Finch 1’s FINCHES IN COMFORTABLE WIN OVER LOCALS WOKINGHAM
After the unfortunate rain stoppage last week the fine weather would ensure the match would play throughout.

On winning the toss Wokingham asked Finches to bat first. The start saw Finches two down for 46 in 12 overs. Both James Isbell and Tommy Predgen fell caught. Only a modest rally for the next 9 overs to leave Finches at 96 – 4. Skipper Dan Marles was bowled then Sam Seecharan was caught at mid-wicket.

Then commenced what proved to be an outstandingly played partnership between Ben Salter and Ethan Ramsay. The pair put on 129 in 24 overs with fine strokes and running between the wickets. When Ben fell for his outstanding 87 it was 225 – 5 and 7 overs remaining. Ethan fell soon afterwards for 68 showing what a fine all-round prospect he is. The innings closed on a satisfactory 275 – 7 in the 50 overs.

Facing the total, the hosts Wokingham needed a good start. But with Lewis Sharp in his first match this season opening with Liam Dudding this proved not to be. Both bowlers each took a wicket leaving Wokingham on 30 – 2 in 10 overs. The next partnership put on 57 in 11 overs but then the third wicket fell to Ethan Ramsay.

When the fourth wicket fell LBW to Ollie Thilo the hosts were soon then in real trouble as Ollie secured a caught behind so 113 – 5 in 26 overs. At 132 any resistance fell as the obdurate innings of 45 for opener Imran Malik ended caught behind off Liam in the 33rd over. The end came quickly as spinner James Woodford claimed three wickets seeing Wokingham all out for 156. Liam Dudding ended with 3 – 21 and James Woodford 3 – 22.
A very sound win indeed 119 runs the margin of victory. The 47 points now gained leaves Finches behind the joint leaders with 60 each but remaining unbeaten.

Finch 2’s
Finch 2’s hosted a very strong Wokingham 2’s side with a number of players that have played in their first eleven. Wokingham won the toss, elected to bat and scored with ease throughout the whole innings. Both openers scored passed 60 and even when they both fell in quick succession the scoring rate never dropped. The 4th wicket partnership of over 200 was only broken in the last over. Michael Cowdell 93 and Harry Warwick 108* giving Wokingham a massive 393-4.

In reply Aryan Gavankar promoted to open and scored an excellent run a ball 85. Connor Rees once again made a good 43 and was finally dismissed for the first time this season. With the run rate required well into double figures Finch batters came and went and were dismissed for a respectable 220. A tough day in the heat but a good learning curve in this tough new division.

Finch 3’s
Finch 3’s hosted Royal Ascot 1’s who chose to bat on the leas. Captained by Steve Naylor who many of you will know from playing all his playing career in the HCPL and having many Berks appearances. Unfortunately class prevailed as he made 144* batting 4 from a position of 55-2. Kudus to Molly Bulteel playing her first game for Finch (often restricted by Southern Vipers) who bowled 9 overs straight through returning figures of 2-35. Royal Ascot finished on 299-3 from their 45 overs.

Joe Simmons in reply made 50 and Freddie Bishop made an excellent 75 - his first half century at this level. Unfortunately once both fell the rate required escalated and Finch were eventually all out for 210. Much like the 3’s a tough day however with 2 wins already a start to the season everyone would have taken. More bad luck also struck on the day with Sam Hawkes badly injuring his shoulder in the field and has since been told he will miss the whole season. Gutted for Sam who had started so well after joining from Hurst.

Finch 4’s
Finch 4s made the short trip to play Eversley 3’s and chose to bat first in the heat. Both openers passed 30 and when they were dismissed Rui Wright and Kwame Appiah carried on the good work keeping the rate close to 6-an over. Kwame eventually dismissed for 57 and Rui 66 with around 12 overs remaining Finch had passed 200. With wickets falling around him, Yash Mahadik was undeterred with clean striking making 52 from just 33 balls. Finch closed their innings on 296-9.

Ishaan Moitra led from the front with the new ball in his first of the season taking 3 wickets for just 17 plus a run-out on his follow-through. Eversley never recovered from being 21-4 with regular wickets tumbling. Change bowlers Charlie Gilbey 2-18 and Finn Borkowski 3-14 kept up the high standards set and ruthlessly bowled Eversley out for just 74. A 222-run margin of victory to give the 4’s their first win of the campaign up in Div 6.

Finch 5’s
Finch 5’s looking to bounce back after last week’s big defeat returned to Windlesham and hosted Windsor 4’s. Winning the toss Finch opted to bat as most did and despite losing Gary Woodford first ball of the game scored freely. Aryan Khanna and Doug Scholes scored 46 & 51 respectively at over a run a ball. The fall of a couple wickets only brought Nick Hutchins to the crease who finished 75* from 67 balls and there was still time for Sam Fearon to smash 41 in just 19 balls. Finch amassing a huge 316-8 in 40 overs (what a difference a week makes).
Windsor in truth were never troubling the target and frustratingly managed to bat the whole 40 overs only being dismissed from the final ball of the innings still 127 runs short. Aryan Khanna 4-20 and Doug Scholes 3-45 partnering well with the ball as they did with the bat. The club wishes Doug good luck with the likely imminent arrival of his second child however he is hopeful of an August playing return!

Upcoming Fixtures
Thursday – Cookham Dean (Home) T20 midweek league
1’s – Aston Rowant (H)
2’s – Marlow (A)
3s – Harpsden (A)
4’s – Woodcote (H)
5’s – Cove (A)

Friday June 12th - A reminder just over 2 weeks away Finchampstead XI play an ex-England Legends side. Please come down and support, should be a great day.