WALTHAMSTOW Cricket Club settled a century-old score at the weekend as they defeated Finchley in a game that marked the celebration of 100 years at their Buck Walk ground.

On Saturday, May 14, 1910 Stow’s first XI was beaten by East Finchley in the Walk’s first-ever match.

One hundred years down the line, the two teams came together to recreate that historic day, and it was the hosts who managed to avenge that loss all those years ago.

Past and present players from the club, as well as guests from the Essex League and County Board, all flocked to Walthamstow to watch the game, which proved to be a well-contested match.

Finchley batted first and struggled to impose themselves, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. James Thompson (3-22) and skipper Greg Harris (2-23) were the pick of the bowlers, supported well by Dave Noverre (1-24).

Thanks to captain Matt Walshe’s knock of 62 Finchley recovered from 77-8 to post a more competitive score of 141.

After losing Matt Hawkins early on Stow batsmen Ashley Leat (43) and Michael Harris (37) got the hosts’ reply off to a good start, putting on 52 for the second wicket.

The dismissal of Leat triggered a flurry of wickets for Finchley and with runs harder to come by it looked as though the crowd were in for a nail biting finish.

However, opening bowler Thompson (20 not out) and wicketkeeper Matt Guest steadied the ship and saw the Stow home by four wickets with seven overs to spare.

Mike Barnes, chairman of the Shepherd Neame Essex League, presented each player and official with a commemorative pennant, wishing the club well for 2012 when it celebrates its 150th birthday.

The celebrations continued into the night with live music from the Duckworth Lewis Experience.