10-07-2010 - Home - TVL - Finch vs British Airways

Potter magic strikes down BA

A magnificent 107 by late call-up Richard Potter ensured Finch chased down the 217 in 52 overs posted by unbeaten league-leaders British Airways on a baking Arborfield ground with one ball to spare. BA’s first defeat of the season was based on a high-class Finch bowling display, supported by committed fielding on the vast open spaces of a desert-like Arbo arana.

With Cap’n Bob losing the toss and being consigned to a long, hot afternoon in the field Liam Mathew’s high-speed, first over bouncer forced the early edge and routine snaffle by keeper Matt Lay, his first of 3 in the day, although a spill in the second over at mid-on looked expensive until tight bowling by Dylan forced the error from the other opener. When the shot-a-ball BA number 3 got into his stride with a series of powerful cuts to the boundary and Liam’s radar slightly skewing, the enforced withdrawal of the two opening bowlers shows 14 overs, 2 wickets and 60 runs on a lightning-fast outfield.

Cap’n Bob then looked to press home the advantage with “Strangler” Simmonite, again conceding under 3 per over by bowling off his extended 3-pace runup (OPTA rating says he covered nearly 0.25Km in his 12 overs). Ian Rose provided the contrasting pace at the other end, thundering down a succession of lifters and cutters for the next spell of 16 overs. This pressure was applied on the only BA batsman who came to terms with the situation, with a smartly-take legside glance and a commendable “walk” by batter Malik when on 35. Simmo yet again show the uncanny knack of wrenching a positive LBW  decision from an opposition player/umpire, restoring faith in the cricketing gods to the more cynical of observers (ie me).

Cap’n Bob then played the trump cards of Kanki and Dylan to again apply pressure, culminating in 3 successive runouts (smart glovework by Matt Lay from 2 buzzers by “Jonty” Rose and 1 direct hit by Alex “The Power” Jones from cover point) and Kanki clean bowling the only BA batter who came to terms with the situation for a fine 74. Both deserved more than than the single wicket for Kanki and the three victims from the again-impressive Dylan, who showed his ability to bowl a tight second spell to well-set batsmen.

 After a commended tea by Mr and Mrs Lay, it was Potter time. Matt Lay uncharacteristically struggled on this variable wicket but supported his partner, who after 5 overs had seen off the opener and even lost the new ball in a privet hedge. It became clear that BA rely on this bowling attack to whistle-out under pressure batsmen chasing their routine target of 250+. However this was not the case this time, with a total of 7 bowlers used. An opening stand of 88 moved smoothly through 100, then 150 with Pots smashing sixes over an unpatrolled cow corner with easy regularity. Off drives, on drives, cuts, pulls and glances allowed Pots to walk singles and eventually lift the bat to acknowledge a hugely well-deserved ton. With Bloggy clealry overawed by the majesty of the Potter onslaught and struggling to increase his scoring tempo, there was a slightly undignified rush toward the modest target once Pots decided enough was enough and retired to the shade, stumped (or was it "walked off"?). No matter, the damage was done, although a flurry of falling wickets gave unmerited hope to BA that a draw could be salvaged. However, Alex moved through the gears, judging the final over to perfection for a well-merited victory. His final cover drive effectively worth 10 points and a hugely well-deserved victory.

With 13 points to BA, this was not a massive gain on the leaders, however the manner of defeat may cause BA sufficient angst to further test the fragile team spirit displayed when under this unaccustomed pressure. With a buoyant Finch now only 4 points off 3^rd place a good result at Aldershot next game would guarantee a move up the table and a further warning to all teams in 7A.

Statistics

British Airways won the toss and elected to bat
Result	Win
Score
Finchampstead CC Scored 218 for 6 in 48
British Airways Scored 217 for 10 in 52

Player Performance - Batsmen

Player	How out	Runs	Catch	Stump
Bob Osler	Caught	6	0	0
Matt Lay	Caught	33	3	0
Malcom Blogg	Run Out	36	0	0
Richard Potter	Stumped	106	0	0
Ian Rose	Caught	2	0	0
Michael Simmonite	Not Out	0	0	0
Dylan Augustus	Not Out	0	0	0
Kanki Sehmi	Not Out	0	0	0
Alex Jones	Not Out	17	0	0
Liam Matthews	Not Out	0	0	0
Kevin Ramskir	Bowled	5	0	0

Player Performance - Bowlers

Player	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wickets
Ian Rose	8	1	39	1
Michael Simmonite	12	2	29	1
Dylan Augustus	15	1	53	3
Kanki Sehmi	10	1	40	1
Liam Matthews	7	1	41	1