With PwC and IG Index already having secured their spot at Finals Day on 8th September at the HAC, four more teams were to vie for a place to join them.

Teams competing were M&G, Standard Charter, Neptune Investment and, eventual winners of the day, Pearson. M&G came second and so also get a sport at Finals Day. Both Pearson and M&G were a cut above the rest, with Pearson posting a spectacular 92 from their six overs against first opponents Neptune. Neptune struggled to match the explosive batting of Pearson and scored a normally respectable 59.

Meanwhile on the second pitch Standard Charter posted 56, which M&G chased down with an over to spare. With R. Slater and R. Hall providing the majority of the runs with 28 and 24 respectively.

Hall was in the runs once again as he hit an unbeaten 25 against Neptune as M&G amassed 63, opener A Brydon scoring 28. Neptune struggled as M&G bowled them out 46, even a late charge of 17 from No. 5 bat Desai wasn't enough.

In their final match Standard Chartered fell foul of Neptune, who had warmed up and were full of zest after their recent loss. Creed of Neptune had first innings figures of 3-4, the best figures we are likely to see this year. He had a hand in all of Neptune's batsmen's downfalls taking three catches. Creed had also hit a gallant 27 in their earlier heavy defeat to Pearson.

An evenly matched Pearson and M&G competed for the top spot, both already knowing they were on their way to Finals Day. Pearson's youthful squad raced to 67-4, a total, which when combined with their containing bowling, proved too much for M&G. Scoring only 47 in reply it was the hare and not the tortoise who was going to win this match.

Next Tuesday we welcome Linklaters, SpreadEx, Brewin Dolpins and Charlemagne Capital to compete for the last two spots for Finals Day.