St Cross’ fourth successive SEPL victory over Totton & Eling owed much to lower-order pair Jordan Finney and Richard Taylor and ended somewhat unsatisfactorily in the rain.

Totton & Eling, at 212-6 with six overs remaining at the Linden Oval, were behind the run rate after St Cross had posted 278 all out.

St Cross were 45-3 (Charlie Esson 25) and later 115-5 after a partnership between Darren Rouse (30) and Lawrie Prittipaul (27).

Richard Logan (33) improved matters, but it was really Jordan Finney’s half-century, initially supported by Ed Green (19) that enabled St Cross to strengthen their position.

Finney made 51, but was content to watch Taylor, left, light the blue touch paper on the pre-tea Diamond Jubilee fireworks.

The former Andover captain launched a savage attack on Darren Augustus (3-72) and young Tom Beresford, whose three overs cost 25 runs.

Taylor smashed a six and eight boundaries – 38 of his 46 not out reaching the rope.

Full story and a comprehensive cricket review in today's Daily Echo.