Henley CC 1st xl vs Finchampstead CC 1st xl

With some cloud cover and uncertain conditions Henley on winning the toss asked Finches to bat first. Openers Greg Smith and Ollie Soames took charge of the early match by hitting 70 in the first 10 overs. The fine stroke play of Ollie Soames then ended at 70 being bowled by Harry Jordan for 46 his innings containing 11 fours. When skipper Dan Lincoln was caught on the mid wicket boundary it was 93 – 2.

Greg Smith continued his fine strokes to put on 73 with Billy Rogers until Rogers was stumped off spinner Euan Woods. After a rain stoppage at 44 overs Greg Smith on resumption saw his century reached then caught off Euan Woods at 209. His magnificent innings of 104 contained a six and 16 fours. Finches continued to seek runs with the main assistance of 45 from Ryan Bone. At the 63 overs closure a good 298 – 9 score was set by Finches.

Another rain stoppage between innings saw a reduction of 10 overs for Henley so only 45 overs to bat. Un deterred openers Mike Roberts and Matt Rowe set about the bowling. They put on 115 in 22 overs with fine stroke play. Then another rain stoppage saw a further 10 overs reduction so little prospect of a result in the match.

With fielders a plenty in the deep Finches did gain a wicket as Mike Roberts fell at 130 for his good 68. But the match prospects having been offset by the rain stoppages meant the closing overs saw Finches trying to tempt false strokes to vainly seek a wicket or two. They failed as Matt Rowe completed his century in the last over to leave Henley at 207 – 1 and Matt Rowe on 100 not out.

So quite unsatisfactory closing stages of the match but the innings spoilt by the rain stoppages. What could have been a run chase giving a really good challenge for Henley ended in the draw.