18-05-2011 - Away - BYCL - Falkland vs Finch

Eagles off to Winning Start

The Eagles started their 2011 BCYL season at the picturesque surroundings of Falkland CC.  Choosing to bat first, the Eagles made good progress with a positive opening partnership between Sam Jenkins and in particular Adam Telford.  The score quickly moved on to 52 after ten overs, and while Sam was caught at deep mid-on for 17 Adam aggressively pushed the score on with the help of Owen Powell.  Both eventually retired, with Adam hitting 5 boundaries in his 30 from 32 balls and Owen only taking 20 balls to reach his 30 (also including five boundaries).  With the Eagles also benefitting from a lax fielding display from the hosts, a score of 147 for 1 was reached – with a brief cameo from Will Edwards also helping the run rate as he faced just five balls, hitting 3 boundaries for a total of 13 runs.

While this was a good total to protect, the Eagles soon found themselves on the back foot as Falkland also batted well and reached 56 for no loss after ten overs.  With the run rate neck-and-neck the game was finely balanced.  What swung the match for the Eagles, was a concerted effort in the field and a great spell of bowling from Sam Jenkins, who bowled 4 overs for 15 runs and 3 wickets.  Thanks also to 2 run-outs during Sam’s bowling spell, the Eagles had managed to stop Falkland getting ahead of the run rate and at 108 for 6 after 16 overs it looked like they might edge the game.  A final concerted effort in the failing light and wickets from Thomas Tinsley, Sam Lawton-Davies and Nick West saw the Eagles home by 15 runs. 

A great cricket match, thanks to two equally matched and skilled teams.  Perhaps what won it for the Eagles was their strength in-depth with the bowling and, more importantly, a solid fielding performance under significant pressure.  A good start for the Eagles and a display that must be repeated throughout the season if they are to progress from their division.
 

Statistics

Finchampstead won the toss and elected to bat
Result	Win
Umpires	Steve West
Scorers	Nick Tinsley
Score
Finchampstead CC Scored 147 for 1 in 20
Falkland Scored 132 for 8 in 20