Published: 13 June, 2014

FIVE games down and Hampstead find themselves 15 points behind Premier League leaders Ealing after being held to a frustrating winning-draw by Brondesbury on Saturday. 

Steve Clark’s side seemed to be in control of the match after putting in a strong batting performance at their Lymington Road ground in West Hampstead. 

Despite a delayed start owing to rain, Hampstead looked sharp with opener George Adair scoring 46 off 52 balls, smashing seven fours along the way, before being caught by Sam Smith. 

Ragheb Aga top-scored with a knock of 54 off 55 balls, which included seven fours and a six, as the champions posted 225-9 off 51 overs before declaring. 

A much-needed 10-point haul looked very much on the cards when Aga and Jordan Price took two wickets each to reduce Brondesbury to 42-5. 

But some resolute batting from Adam Wilson (24 off 43 balls), Neil Durand (36 off 50) and Tommy Ricketts (37 not out off 69) ensured the visitors left with a draw after batting for 46 overs to finish on 142-8. 

A four for the Midd

WINLESS North Middlesex also felt the frustration after they had to settle for a four-point draw despite dominating their match against Richmond. 

A century stand between openers Andrew Balbirnie and Connor Nurse underpinned North Midd’s total of 215-5 at their Park Road ground. 

Balbirnie hit 58, while Nurse top scored with 65 as the partnership climbed to 119, comfortably North Middlesex’s best of the season so far. 

Captain Tom Nicoll also batted well as he chipped in with 41 not out before the hosts declared after 45 overs. 

It looked like it was finally going to be North Midd’s day as accurate bowling from Joel Hughes and Ed Bird resulted in three fine catches from Joe Hewton to leave Richmond struggling on 18-3. 

But some sturdy batting from Ryan Higgins, who scored 42, and Joe Smith, who recorded a knock of 46, helped the visitors survive and earn a point, ending play on 143-7 after 40 overs.