Tring Top Table

Photo is of First Team Captain Shelvin Gumbs who scored a match-winning 66 against Finchampstead on Saturday.

The customary opening attack of Simon Stanway and David Brent restricted our host to a slow start in their opening spells. Finchampstead showed lots of resistance denying our attack any wickets with the opening pair of Adam Dewes and Gregory Smith putting on 55 before the latter was dismissed in the 18th over.

It was obvious at this stage that the Finchampstead wicket was an excellent one for batting on and our boys had to work hard to restrict their score. Finchampstead opener Dewes batted very well scoring an excellent 84 and was well supported by the top order with their innings benefiting from a captains innings of 85 from 99 balls from Dan Lincoln, taking their inning score to 292 in 64 overs. The pick of our bowlers was Rory Criddle who took 2 for 66 from his 15 overs.

Our opening pair of Andy Dixon and AJ Woodland got the innings on the way with a decent opening stand of 89 before Dixon was caught for a well made 41. To his disappointment, Charlie Macdonell had a short stay at the wicket before being dismissed for seven. Michael Payne was next to join Woodland and the pair put on a much needed 78 before Woodland was dismissed for an excellent 76 in the 40th over and immediately followed by Payne on 42 and Liam Gough in the 41st over.

Captain Shelvin Gumbs and David Brent were now at the crease with a further 118 required from 15 overs. The pair put on 97 for the 6th wicket before Brent was caught on 47 from 34 balls. The game was now ours to lose, Rory Criddle added four from three deliveries before being run out as he attempted a second run to allow Gumbs to remain on strike.

With four now required for victory, Gumbs hit a straight four to bring up an excellent victory for the club. Gumbs ended 66 not out from 47 deliveries, an excellent captain’s innings.

The First Team are now Top of the Home Counties Premier League, one point ahead of Aston Rowant. Our most challenging three consecutive weeks starts this Saturday as we take on the top three most experienced teams in the league.