FAST-RISING Finchampstead have moved into second place in the Home Counties Premier League to improve their chances of retaining the title, writes Dave Wright.

But batsman Dan Lincoln says the Finches will not find it easy to stay in their lofty perch.

“There is no reason why we cannot stay high up the table, but things can also change quickly as most teams are capable of beating each other and we have some tough games coming up,” said Lincoln.

Finches leapfrogged High Wycombe into second place by beating them in a thrilling finish at London Road last Saturday.

Needing 230 to win, the visitors lost their ninth wicket at 207, but tailenders Craig Hodges, with 21, and JJ Dewes, with five, kept their cool to see Finch over the line and maintain their winning form.

“We are doing really well at the moment and hopefully it will continue,” said Lincoln.

“A lot of individuals are playing well, which is nice to see.

“JC (Jandre Coetzee) has bowled really well in the last couple of games, and having JJ (Dewes) back from uni is making a massive difference.

“The batsmen are all chipping in nicely with Housey (Andrew House) in a fine run of form at the moment. He’s getting into the 90s, so it would be nice if he could get those few extra runs to reach his century.”

Finchampstead, having put a bad start to the season behind them, are now producing the type of cricket which saw them lift the league title last season.

Lincoln continued: “If we continue to play like we are doing at the moment, then we will stay high up the table.

“But as we have already seen this season, things can change quickly in this league.

“Burnham and Horspath were at the top early in the season, but they have slipped recently, yet could just as easily move back up.

“At the moment Henley, High Wycombe and ourselves are in the top three, but there are others who could still get into the title race.”

The second half of the fixtures start this coming Saturday with Henley leading the way with 150 points, followed by Finchampstead on 134 and Wycombe with 133, but only 29 points separate the top six clubs.

“It is tight and most teams are capable of beating each other, so it’s going to be tough and we have some tough games coming up,” Lincoln continued.

“I am sure it (title race) will go all the way, it’s going to be a close-run thing.”

However, it remains to be seen if the bold-hitting Lincoln will be available to Finchampstead for the last few weeks of the season as there is a chance he could switch back to football.

Last season he helped Bognor Town win promotion and was voted the Ryman League’s player of the year.

Since then, there have been a lot of changes at the seaside club and his future remains uncertain although a number of clubs have expressed an interest in the former Reading FC junior.

“There’s nothing doing football wise at the moment,” said Lincoln, who this week has been playing for the Berkshire county cricket team against Wiltshire, along with Wokingham CC teenager Archie Carter.