Published: 26 June, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

AFTER much hype, the stage was set as North Middlesex took to their Park Road ground in Crouch End ready to face rivals Hampstead in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League. 

For the victors the points on offer could prove crucial for a serious title challenge – while the losers would slip further behind league leaders Ealing. 

So who won? The great British summer, of course, as the match was abandoned because of rain after 75 overs. In that time, some rapid scoring from Evan Flowers and Sam Webber saw North Midd post a competitive score of 241 off 57 overs in what was always likely to be a weather-affected encounter. 

Flowers raced to 62 off just 83 balls in a knock that included 10 fours and a six.  Webber was even more ruthless, hitting 11 fours and three sixes on his way to 70. 

The rain held off long enough for Hampstead to start their chase or, to be more accurate, for Joel Hughes to start his attack with the ball. The North Midd bowler claimed three wickets at the expense of just 48 runs to leave the visitors struggling on 48-4. 

Ragheb Aga’s 30 not out off 28 balls steadied the ship for Hampstead, before the downpours arrived to wash away a result and leave both teams with a point.