Prichard back for another season with Berkshire

The former Essex captain, Paul Prichard, had decided not to carry on after his first season with Berkshire in Minor Counties cricket. He had a disappointing season with the bat, but his two innings against Ireland and Norfolk were instrumental in the team qualifying for the C&G Trophy this year. Now, having ended the summer on a high note, he has pledged himself to Berkshire for another season.

Team manager Gordon Child is very pleased that Prichard is back. He had been holding discussions with Graham Rose, but talks with the former Somerset all-rounder broke down. Now the county can reap the benefit of having some continuity when it comes to their professional player. Alan Igglesden and Dickie Davis were both forced to confine their association with Berkshire to a single season because of unfortunate illnesses, while John Emburey had only one season before taking the first team coaching job at his old county, Middlesex.

Prichard's new position with bat manufacturers Gray-Nicolls allows him to be available for the great majority of Berkshire's championship and cup games in 2003, including the C & G Trophy match against Durham at reading on May 7th. Prichard says he really enjoyed his summer with Berkshire, despite his comparative lack of success with the bat until those matches against Ireland and Norfolk when all his experience came into play and he steered the side through from difficult situations.