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Finchampstead CC Match Reports - 14th July 2018

Finchampstead CC Match Reports - 14th July 2018

Kwame Appiah17 Jul 2018 - 13:24
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Continuing fine dry weather as Finchampstead hosted league leaders Aston Rowant in the HCPL division one eleventh match.

Finches batted first after being asked to take first strike. A poor start as Greg Smith fell caught behind in the second over then two overs later a real blow. Adam Dewes was run out from the non-strikers end off a fierce drive by Ed Oliver.

So 10 – 2 and a settled situation called for. But at 39 and in the eleventh over skipper Dan Lincoln was caught at wide mid off. One run later and Ryan Quinn was LBW so 40 – 4 and deep trouble. At 59 Simon Bell was caught at square leg. Two more fell at 79 and only 30 overs bowled. Josh Lincoln was caught at slip then Zaf Ali caught behind.

After the interval we saw at last some steady batting and use of the overs by Ed Oliver and Darren Augustus. The pair took the score to 147 with a useful 68 run stand . Then in the 49th over Ed Oliver fell caught leg side by the ‘keeper. Then Darren Augustus with a fine 55 saw the score to 182 and 57 overs used.

The score did look fragile in the good conditions. But Finches soon dismissed Alan Tolsen caught behind off Ryan Quinn. However this early success did not change the situation as Geoff Reid and Tom Condon embarked on a fine partnership taking advantage of the good conditions.

The pair put on 152 and it was somewhat of a surprise when Geoff Reid fell caught off spinner James Woodford for 79 and only 15 runs needed. Then two runs later James Woodford struck again to remove Tom Condon for 75.

To complete the late drama ‘keeper John Smith was caught off Josh Lincoln with 6 runs remaining. The visitors reached their target at 184 – 4 and a merited win to remain 21 points clear at the top of the table. For Finches it was disappointing after several good recent performances. They failed in the morning to set the innings off by losing wickets then being seven down and only half the overs available to be bowled to them.

All four TVCL sides saw action and all four won their matches.

The Seconds visited nearby Hurst Firsts in division 2B. Batting first Finches closed on 221 – 9 with the top score 41 by Mac Keast. Hosts Hurst were all out for 149 with Asim Hussein taking 4 – 50 and Sam Taylor 3 – 30. So a 72 run win and fourth placing in the table.

The Thirds visited Farnham Royal Firsts in division 3A. Finches totalled 160 with 45 from Sean Woodford. Fine bowling from Parth Patel with 6 – 44 saw the hosts dismissed for 145 and a close 15 run win.

High scoring for the Fourths who hosted Hurst Seconds in division 6B. The side took full advantage of the fine conditions to hit 322 – 4 before declaring. Leading the batters were Ben Simmons 94, Kartik Kanthi 79 not out and Gareth Biggs 76. Hurst were all out for 172 with fine bowling by Liam Buteel 4 – 16. So a 160 run win and sixth place in the table.

The Fifths remain in top slot in division 9A as they hammered locals Wokingham Fifths. Wokingham were 154 – 9 at closure with Harry King taking 4 – 11. Finches eased home by eight wickets at 156 – 2. Leading the batters were Simon Eldridge 58 and Joe Sheldon 52.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 15 JULY 2018

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