Published: 1 August, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

OPENERS Steve Clark and Graham Clark enjoyed a formidable partnership of 174 on Saturday as Hampstead hammered Finchley to edge closer to the Premier Division title.

The pair also got among the wickets with Steve taking 2-46, dismissing Finchley openers Ayush Sahota and Sayed Bukhari, and Graham taking 2-41.

Chris Beaumont-Dark demolished the bottom order in a devastating five-over spell that saw him finish with 4-11. Finchley were all out for 212.

Leading by example, club captain Steve  Clark went on to score 95 off 119 balls, including 15 fours, while Graham hit 73 off 113 balls, with nine fours, as Hampstead sealed a seven-wicket victory on 214-3.

The win leaves Hampstead 18 points clear at the top of the table with six games to go after nearest rivals Ealing suffered a shock defeat against bottom-placed side Eastcote.

• In Division Two North Middlesex extended their lead at the top to 18 points after a 202-run victory over Ickenham. North Midd batted brilliantly, led by Tom Nicoll who scored 84 not out. With John Mills hitting 63 not out, and Sam Webber and Evan Flowers scoring 55 and 53 runs respectively the hosts declared on 305-3 after 40 overs. Ickenham were bowled out for 103 with Webber taking 4-41 and Will Nicoll claiming 3-9.