Published: 23 July, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

TEENAGE sensation Ethan Bamber was on fire again on Saturday as he helped North Middlesex reach their highest ever position in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League courtesy of a two-wicket victory over Finchley. 

The highly-rated 16-year-old followed last week’s five-wicket haul away at Teddington by claiming four more scalps, this time at the expense of just 39 runs. 

Sam Webber and Ed Bird also took two wickets each as Finchley struggled to 197-9 off their maximum permitted 66 overs. 

In reply North Middlesex’s openers, Connor Nurse and 15-year-old Joe Cracknell, both fell early to leave Tom Nicoll’s side on 15-2. 

But Evan Flowers, with help in the middle from Will Vanderspar, steadied the ship with a well-crafted knock of 49 off 75 balls. 

Webber’s composed score of 67 not out helped guide North Midd to their winning total of 198-8 in the 43rd over, the Aussie showing patient shot selection as he found 11 boundaries along the way. 

The result saw North Middlesex move second in the table, one victory off the summit. 

Hampstead hang on, just

HAMPSTEAD just managed to avoid an embarrassing defeat against Indian Gymkhana on Saturday at their home ground in Lymington Road, West Hampstead. 

With stand-in skipper Ragheb Aga (4-36) and Jamie Gibson (4-39) both quickly picking up four-wicket hauls, it looked like it was going to be a comfortable afternoon for Hampstead in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League. 

Zak Khan also took two wickets as Indian Gymkhana were bowled out for just 137 in the 34th over. 

Sumit Khullar had other ideas, however, as he took five for 56 to leave Hampstead desperately struggling on 66-5. 

In the end, 30 runs from Jonathan Dunne, and 21 not out from Archie Fellowes saw the hosts sneak over the line to take 10 points.