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Finchampstead CC Match Reports -11th August 2018

Finchampstead CC Match Reports -11th August 2018

Kwame Appiah16 Aug 2018 - 09:29
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Into the last four matches for Finchampstead who visited long standing rivals High Wycombe in the HCPL division one match.

Cloudy conditions as on winning the toss Finchampstead skipper Craig Hodges asked the hosts to bat first. There was quick success as Craig Hodges removed both openers with only eight overs bowled. Ed Casterton played on then Jon Stevens was caught behind so High Wycombe 26 – 2.

Ten overs later and the introduction of spinner Josh Lincoln saw him remove Dan Marles caught at point for 18 so 56 – 3. The pressure continued as left arm spinner Adam Dewes bowled skipper Nathan Hawkes. Then with third spinner James Woodforn joining he caught and bowled George Russell to leave High Wycombe in difficulty at 83 – 5 in 30 overs.

Regular bowling changes saw the introduction of the medium pace of Zaf Ali and a second spell for seamer Darren Augustus. At 128 Craig Hodges had returned and had Alan Duncan caught so six down. But good strokes from Will Hatton saw him to his 50 assisted by Adam Dobb. At 166 the seventh was down as Hatton was caught behind for 53 off Darren Augustus.

Two more fell both to Darren Augustus as High Wycombe strived for the 200 by firm strokes from Adam Dobb. They reaches 203 – 9 in their 50 overs Dobb being 40 not out at the closure. Fine pace bowling saw 10 overs each for Craig Hodges and Darren Augustus and 3 wickets each. A workmanlike day in the field for Finches the bowling and fielding well handled by Craig Hodges.

Finches managed well the start needed to attempt the runs. Openers Greg Smith and Adam Dewes. They saw the 50 up in 13 overs then at 61 two wickets fell. Greg Smith was caught behind then Ed Oliver the same fate both off seamer Jon Burden. The hundred was up in 23 overs as Finches looked in command. But at 107 debutant Mac Keast was run out for a neat 20 and immediately Adam Dewes was Stumped off Alan Duncan for his well made 58. So 107 – 4 gives a different complexion then at 121 when Simon Bell was LBW Duncan the playing field levelled.

At this stage Andrew House was neatly established and joined by Josh Lincoln they drew nearer. Then at 155 and ten overs remaining Josh was caught at long on and 8 runs later Darren Augustus suffered the same fate so 163 – 7. Six overs and 27 needed as Zaf Ali was bowled. 19 runs later at 196 Craig Hodges was caught behind so nine down and eight needed. The grandstand finish saw two boundaries and a fine 61 not out by Andrew House with Finches home at 206 – 9 and four balls remaining.

A fine well fought match the win ensuring safety for Finches in the division with a brave all round performance.

All four TVCL sides saw action. The Seconds hosted Thatcham Town Firsts in division 2B. Batting first they totalled 267 – 4 with fine contributions by skipper Gary Loveday 99 not out and Matt Eldridge 91. Rain ended proceedings early with Thatcham 167 – 6 so a D/L win for Finches. Spinner Mike O’Donohue remarkably took 4 – 5 in three late overs.

Wooburn Narkovians Firsts were visitors to the Thirds in division 3A. Wooburn totalled 269 – 9 then Finches also had their innings curtailed by the rain. They were 181 – 6 and narrowly lost under D/L. More runs for Kartic Kanthi hitting a fine 94 not out.

The Fourths visited Bradfield Firsts in division 6B. Finches totalled 212 – 7 with Ben Fisher 88 and Billy Oliver 31. Bradfield were 146 – 3 when the rain arrived so they won under D/L.
No problems for the Fifths winning at Eversley Fourths in division 9A. Totalling 230 – 5 Finches saw a maiden century 106 not out by Joe Sheldon, and 38 from Jamie Bunton. Eversley closed on 166 – 8 with Tom Tinsley taking 3 – 23 in the 64 run win.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 12 AUGUST 2018

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