Openers Mark Cowdell and Archie Carter faced the Finch seamers and were not parted until 57 were on the board in 15 overs. Then when spinner Guy Ashby came on he removed both openers so the hosts were 75 – 2. This started a long and fruitful partnership between skipper Danny Housego and Billy Rogers. After being 89 at the 25 overs halfway stage the pair batted very well increasing the tempo as the overs advanced. They put on a fine 171 in 26 overs.

At 246 Danny Housego was run out for 61. Then after losing a fourth wicket at 262 Billy Rogers was caught at deep mid wicket for a very well played 130. Wokingham closed their allotted 50 overs on 294 – 7. There were two wickets apiece for Lewis Sharp, Liam Bulteel and Guy Ashby.

Openers Greg Smith and Jed Crerar started well for Finches putting on 59 in 9 overs. But then Jed was caught and bowled by Jacob Clark , followed at 62 by Matt Gilks bowled by Max Uttley. Immediately Clark then bowled Greg for his well worked 42 leaving Finches three down for 62. By the 19th over five were down with just 92 on the board. Zac Leonard was run out then Ben Moffatt was lbw to Jarred Bobb. Finches now faced a daunting task of over 200 needed with 31 overs remaining and the five leading batsmen out.

Mike O’Donahue and Guy Ashby started a revival with useful strokes putting on 66 until in the 33rd over Guy was caught for 31. After Lewis Sharp fell at 197 Mike proceeded to a fine half century falling for 78 with the score at 221. When the ninth wicket fell at 224 there were five overs remaining. Then fine strokes from Ollie Thilo and skipper James Woodford who ended not out 37 saw an unbroken 50 run partnership and closure at 274 – 9 to lose by 20 runs.

The fine Wokingham third wicket partnership and the loss of early wickets looked to leave Finches with the big task. But they did show spirit with both middle order and late runs thus giving nine points from the match.

The three TVCL sides saw Saturday action. In division 2B it was a difficult day for the Seconds hosting Wokingham Seconds. The visitors piled on 354 – 8 in their 50 overs. Finches had no answers as they slumped to 125 all out and a heavy defeat.

The Thirds in 4A for the second week scored freely at Henley Thirds. They totalled 331 – 7 in 45 overs. The innings was led by Gary Loveday 99, Mike Jones 82 and Gareth Fearon 53. Henley chased after the score but closed on 299 – 9 to lose by 32 runs.

For the Fourths in 5B it was a very low scoring match on the Leas. Facing Sonning Seconds they were dismissed for 123. They looked like achieving an unlikely win but Sonning were just home for the success at 124 – 8.

The Fifths scheduled to play Sulhampstead Thirds in 9A on Sunday saw the match called off due to adverse weather.

REPORT BY NEIL DOODY