Finchley suffer Ealing loss after surviving the weather (From Times Series)

Finchley beaten by Ealing in Middlesex County Cricket League Division One

2:20pm Thursday 12th July 2012 in Sport

Finchley’s match at Ealing survived the weather but there was little to cheer for the visitors as they suffered a three-wicket defeat in Middlesex County Cricket League Division One.

Having won the toss, the home side wisely elected to bowl and made an immediate impression on the Finchley order, removing opener Steve Selwood (one) with just four runs on the board.

Ealing’s attack were enjoying the better of the game as only Joshua Knappett (13) could post double figures from the top six of the Finchley order.

At 38 for six, there looked to be little hope for the visitors but a 59-run partnership shared between Hassan Khan and Andrew Plummer saw them add some respectability to the total.

Batting at number seven, Khan put on 25 while the innings came to a close with Plummer agonisingly short of his half-century, as he put on an unbeaten 48.

But with only Frahan Butt (two) able to contribute from the final three batsmen, Finchley were removed for just 124.

The hosts’ attack all bowled well but it was Oliver Wilkin who returned the best figures, picking up four for 26 while Harry Podmore claimed three for 33.

In reply, Finchley initially struggled to make the breakthrough but once the first wicket was taken, three more fell at regular intervals.

Oliver Wilkin (16) was the first to go with the score at 38 for one and he was followed back to the pavilion shortly after by Mylo Wilkin (one).

After Chris Peploe (25) and David Holt (five) were dismissed, the score stood at 51 for four and the visitors had given themselves a chance.

But the Ealing order were able to rise to the challenge and, although further wickets did fall, they were able to reach 127 for seven in the 31st over.

Zeke Snyman (19), Chris Wakefield (30) and Simon Hawk (24 not out) eased them over the line.

Finchley’s attack bowled well but after a low total had been posted from their innings, they were always up against it.

Udena De Silva was the pick of the visitors’ bowlers with figures of three for 26, while Butt (two for 30) and Imran Qayyum (two for 33) both chipped in.

Finchley sit sixth in the division ahead of Saturday’s match with bottom of the table Southgate at Arden Field.

Elsewhere, the weather was the only winner in seventh-placed Stanmore’s contest with Brondesbury.

They will hope for more favourable conditions on Saturday when they host Hampstead.

In Home Counties Premier League Division One, Potters Bar’s home tie with table-toppers High Wycombe was cancelled due to heavy rain.

Bar, who are currently sixth in the division, visit Welwyn Garden City on Saturday.