Longparish vs Easton

Easton 98-3, 20overs (Joe Mitchell 20 (ct) B Tufnell 6 (r/o) Joe Lewis 11(ct) A Cowling 8 F Crone 11 both not out)

Longparish 64-7, 20overs (Joe Lewis 2 overs-1wkt-5runs A Miles 2-2-2 A Stokes 2-2-11 K Davey 2-1-6) catches A Miles, B Tufnell, F Crone (wkt)

A convincing win over Longparish in the Plate semi final was set up with a steady opening partnership between JM and BT unfortunately ended by a tight runout of the captain. Easton continued to accumulate runs with JL at No3 only to be halted in one over by an excellent catch in the deep by Longparish square leg to lose JL and then another at mid-on to dismiss JM after an excellent innings. Quick running between the wickets by AC and strong hitting by FC allowed Easton to re-group and the middle order accelerated the scoring rate which looked to have taken the game away from Longparish. Easton ended only just short of the 100run target.

The Longparish batting lineup looked very capable during the warmup but JL's opening burst exposed their No3 to the new ball and then KD threw down the stumps from mid-on and dismissed their dangerous skipper which left the Home side struggling at 2-8 after 4 overs and behind the required rate. Longparish regrouped but Easton fielded well to a man and bided their time. Easton's second change bowlers then effectively won the game for the visitors with both AM and AS taking 2 wickets apiece and KD and FC combining for a classic 'caught behind' to finish the game on a high.

Easton march into the Plate final...

Thanks to Philip Siddall for this report.