Champions again: The Hampstead Cricket Club 

Published: 3 September, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

THE hangovers lasted well into the bank holiday Monday, and deservedly so, as Hampstead Cricket Club were crowned Middlesex champions on Saturday for the second time in three years. 

The players undoubtedly left the pitch feeling dejected that afternoon. Fawad Mullahzadah had ripped them apart, claiming eight wickets for just 20 runs as Hampstead were bowled out for just 64 runs, away at Southgate.

The hosts didn’t even need 16 overs to reach their winning target and condemn Steve Clark’s side to a six-wicket defeat. 

But then, the unlikeliest news started filtering through. Richmond, Hampstead’s nearest title rivals, had also been beaten in their home game against North Middlesex. It meant only one thing. The Lymington Road outfit were champions in the year of their 150th anniversary. 

“I can say hand on heart that this is the most enjoyable season I’ve ever had,” said skipper Clark, who has now seen his side win the title in two of the three years that he’s been captain. “It’s been fantastic. There’s 15 players here who all need to be recognised for this success. Everybody has contributed, and it’s that team-work that has led to us being crowned champions again.” 

Hampstead heroes are all cheers as the celebrations get under way

Hampstead host Richmond in their final game of the campaign on Saturday. Although the title has now been decided, Clark insists that his team will still approach the game with great professionalism.

“There might not be much riding on the game, but we’re still playing for pride. We want to beat the team closest to us,” he added. 

Head of senior cricket at Hampstead, Nick Brown, was equally delighted with the timing of the club’s second title triumph. “Losing against Southgate was not exactly in the style that we would have liked, but titles are won over 18 games, not one,” he said. 

“It’s fantastic to have won the league again, and extra special for the club, with it being in our 150th anniversary year. 

“The Middlesex league is really tough, we have had a number of nail-biting wins and it was one of those wins – a one-wicket win over Indian Gymkhana – that proved to be the catalyst for a long winning run that eventually took us to the title. 

“This season has been quite similar to 2013,” Mr Brown added. “We have two batters that have scored 500-plus league runs, plus a number of others in the 250-350 range. And while Steve Clark will be disappointed with his season, our top four have been very productive. 

“Also, somewhat typically for us, we have spread the wickets around. There was certainly an emphasis on seam. In fact, each of our regular seam bowlers averaged about 20 this season, which is terrific.”