Cheshire 233-9.

Cumberland 215 all out.

ALL-rounder Daniel Berry was a thorn in Cumberland’s side as he made a match-winning unbeaten 87 and took 5-33 as the hosts suffered an 18-run defeat in their opening MCCA Trophy fixture.

New Cumberland one-day skipper James Smith won the toss and inserted the visitors at Netherfield CC’s Parkside Road ground on Sunday and they reached 68 before the introduction of Stead (3-25) brought a breakthrough.

The score moved to 91 before another dismissal and it sparked off a procession as four wickets fell for seven runs, including Goodwin (54).

Conway (4-32) was the main beneficary among the bowlers.

Although Cheshire were reduced to 102-7, Berry’s entrance as the No. 9 batsman changed everything.

He joined the experienced Whittaker (40) and they added 84 (including 26 off the last over) for the eighth wicket.

Berry remained unbeaten on 87 as Cheshire closed on 233-9 off their 50 overs.

Cumberland had Stead to thank for a top-scoring 70 in reply and ex-Durham batsman Pratt (36) and Roberts (44) got a start without being able to emulate their colleague.

Cumberland seemed to be getting on top but Smith’s departure as fifth man out with the score on 162 saw wickets fall quickly and they were all out for 215, still 19 short of victory with Roberts unbeaten on 44.

Man of the match Berry (5-33) and Syddall (3-3) shared the bowling spoils.

Cumberland now play Oxfordshire on Sunday at Challow And Childrey CC.