On winning the toss Finches elected to bat first in the sunny dry conditions. Openers James Isbell and Tommie Predgen started well against the visitors new ball attack putting on 40 in 8 overs. Then James fell caught behind. At 81 and in 17 overs Tommie was caught so two wickets down.

This then became the start of a fine partnership between Greg Smith and skipper Chris Britz. Their very well produced innings each saw the score to 241 so putting on 160 runs in 20 overs. At 241 Greg fell caught for his outstanding 92. Three overs later and Chris was also caught for his 87. So Finches were well placed at 258 – 3 with 10 overs remaining. These exceptional pair of innings should have paved the way for an unassailable total. But 5 wickets fell rapidly to see Finches at 291 – 8 with 2 overs remaining. They did close on 304 – 9 in the 50 overs.

Rowant moved to 36 in their first 10 overs before Liam Bulteel secured the first wicket. The second fell at 48 in 14 overs. Then the match turned in Finches favour as 2 more fell at 65 then at the 22 overs mark the fifth so a scoreline of 80 – 5. By side in the division after four matches and placed with the leaders.

the 28th over it was 98 – 6. So with 22 overs remaining Rowant needed an unlikely 207 with only 4 wickets in hand.

They played soundly in the late stages and with 130 on the board the next wicket only fell by a direct throw run out by Tommie Predgen. They then put on another 67 runs being all out for 197 with two balls remaining. For Finches Chris Britz took 3 – 27 and Liam Bulteel 3 – 48. A fine success and Finches being the only unbeaten side in the division.

TVL/Friendly Milestones Week 4

Paul Stephens 97* v Aldershot 1s
Ethan Chapman 68* v Aldershot 1s
Sean Cilliers 74 v Welford Park 1s
Ian Rose 63 v Welford Park 1s
Louis Crerar 111 v Jack Frost XI (Maiden Finch Ton)

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