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CCC exorcised their demolition by Fenham on Thursday by cruising to a comfortable victory against Mallards at sunny Cochrane Park on Sunday.
Temporarily reduced to nine men by the withdrawal of Andy, they made it back up to ten with the news that Derek had finished his tiling project and would be able to play.
Mallards skipper Gareth Taylor won the toss and put CCC into bat, giving the world its first ever chance to see a head-to-head Finkill brothers bat-off. Unfortunately for the world it didn't last too long as both were dismissed for five, one to Hall, the other to Taylor.
CCC then took command with a partnership of 126 between Simon E (63) and David Graham (70). David played a range of attacking off side strokes in an exciting knock. He looked set for a ton before mental tiredness set in and he was bowled. John then added a quick 20, being especially harsh on his son Jack. However, it was Jack who got the last laugh, having his father caught behind by Alan Boyes.
Shortly afterwards Simon holed out after a carefully constructed anchor innings, and it was left to Gerry, Mark and Derek to take the score to an excellent 216-6, CCC's best for at least ten years.
With a hobbling Rian taking the gloves, it was left to Derek and Guy to form the opening bowling partnership. Early breakthroughs from smart catches reduced Mallards to 18-2, before Simon Whitehall and Alan Boyes put together a partnership of 79. The dismissal of Whitehall for 28 brought Peter Finkill in to bat, following a personal request that he get another opportunity to score BIG. However, on this occasion he failed to trouble the scorers, caught at mid on off Derek.
Once Alan was out for an excellent 50 the rest of the batting offered little resistance, although Paul Benneworth (28) and Tim Hall (3) played useful and remarkable innings respectively, before Mallards were dismissed for 136.
Peter Finkill was given a bowl to make up for his batting, and may well have discovered a new discipline. He took 2-8 off 4 overs, a spell which included three dropped catches and several other near misses. He, along with Derek (9-0-28-4) were the pick of the bowlers.
A fine afternoon, an excellent victory, and a good work-out for many of CCC's squad. A special word too for SMF drummer Adam who politely declined to bat or bowl but fielded very well for 40 overs!
Team: Peter, Guy, Simon E, David G, John R, Gerry, Mark, Derek, Adam, Rian
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