With AJ Woodland not available, Andy Dixon had a new opening partner in captain Shelvin Gumbs. The pair however, was both dismissed in the first over as Finchampstead opening bowler Darron Augustus bowled an impressive first over.
Michaek Payne was joined by Liam Gough and the pair put on a partnership of 55 before Gough was bowled for 9. Payne soon followed for 39 and the reliable David Brent was joined by Tom Calder who was playing in his first HCPL match of the season. Unfortunately Calder was soon dismissed and replaced by Mo Choudhry. Brent and Choudhry batted well together in a partnership of 99 but with both falling just short of 50. Our innings closed on 211 with us suffering two unfortunate breaks due to rain.
A further rain break delayed the start of Finchampstead’s innings and by the time the innings started, the innings was reduced to 20 overs with a Duckworth-Lewis revised target of 126. With this revised target, we were always up against it, Finchampstead chanced their hand from the start and kept up with the run rate throughout. An opening stand of 62 ensured they reached the target with seven wickets in hand.
With one match remaining, the First Team is now in 6th place in the League and next Saturday will be the final match for “Baloo the Jugster” away at Henley.