Published: 26 June, 2014

AN inspired batting performance from Steve Clark couldn’t prevent Hampstead from slipping to their third defeat of the season in the Middlesex County League Premier Division on Saturday. 

The skipper opened the batting against Ealing alongside Robert Jones and went on to score 80 off 112 balls at the Lymington Road ground in West Hampstead. Hampstead looked on course for a much-needed win courtesy of some solid batting displays, namely from Mubasher Hassan, who scored 60 off 29 balls, and Freddie Fairhead, who hit a half-century off 109 balls. With Ragheb Aga chipping in with 41 runs, the hosts scored a healthy total of 275 off 59.5 overs. 

It still wasn’t to be Hampstead’s day, however, as Ealing showed just why they are joint top of the table with Teddington. Oliver Wilkin and Mylo Wilkin put on an opening partnership of 209, with Oliver smashing 113 and Mylo scoring 93 as the title contenders scored 279-3 off 44.3 overs to secure a seven-wicket win. 

North Middlesex remain bottom of the table with just six points from seven games after losing by 146 runs against Brondesbury on Saturday. 

Will Vanderspar tormented North Midd as he scored 116 to help Brondesbury reach 259-7 before declaring after 61 overs. 

Tom Nicoll’s side offered little in the way of resistance as they looked to chase down their target. 

Opener Michael Clements top-scored with just 30 as North Midd were bowled out for 113 in 33.5 overs.