Middlesex County League
Division One

A REAL “family atmosphere” within the club is the secret behind Hampstead winning their first ever championship in the Middlesex County Cricket League on Saturday.

Steve Clark’s side won by six wickets at Teddington to capture the title with a game to spare, sparking wild scenes of celebration and, no doubt, a hangover or two.

Reflecting on the historic win, skipper Clark said, “I’m overjoyed for the guys and everyone involved in the club.
“A lot of hard work has gone in over the course of the season. There’s been a nice buzz and family atmosphere around the club, which has given us that little bit more confidence. Maybe that’s what is behind our success.”

At Bushy Park on Saturday Ragheb Aga took a six-wicket haul at the expense of just 25 runs as Teddington were bowled out for 186 in the 62nd over.

Opener Graham Clark helped Hampstead make light work of the chase as he scored 109, including 15 fours, to drive the visitors onto a championship-winning score of 189-4.

It leaves Hampstead facing a “champagne” fixture against already relegated Eastcote on Saturday at their home ground in Lymington Road, West Hampstead.

Captain Clark insists that there will still be something to play for on the final day of the season. “I’d like to finish the campaign with 500 runs and 30 wickets for the season, which I’m pretty close to achieving,” he said.

Division Two

NORTH Middlesex will be among the teams hoping to challenge for Hampstead’s crown next season after they secured promotion on Saturday with a 118-run victory over Harrow St Mary’s.

Having been put into bat on their home turf at Shepherds Cot, scores of 68 from Evan Flowers and 45 from Sam Webber helped North Midd build up a solid total.

Tom Nicoll also chipped in with 42 as the home side were bowled out for 224 in the 54th over.

With Ed Bird and Will Nicoll in devastating form with the ball the Harrow St Mary’s batsman were skittled at regular intervals.

Bird took 3 for 36, while Nicoll finished with figures of 3-25 as Harrow were bowled out for 106 in the 40th over.

The win leaves North Midd four points clear of title rivals Brondesbury, knowing that they’ll be crowned champions if they beat Brentham in their final game of the season on Saturday.