Finchampstead CC 1st xl vs Datchet CC 1st xl

Hosting promoted Datchet Finches elected to bat first in good but likely to be changeable conditions. They started smoothly with Greg Smith and Tommie Predgen putting 28 on the board in eight overs. But then Tommie played on cutting at seamer Ollie Smithson. Immediately the match completely changed as Greg Smith and Toby Albert were both run out from tight runs so 29 – 3 in nine overs.

Two overs later and rain stopped play for 30 minutes. But the ground was fortunate that the rain was not nearly as ferocious as reported nearby. No reduction in the overs but Finches found any rebuilding difficult against the accurate Datchet bowling. At 60 two more wickets fell. At 87 skipper Dan Lincoln was lbw to spinner Ollie Birts for 32. So Finches in real trouble and only 26 overs bowled.

Datchet skipper Steve Naylor joined Birts in the attack and the pair soon ended the Finches innings. Birts took two more wickets with Naylor also two. Finches were dismissed for a very disappointing 125 in 36 overs.

Clearly the modest score was looking to be well in the grasp of Datchet. This proved to be the case in real style. Openers Joe Barrett and Steve Naylor were not parted as the visitors raced to the target in 22 overs. Finches used six bowlers but could make no impression as Barrett 70 not out and Naylor 54 not out secured the outstanding 10 wicket win and a great start to their top division status.