Finchampstead CC 1st Xl vs Horspath CC 1st XI

Finches were asked to bat first in good conditions after overnight dampness but the temperature rising during the day.
Opening with Shiv Jindal and Greg Smith the start sought arrived. The pair put on 49 in eleven overs but then Smith was caught behind. At 57 Jindal; was bowled by Don Brown for his second wicket. Then Finches were soon in trouble as skipper Dan Lincoln was caught at 62 then at 79 and in the nineteenth over Tommie Predgen was stumped off Will Eason. When Simon Bell was bowled by Faruk it was 83 for 5 and real trouble for Finches.

Then a workmanlike partnership developed between Josh Lincoln and Ryan Quinn to gradually bring Finches back into the match. But after putting on 50 runs Josh was unluckily run out for 39 from a deflection after a fierce drive by Ryan. Darren Augustus joined Ryan Quinn and more runs were gathered until with seven overs remaining Darren was out LBW at 171 then 3 runs later it was 174 – 8.

Then fine strokes from Ryan Quinn with good assistance from James Woodford saw the 200 up and the half century for Ryan. At closure it was 214 – 8 with Ryan 59 not out. So a recovery but the score looked vulnerable in the good conditions.

Finches started well for the Horspath innings as in the third over Rehan Akram clean bowled opener Tim Coleman. The success was short lived as the visitors settled in well with Rob Eason and Mark Skelton. The pair saw the score to 87 before the second wicket in the 24th over. Josh Lincoln trapped Skelton LBW in his first over. With the third wicket to fall at 122 with Josh Lincoln securing his second wicket the game was wide open with Horspath needing 107 to win at 5 an over but crucially with seven wickets in hand.

They then cruised to the victory with an unbeaten innings of 69 from opener Rob Eason and 64 from Don Brown so 217 – 3 and five overs in hand. Fine batting and a deserved win but Finches were not helped by several dropped catches in a modest performance in the field.

By Neil Doody