Hampstead are finishing the season in style after securing promotion back to the top-flight

THERE is just one more round of fixtures to go before the curtain comes down on what has been a captivating campaign in the Middlesex County Cricket League.

Having been crowned Division One champions with matches to spare – gaining promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking in the process – members from Hampstead Cricket Club insisted they still wanted to finish the season strong, and wouldn’t let any title celebrations get in the way.

Club secretary Nick Brown made Hampstead’s approach going forward crystal clear.
He said: “The season isn’t over yet. We have still got to play against sides that are chasing the second promotion spot, and we want to be fair to everyone and play to our very best.”

That professionalism was certainly in full swing on Saturday when Hampstead hosted a North London side who were indeed still in the hunt for promotion.

Will Roberts wasted little time showcasing the home sides intent as he quickly trapped George Burford lbw to get the ball rolling at Lymington Road, West Hampstead.

Having removed the North London opener without scoring, Roberts then returned to dismiss William Burridge for 11 as the Hampstead bowler ended the afternoon by taking two wickets at the expense of just 25 runs.

The ever-impressive Damien Burrage (2-48) and Sam Fraser (2-25) also took two wickets apiece as North London were made to work hard for their total of 187-8 off 45 overs.

Sam Bardon was the pick of the visitors’ batsmen as he ended the innings on 54 not out.

Hampstead opener Rafay Ahmed chipped away at North London’s advantage from the very first over as he went on to score 79 off 111 balls in a knock that included eight fours and a six.

Ahmed also forged what proved to be a key third-wicket partnership with Burrage as the duo worked in tandem to put 87 runs on the board.

Burrage went on to score 32, while captain Mubasher Hassan arrived at the crease to guide his team over the line with 21 not out as Hampstead put on 188-5 inside 44 overs to seal a five-wicket win.

The champions will no doubt be in an equally determined mood this weekend when they end their season away to Harrow St Mary’s, another of the sides vying for promotion.

Meanwhile, in the Premier Division, North Middlesex saw their hopes of snatching the title ended by Hornsey. Josh Haynes and Harry Killoran hit 66 and 67 runs respectively as Hornsey posted a competitive 242-7 from their allotted 50 overs.
Richard Tunnicliffe did his best to restrict their advantage as he earned figures of 4-47.

Despite the efforts of Alex MacQueen, who hit 38, and David Heavyside, who scored 41, North Midd fell well short in their chase as they were bowled out for 175, handing Hornsey a 67-run victory.

And life isn’t about to get any easier for James Parslow’s side as they finish their season with a tough trip to title-chasing Ealing this weekend.