Hornsey 181 Finchley 182-5

Grolsch Middlesex County League Division One

Leaders Finchley, the only unbeaten side in the division, gave a sound all-round performance in a comfortable victory at Park Road that left them eight points clear of nearest challengers Eastcote.

Roger Ford struck an early blow, bowling opener Shuttlebottom, 9-1, and successes for Kirthie Ranasinghe (3-53) and Daminda Wijesekera (2-50) reduced Hornsey to 42-4.

Middlesex player Ed Joyce (70) led a fightback but, at 169-6, Ford (4-28) quickly ended the resistance in a fine stint, as the last four wickets tumbled for 12 runs.

Finchley were 20-2, after Mark Wright and Arron Laraman fell cheaply.

But Steve Selwood (50), who batted well, and Ben Scott (26) sparked a recovery, adding 47.

When Selwood departed Greg Pooley (42 not out) took charge, backed by Scott (26) as they put on 69, and Ranasinghe (27) as Finchley cruised to victory.

Exciting cup and league cricket is in prospect at East End Road this weekend.

On Friday, Finchley, holders of the Ibex Cup, will be out to repeat their win over Brondesbury in last season's final. That's followed by lowly Wembley's league visit on Saturday and the Evening Standard Trophy quarter-final against Stanmore on Sunday.

Finchley II 199-8 dec. (D Murray 81), Hornsey II 200-4 (Stephens 76 no). Winchmore Hill III 190-9dec., Finchley 116.