BERKSHIRE CCC are to open their pre-season fixtures by playing Middlesex 2nds in a friendly at the Wormsley ground on Sunday, April 14.

It is the scene of three of their triumphs in recent years, having won the MCCA championship, 50/50 Trophy and the T20 competitions at the prestigious Stokenchurch venue.

A week later, April 21, they play their annual Marlborough Cup fixture against Wiltshire at North Maidenhead CC and on April 28 they have arranged to play Bedfordshire away in a one-day friendly.

Berks will begin their defence of the national T20 competition away to Shropshire on May 5, followed by neighbours Buckinghamshire at Wargrave a day later, Bank Holiday Monday.

They will then be away to Oxfordshire in the T20 on June 9 and home to Herefordshire at Falkland CC on June 16.

Berkshire’s bid to regain the Trophy will start on June 2 when they host Dorset at The Oratory School.

In the championship, they have home games against Wales Minor Counties at Falkland on July 7-9, Cheshire at Finchampstead on July 21-23 and Dorset at Wargrave on September 1-3, while their away fixtures will see them visit Herefordshire on June 23-25, Shropshire on August 4-6 and Cornwall on August 18-20.