their four games at the inaugural Malta Seniors festival recently, finishing as runners-up behind Warwickshire on run rate.

Berkshire's opening game was reduced to 28-overs-a-side against Kent/Surrey, who they restricted to a paltry score of just 57 as guest player Aston Kinsey – from Miami – and Andy Brown both took two wickets.

That score never looked like being enough, and after captain Dave Tooze (21) and fellow opener Don Townsin (18) retired, Charles Bury and Mark Simmons knocked the runs off in the 11th over.

Tooze continued his fine form with 51 in the next game against Yorkshire Ridings, helping his side to 145-6 in their 30 overs. However, despite appearing to be in trouble at 75-6 in the 21st over, a late rally helped Yorkshire snatch a four-wicket win with just two balls to spare.

Some fine bowling from Richard West (4-11) and Jerry Smith (3-32) – aided by an excellent wicket-keeping performance from Nino Trapani – helped Berkshire restrict Warwickshire to 155-9 in game three.

The run chase began in spectacular fashion as Simmons hit the second ball for six en route to his side scoring 17 from the first over.

Tooze fell for 21 to make it 91-1 in the 17th over, but Simmons kept going before he was dismissed for a brilliant 87 from 85 balls.

A late collapse ensued, but Ian Harvey held his nerve to cover drive the last ball for four and secure a two-wicket win.

Berkshire posted their highest score of the tournament in their final match, Tooze's 76 from 64 balls leading the way to 194-5 as Harvey, Trevor Clacey, Colin Ainger and Smith also chipped in.

Paul Wakefield made a superb 76 not out in reply, but Berkshire's attack restricted Essex to 112-3. Smith (2-17) was the pick, though Channi Sethi, Harvey and Kinsey also bowled well.

Berkshire therefore finished with three wins from their four games, but Warwickshire's victory against Yorkshire meant they had the same record and ultimately took the title – presented by former England opening bowler Matthew Hoggard – on run rate.