On winning the toss Slough elected to bat first. But they were soon in touble as seamer Connor Corlet bowled opener Raj Baig in the third over. At 42 two more wickets fell. Spinner James Woodford secured a catch at mid off by Henry Leach then the free scoring Saif Zaib was neatly caught at cover by Greg Smith off Connor Corlet.

Slough never recovered from 42 – 3 as the Finch spinners took control. They did quite comfortably reach 105 with a 63 run stand between Harish Kakani and Danny Akbar. But at 105 – 4 the half way point had been reached. The wickets fell regularly until Slough were all out in 43 overs. Fine spin bowling from Jason Soames saw him return 3 – 23 in his ten overs. With Josh Lincoln taking the last three wickets the hosts score was well below expectations.

Finches opened with Greg Smith and Dan Lincoln who both set about the bowling from the innings start. The pair put on 60 in only eight overs with Dan Lincoln particularly severe. With the score at 131 Dan Lincoln fell for his 78 caught at long off. Only fifteen overs had gone. Then at 146 Jason Soames was bowled and then at the finish Greg Smith was a fine 50 not out. Finches at 159 – 2 won in comfort in twenty overs.

A very satisfying win and the success saw Finches placed sixth in the final table.

All four TVCL sides saw action. The Seconds hosted Fleet Firsts in division 2B. They started the match in a precarious position needing a win and rivals to stumble at the last hurdle. Batting first Finches posted a fine 277 – 6 in their 50 overs. Leading the batters were Ed Oliver 69, Kwame Appiah 45 and skipper Matt Eldridge 42. Fleet found the total too many despite a good early attempt. But spinners Matt Harper 3 – 31 and Simon Bell 3 – 57 as well as James Eaglesham 3 – 34 ensured Fleet were all out for 220.

So a 57 run win and safety in the table for Finches.

The Thirds in division 3A were well beaten by Slough Thirds. They slumped to 115 all out. Slough easily were home at 116 – 5 although Parth Patel took 3 – 22.

The Fourths visited Hurst Seconds in division 6B. A good match resulted. Hurst were 203 – 7 in their overs with Adil Mohammed taking 4 – 42. Finches put on 127 for the first wicket then the wickets fell leaving them at 196 all out and seven short. Run makers were Joe Sheldon 66 and Mike Simmonite 52.

For the Fifths in division 8A it was a visit to Wokingham Fifths. Wokingham totalled 212 – 5. Chasing the runs late scores saw Finches all out for 212 thus a tie resulting. The score was led by Gary Woodford 96 and Tom Tinsley 54 not out.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY