GREAT & Little Tew got off to a flying start in Division 2, recording an eight-wicket win at Finchampstead.

Joe White and Matt Clark shared an opening stand of 141 – a league record for Tew – as they passed their target of 167-9 in the 37th over to get off the mark in style.

After choosing to bat first, the hosts lost Simon Bell, bowled by Robbie Shurmer for 19, but then made steady progress.

At 80-1 Finchampstead were in decent shape, but Tew’s Joe Thomas picked up two quick wickets to leave the home side on 82-3.

White soon had Andrew House caught by Matthew Clarke, before Thomas snapped up the key wicket of opener Matthew Jones, who hit 70, to leave the hosts on 123-5.

Max Stevenson was caught by Martin Coetzee off White for three, before Anthony Parson was bowled by Coetzee for a duck as Finchampstead slipped to 137-7.

They managed to get up to 167-9 at the close, with Thomas finishing with 3-50, ably supported by Coetzee (2-22) and White (2-24).

In reply, Tew had few problems.

White and Clark took the game to their opponents, a superb opening partnership laying the foundation for victory.

White eventually fell for 79, and although Jordan Garrett went for just two, Clark (62no) and Harry Smith saw them hope with plenty of time to spare.