Selwood straight in to the groove

Finchley 246-9 dec. Brentham 62-1

(rain stopped play)

Grolsch Middlesex County

League Division One

Steve Selwood (106) started the season in style with a fine century for Finchley against Brentham on Saturday. But it proved in vain as torrential rain cut short the match and Finchley had to settle for four run-rate points.

After Finchley were put in on a wicket helpful to seamers, Selwood and his opening partner Duncan Murray (29) found runs hard to come by against tight bowling. But the tempo quickened and the score reached 77, before Murray played a rash reverse sweep and was caught.

Selwood progressed smoothly, adding 33, with Keerthie Ranasinghe (11), who was run-out, followed by a 49 partnership with Greg Pooley (24).

Ben Scott (27 not out) saw Finchley to 246-9 dec. off 58 overs.

Brentham could only manage 62 for 1 off 27 overs, before the heavens opened up.

On Sunday, Finchley made a winning start in the ECB National Cup, defeating Sevenoaks Vine by 48 runs, and avenging a narrow defeat by the Kent club in the Evening Standard Trophy semi-final two years ago.

Peter Sogbodjor (44) and Scott (29) shared an opening stand of 80, before Scott was run-out.

Ranasinghe (44) and Jason Pooley (44) put on 83 for the fifth wicket, and Finchley reached 217-6, off 45 overs.

Ranasinghe (4-7) completed a fine afternoon's work, and Sevenoaks Vine were dismissed for 147.

Finchley II 201-7 dec. (O Fatani 100no, Y Durrani 42), Uxbridge II 51-1 (rain stopped play). Finchley III 181 (R Porter 37), Eastcote III 64-7 (S Hall 5-24).