Findon’s Village Cup dream ended by Mistley

In front of a crowd of around 300, Findon, who were runners-up in the competition in 2007, were put into bat after losing the toss and were bowled out for 119 in 35.5 overs as Mistley produced a strong bowling and fielding performance.

Dan Bridson top-scored for the hosts with 27, Andy Boxall hit 18 and opening batsman Jack Metters struck 16 as Damien Smith led the way for Mistley with 3-21 and Daniel Golf, Paul Garwood and Bruce Leeke all took two wickets each.

Findon bowled well to restrict Mistley’s run-rate in their reply but they edged to victory with 19 balls and three wickets to spare.

Opening batsman Ben Allday struck 40 and James Scott finished unbeaten on 20 as Graham Manser and Harry Metters both claimed two wickets each and captain James Iago’s 7.5 overs went for just 15 runs.

Mike Metters, who assists with Findon’s first team, said: “We didn’t bat all of our overs, which is criminal really as there were 25 balls which we did not use up.

“If we’d batted through and scored another 15 runs or so, it might have made a difference.

“They bowled and fielded very well, as did we, and we squeezed them throughout their innings as they batted quite slowly but we just needed a couple more wickets to put the pressure on.

“We were never really the favourites after we scored 119 but it was still an exciting low-scoring contest until the last couple of overs when they got close enough for victory.”

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