Finchley 287-5 dec. Brondesbury 225-7

Middlesex County League Division One

Keerthi Ranasinghe was Finchley's reluctant hero with a magnificent captain's innings of 152 against Brondesbury on Saturday.

Following a succession of poor starts by Finchley, Ranasinghe was persuaded to take a step up in the order to opener. He led by example in a superb innings that lasted just over three hours.

After Paritosh Ghadiali and Shabs Khan gave solid support, Jake Milton (90 not out) joined Ranasinghe in a fine fifth-wicket stand of 168, before Ranasinghe declared at 287-5, off 60 overs.

Roger Ford (3-49) provided early shocks for Brondesbury, accounting for Tom Simpson, Matt Stein and Peter Morgan.

Then Milton ran out Will Seller, as the home side slipped to 69-4.

Ed Gladwin (76) and Mark Lowrey (60) fought back with a stand of 135.

Then, in quick succession, both were victims of Sarel Cilliers, and Brondesbury were happy to play out time at 225-7, off 61 overs. Finchley took four run-rate points.

On Saturday, Finchley entertain Stanmore while Brondesbury visit to Winchmore Hill.

July 3, 2002 18:00