15-07-2010 - Away - BYCL - Hurst vs Finch

Gladiatorial contest decides quarterfinal place

The final divisional game for the Falcons away to Hurst was a true contest, worthy of the ‘winner-takes-all’ scenario of a quarterfinal place for the victors. The Falcons lost the toss, were asked to bat, but took advantage of a dry, quick pitch to quickly reach 40 runs in just five overs. However, Hurst ensured they remained in the match with two wickets including an unfortunate run-out of Kieran Brown who was in good form hitting five boundaries to reach 23 from 18 deliveries. A stand of 39 between Will Edwards and Tommie Predgen kept the scoreboard ticking over nicely for the Falcons and helped to keep the balance of the game in their favour, and after 10 overs, a score of 84 for 3 had been reached. Tommie was in particularly fine form retiring on 25 from 17 balls (including five sweetly timed boundaries) and his excellent work was ably supported by Owen Powell who also retired on 27 (from 25 balls, including 4 boundaries). Just as it appeared that the boys could go on and record a significant score, Hurst fought back and their bowling strength was evident when for a four over spell the run-rate was pulled back to just four an over for the loss of another wicket. This seemed to focus the Falcons' efforts once more and a further 30 runs were added in the remaining four overs of the innings for the boys to finish on their highest score of the season of 146 for 5. A challenging score for the hosts, but with the quality evident in the opposition the Falcons would have to be at their best in the field and with the ball.

An encouraging start from opening bowlers Kieran Brown and Sam Lawton-Davies saw an early wicket for Kieran from the second ball of the innings and Hurst being restricted to just 21 after four overs. Yet the Falcons were facing perhaps one of the best batting sides in the division and a true battle was about to unfold with the opposition more than capable of taking advantage of the speed of the pitch. After ten overs, Hurst had reached 76 for no further loss thanks to a stand of 75 between their number 1, 3 (retired) and 4 batsmen. The Falcons were holding a slim advantage thanks to the excellence of their fielding that saw accurate throwing and a number of boundaries being saved (in fact the host’s supporters were very complimentary of the Falcons’ fielding, stating it was the best seen all season). A breakthrough was made thanks to James Woodford who trapped Hurst’s opening batsman with an excellent LBW – in fact, James deserved more luck with his bowling as he piled the pressure on the opposition with the movement he was able to create off the wicket in a great display of spin bowling - but as one strong batsman departed, another took his place. Suddenly the Falcons found their scoring rate being overtaken and for a four over spell the momentum of the match swung towards Hurst and with 24 balls remaining they needed only 25 to win. What turned the match again and saved the day for the Falcons was arguably one of the best bowling performances of the season. In his three overs, Joe Loveday took four wickets for just nine runs. Three of Joe’s four wickets were stumpings, as he and keeper Tommie Predgen worked in tandem to tactically out-think the Hurst batting line-up. In addition, Joe took two wickets in two balls and his overall accurate bowling resulted in Hurst needing 11 off the last over to win. With Kieran coping with the pressure of the final six balls, the Falcons were soon celebrating a heart stopping five-run victory and a place in the quarterfinals. That this was achieved against a skilled and determined Hurst XI made the win even more satisfying for the team and the large number of Finch spectators, including four generations of one family, who had made the effort to support the boys. The Falcons will appreciate that a similar effort, and in particular another truly top-draw fielding display, is needed as they progress through the competition. Well done boys!
 

Statistics

Hurst won the toss and elected to field
Result	Win
Umpires	Gary Woodford
Scorers	Stuart Lawton-Davies
Score
Finchampstead CC Scored 146 for 5 in 20
Hurst Scored 141 for 6 in 20