Finchley 174 Hampstead 249-8 dec

Middlesex County League Division One

Finchley's dismal run of form continued on Saturday when they were crushed by Hampstead after a mid-order batting collapse.

On the back foot from the start, the hosts could not live with the batting prowess of Hampstead openers Mark Harvey and James Kerschen, who put on a colossal 178 for the first wicket.

Try as Finchley did to keep the runs to a minimum, only Shyam Fernando and Suminda Balage-Don emerged with any credit, taking 4-81 and 3-36 respectively.

The run chase began in the worst possible fashion with Finchley losing two quick wickets, leaving them on 10-2.

Despite a partnership of 67 from Shams Khan (56) and Paritosh Ghadiali (24), the home side collapsed to 119-8.

Jake Milton (19), Eddie Hodges (28) and Josh Knappett (16) added some much-needed respectability to the scoreboard.

Next Saturday Finchley are away to Brondesbury.

Finchley II 236-8 (Mark Hodges 82), Eastcote II 203-9.

Finchley III 131 (G Leggett 46) Barnes III 58.

June 26, 2002 12:00