Match Report - Cambridge University, Sunday 10 April

Finchley (237-8) beat Cambridge University (189 ao) by 48 runs. Click here for Scorecard

The 1st XI welcomed Cambridge University to Arden Field on Sunday to kick off the club’s pre-season programme. Having been put into bat, Matt McGowan (63), Will Leggett (41) and George Taylor-Yeates (64) were the standout performers as the men in green posted 237-8 in their 45 overs. Having smacked 165 against the same opposition the previous year, Will continued where he left off, unfurling some belligerent strokeplay to compliment a classy effort from opener Matt McGowan. After Will and captain Tom Powe fell in successive overs, GTY added crucial impetus to the innings with some well-placed slip drives off the Cambridge spinners. Having gone through the gears, George was bowled after an enterprising 64 from 57 balls. Enter Aizaz and Seb, who’s destructive ball-striking at the death took Finchley to an above-par total.

An excellent new ball spell from Seb Hatchett and debutant Dom Stuart put the students on the backfoot straight away. Complimenting each other beautifully, Dom bowled with immaculate control whilst Seb swung the ball dangerously to reduce Cambridge to 14-2 from 8 overs. Nir and Aizaz maintained the pressure so that, despite some middle order resistance, Finchley always had their noses in front in the game. Crucial breakthroughs from Aizaz, Adam and Brij ensured the win, which was sealed by some brave, body-on-the-line fielding in the cold and fading light.

Our thanks to Cambridge who were a pleasure to host once again, and we hope to see them again next April.

Player of the day: George Taylor-Yeates