Winning the toss in excellent conditions Banbury skipper Lloyd Sabin decided to bat first. Despite losing Tom Bartlett in the fifth over the visitors flourished as Craig Haupt in his last match and Lloyd Sabin saw the hundred up in 20 overs. But at 108 Craig was LBW spinner Josh Lincoln then Ollie Clark was caught behind cutting at Josh.

Joined by the experienced John West Lloyd Sabin and he batted so well the 200 was up in 40 overs. Then at 212 John West was caught behind off seamer Darren Augustus for 62. With Lloyd Sabin in fine form a sizeable score looked likely. But he was caught at long on off Zaf Ali for a fine 127 the score curbed somewhat by good bowling and fielding. Banbury closed on 268 – 6 the score looking slightly less that achievable in the excellent conditions.

Opening with Andrew House and Greg Smith Finches soon faltered being 9 – 2 in four overs with both House and Tommie Predgen back in the pavilion. Greg Smith was joined by Simon Bell the pair soon tackling the score with a fine partnership. They put on 123 in 25 overs before the excellent knock of Greg Smith ended being caught for 64.

Although both Darren Augustus and Josh Lincoln perished Josh after two successive sixes Simon Bell continued n his innings. He had been joined by Ryan Quinn who played fine strokes the pair putting on 103 and steering Finches towards the victory. Ryan fell bowled Ollie Clark for 64 soon after Simon Bell had reached his century.

Finches were home for the win at 269 – 6 and ten balls remaining. The magnificent score of 102 not out ensured a memorable day and good finish to the season for Finches.

Action for the three TVCL sides fielded by Finches. In division 2B the Seconds batted first at Wargrave Firsts. Despite a fine 106 not out from skipper Gary Loveday and 36 not out for Matt Bell the total for Finches of 241 – 7 was not enough. Wargrave at 242 – 5 won by 5 wickets.

Poor batting for the Thirds at Bagshot Firsts in division 3A saw a heavy defeat. They were all out for 77 which hosts Bagshot gathered at 78 – 2.

In division 6B Finches Fourths totalled 167 all out with Gareth Biggs 35. Theale & Tilehurst won the match at 168 – 6. There were two wickets apiece for Tom Lawton-Davies and Adil Mohammed.

No match for the Fourths in division 9A with their programme completed.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 1 SEPTEMBER 2018