Smith hero act for Hampstead in vain

Published: September 8, 2011
CRICKET with STEVE BARNETT

Middlesex League - Premier Division
Hampstead 198-9 dec
Brondesbury 203-7

HAMPSTEAD’S season ended in disappointment on Saturday as they slipped to a three-wicket defeat at home.

Having been put into bat, the hosts got off to a poor start with openers Brandon Buckley and Matt Kabir Floyd scoring just three and six runs respectively.

Mubasher Hassan offered some much-needed stability as he top-scored for Hampstead with 45 runs, working well in the middle with Tom Smith who went on to score 41.

George Leadbetter also chipped in with 37 runs as Joe Cotterell’s side reached 198-9 off 60 overs before declaring.

Switching to the field, Smith did his best to lead Hampstead to victory as he took 4-66 off 21 overs. Zac Khan also applied good pressure as he claimed 2-22 off 10 overs.

But an unbeaten stand of 73 from Tom Simpson swung the match as Brondesbury hit 203-7 off 59.2 overs to take all 10 points.

Brunner bash seals victory

Division Two
North Midd 246-6 dec
Highgate 248-8

A MIGHTY knock from Nicholas Brunner helped Highgate seal a two-wicket victory over rivals North Middlesex on Saturday.

Brunner bombarded the boundaries as he hit seven fours and five sixes on his way to 96 not out, driving Highgate to a winning score of 248-8 off 49-1 overs. It was a much-needed lift for the Highgate players after the club was relegated to Division Three.

North Middlesex had posted a testing target after scoring 246-6 off 50 overs before declaring. Adam Holmes led the charge with 85, while Darren Eckford scored 71.