Published: 14 June, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

NORTH Middlesex handled the difficult conditions well on Saturday to register their first win of the season with a 31-run victory away at Harrow Town.

Having lost the toss the visitors were put into bat first and made a struggling start with opener Adam Holmes and Evan Flowers scoring just eight and 13 runs respectively to leave North Midd on 36-2.

Tom Nicoll came in to steady the ship as he battled his way to 47, while Nick Brand’s late effort of 60 not out changed the pace of the innings as North Midd climbed to 199-8 off 50 overs before declaring.

Debutant David Stokoe played his part, scoring 22 well-crafted runs and taking a pivotal catch at gully off the bowling of Nicoll to help dismiss Harrow Town captain Gihan Herath, who top-scored for the home side with 47.

Flowers was in devastating mood with the ball as he claimed 4-53 off 11 overs, while Nicoll’s leg spin was rewarded with three vital wickets at the end.

Their combined efforts helped dismiss Harrow Town for 168 in the 42nd over to earn North Midd a well-deserved 10 points.