Unsettled weather greeted the seconds to Colworth House the home ground of Finedon fourths.
Skipper Mark lost the toss and given the forecast showers plus the damp tack is was no surprise when the Cooks were invited to bat. From the onset of their innings the Cooks struggled against Finedon’s attack, given the helpful conditions. Although openers Adam and Russ lasted 13 overs it was no surprise when Adam perished for 10 runs, this dismissal triggered a procession of Cogenhoe batsmen. Twenty nine for one soon became 58 for 6 with departure of Russ, whose defiant innings gave the Cooks some hope. With Russ now back in the hutch joining all the other recognised batsmen, the innings concluded in the 37th over leaving the opposition just 80 runs to chase. Although conditions favoured the bowlers this was a disappointing batting display by the Cooks with only the skipper entitled to feel a little aggrieved with an unlucky dismissal.
Rain was on the horizon when Finedon commenced their innings, only 5 overs were bowled until the weather closed in for around half an hour. The resulting rain meant that the square needed time to dry out especially without any sawdust being available though this was eventually summoned from Finedon’s home base. After much deliberation and consultation with both captains the umpires agreed a 5:30 start. Finedon’s batsmen realised that the weather might ruin their chances of victory and took the offensive with the game concluding in the 18th over, giving the home team a winning margin of 9 wickets.
This was a game where circumstances partly conspired against the Cooks to produce a heavy defeat. The main downside was the batting which must improve especially against sides who have a number of useful bowlers. In general this was day to forget for the seconds!