After hitting 14 off the first over Thame calmed as in the third over at 17 runs they lost Chris Russell bowled by Ryan Quinn. Then with only one more run added and six overs completed Darren Augustus bowled Rob Straugahan. The innings then settled for some overs but by the thirteenth it was 47 – 3, third seamer Craig Hodges removing Gammi Kanishwa.

At 64 Thame were five down. Continuing his spell Darren Augustus was rewarded with his second wicket then a fine one handed gully catch by Adam Dewes saw a second wicket for Craig Hodges. Soon after the interval it was 87 – 6 as spinner Adam Dewes had Thame skipper Mike Beard caught behind.

Good and steady batting from Jimmy Adams and Hassam Mustaq saw the hundred up then move to 131 when Mustaq was caught behind off Craig Hodges. When Jimmy Adams fell also caught behind of spinner James Woodford it was 145 – 8 and perilous for Thame. The last two wickets fell cheaply so it was all out 149 and only 48 overs bowled. Craig Hodges returned 3 – 28 and there were two apiece for Ryan Quinn, Darren Augustus and James Woodford.

With 69 overs available Finches needed a steady start in their victory quest. But Greg Smith was soon LBW to leave Adam Dewes and Ed Oliver to take the score along. After putting on 50 it was then 58 – 2 in 19 overs as Adam was caught behind off spinner Hassam Mustaq for his well produced 41.. Three overs later and skipper Dan Lincoln after several crisp strokes was caught at wide mid off so 82 – 3.

No more early wickets looked essential as Ed Oliver and Ryan Quinn saw the hundred up and the end in the sights of Finches. At 109 Ed was bowled pulling at a short ball from Mike Higgs then the good innings of Ryan Quinn ended for 30 as he was well caught off a huge stroke in front of the sightscreen. No further alarms as Simon Bell and Zaf Ali comfortably steered Finches home at 153 – 5 in 41 overs.

A fine win and good table placing to move clear of the lower sides.

In division 2B of the TVCL Finches hosted Aldershot Firsts. Batting first Aldershot after a bright start were dismissed for 213. Spinner Ali Hussain again bowled well taking 5 – 42 and there were three wickets for Sam Taylor. Finches eased to the total in good style losing only two wickets to win at 216 – 2. A fine unbroken partnership saw 79 not out from Mac Keast and 76 not out for Tommie Predgen.

On the leas the Thirds in division 3A had a fine success over Harefield Seconds. The visitors closed on 217 – 8 with 4 – 75 for Parth Patel. Finches at 218 – 7 won by three wickets. There was a fine 83 from Sam Jenkins and 42 for Kwame Appiah.

Tricky for the Fourths in division 6B as they visited Binfield Seconds. Finches were dismissed for 112. Binfield won narrowly at 113 – 7 with a good return of 4 – 19 from Cameron Ellis.

No match for the second week running for the Fifths in division 9A as opponents Yateley Thirds forfeited the match due to unavailability.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY 7 JULY 2018