Continuing glorious and hot weather as Finches were as last week asked to bat first. Opening with Greg Smith and Andrew House when 16 runs were on the board in 5 overs Andrew was caught at mid off after three good boundaries. The second wicket fell as Greg was out LBW for 26 with the score at 45 and 12 overs gone.

This brought together Adam Dewes and skipper Dan Lincoln who embarked on a solid partnership. At lunch it was 85 – 2 in 30 overs. The hundred was soon up but at 126 and the 44th over Adam Dewes was caught behind for 52. This was his third half century in three matches and gave a firm foundation to the innings.

Ryan Quinn joined the in-form Dan Lincoln to see the score accelerate with fine strokes from the skipper. At 160 Ryan was bowled by spinner Steve Green with 15 overs remaining and vital runs needed. With Dan Lincoln having reached his 50 the acceleration arrived. Supported by Simon Bell the pair put on rapidly 97 before Simon was caught in the covers for 26.

Dan had reached his outstanding century including successive sixes onto the clubhouse roof breaking tiles. He fell for 134 at 267 then fine strokes and running from Josh Lincoln and Tommie Predgen saw a 295 – 6 scoreline and four valuable points.

A good start for Finches as Banbury opener Lloyd Sabin was well caught at deep gully by Greg Smith off Rehan Akram. More success by the 11th over as Ollie Clarke was caught off a rebounded ball in the slips this off Darren Augustus. Then the experienced Craig Kaupt and South African Musa Adams settled into useful strokeplay. Kaupt fell at 82 when he was bowled by spinner Josh Lincoln.

Musa Adams looked in no trouble as he stroked with ease a good half century. But the introduction of Zaf Ali as sixth bowler saw him have Adams caught behind the first ball he bowled. So 124 – 4. Control then with John West and Chris Hill saw 58 runs smoothly put on then at 182 Chris was caught by Zak off Josh Lincoln.

There were 14 overs remaining for Banbury to gain 116 runs. But a run out and a third wicket for Zaf when he bowled Steve Green and 243 – 7 and four overs only remaining. The match turned significantly to Finches when the fine knock by John West ended bowled by Ryan Quinn for 80. When Zaf secured his third wicket at 264 the hosts faced an anxious 10 balls to survive. They did at 267 – 9 to draw the high scoring match.

A fine effort by Finches and a return of 3 – 29 in 7 overs for Zaf Ali. The fine batting by Dan Lincoln and Adan Dewes set up the good score as last week just short of maximum batting points. 16 points from the match and real encouragement for Finches.

A high scoring match at Finchampstead as the Seconds faced table toppers Wargrave Firsts in division 2B. Batting first Finches posted a good 284 – 4. The score was assisted by fine knocks from Mac Keast 85 and Ed Oliver 82 with not out contributions from Gary Loveday 36 and Andy Lazenbury 34. Fine spin bowling from Asim Hussein and Sam Taylor saw Wargrave fall 14 short holding on at 270 – 9. Asim returned a fine 7 – 112.

In division 3A the Thirds also drew with the opponents nine down. Finches totalled 219 – 7 with Sean Woodward 61 and Richard Reed 38. Visiting Bagshot Firsts were 177 – 9 to draw the match. Bowling honours to Sean Woodward 3 – 21 and Mike O’Donohue 3 – 81.

For the Fourths visiting Theale & Tilehurst Two it was a useful 81 run win. Finches totalled 183 with a good partnership between Adil Mohammed 46 and Parth Patel 30 helping the total. The hosts fell well short being dismissed for 102. Jake Shortland returned a good 4 – 11 and Mike Simmonite 4 – 42.

No match in division 9A for the Fifths as Thatcham Town Fourths had a late call off for the match thus leaving Finches top of the table.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 1 JULY 2018