Wembley 208-6dec

Finchley 196-6

Wembley made an encouraging start to their Middlesex County League programme in a closely-fought drawn game with Finchley, expected to be among the title contenders, at Vale Farm on Saturday.

A steady batting display saw Wembley reach 208-6 declared, off 51 overs, with R Mann (58) performing well for his half-century, ably supported by A Chaudry (34). They showed dogged resistance to the wily spin of Daminda Wijesekera (3-44), Finchley's most successful bowler.

There was an early success for Wembley, when Steve Selwood (14) fell at 26.

But Finchley's new skipper Glucka Wijesuriya (56) and Robbie Hodges (53) got on top in a stand of 86, and the visitors looked set to reach their target of 165 for the four run-rate points without much difficulty.

However, Wembley's attack contained the middle order well, slowing the tempo, and Finchley had to settle for the run-rate points as they ended 13 runs short of victory at 196-6, despite a late flurry.

On Saturday, Wembley are away to Winchmore Hill.

OTHER RESULTS: Finchley II 250-5 dec, Wembley II 147-5 (R Barrons 56). Finchley III 218-6dec, Wembley III 219-8 (J Webb 72).

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.