With the nine weeks of declaration games having concluded the previous Saturday, the format reverted to 50-overs a side straight win lose and Finch put on an outstanding performance to climb to fifth in the table.

After electing to bat, Jones and fellow opener Adam Dewes gave their side a fine start by sharing a 73 run stand until the latter was trapped in front by Nigel Trumper.

Although Jones continued to display an impressive array of shots, Harry Stephens, Will Rogers and Kwame Appiah all fell in quick succession to leave Finch 123-4.

Captain Simon Bell fell to former Hampshire man Hamza Riazuddin to reduce the hosts to 169-5 before Jones passed his century and dominated a 75 run sixth wicket stand with Tipene Friday.

He eventually fell to Riazuddin for a magnificent 145 - made from just 115 balls - but late runs from Jonathan Dewes (28*) helped Finch to close on an imposing 311-8.

Tipene Friday (3-32) gained early success by removing David Bloor in the first over, and he was followed by James Ettridge and Riazuddin as the visitors slumped to 45-3.

However Rehan Akram (51) counter attacked to good effect until he was bowled by Harry Stephens (3-55).

The off spinner then dismissed Craig Williams and Sam Rhys cheaply as Falkland floundered on 155-6.

Ben Piper showed his class in making 62 and Ian Slatcher chipped in with 29, but Dewes (3-34) rounded off an impressive display as Falkland were eventually bowled out for 239.

Finchampstead travel to Great and Little Tew on Saturday (11am).

THE Thames Valley League Division 2a clash between Finchampstead 2nds and rock bottom Fleet was abandoned due to an unfit pitch.

The abandonment allowed Gerrards Cross to close to within eight points of the second relegation spot - despite losing to Cookham Dean - as they look to escape the drop.

Finchampstead 3rds produced an outstanding display to beat table-topping Cove 2nds and join them level on points at the head of Division 4b.

Spin proved the key for Finch as James Woodford (6-46) and Matt Harper (3-49) helped bowl Cove out for 148 after they had chosen to bat.

Captain Sam Taylor (44*) then played a key hand in helping his side knock the runs off to win by five wickets.

James Kirkwood made an impressive 66 for Finchampstead 4ths but they were held to a draw by Kew 4ths.

Ray Brown (40) and Matt Eldridge (34) were also in the runs as Finch racked up 213-7, but Kew found the going tough and closed on 122-4.