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North Midd CC 2nd XI vs Barnet Bs CC 2nd XI Sat 3rd July
North Midd somehow contrived to wrestle defeat from the jaws of victory as Barnet Bs went home with all ten points.
The visitors won the toss and chose to bat on another hot and sunny afternoon and the decision soon paid dividends with aggressive opener Basram taking the attack to the Midd’s opening bowlers with some huge hits. Amongst the good hitting the two batsmen enjoyed plenty of good fortune, with every false shot evading the fielders and landing safe.
However once the bowlers had worked out the batsman’s strength the new approach of short pitched bowling caused plenty of problems with Wootton in particular very unlucky not to pick up several wickets as both batsman survived plenty of unconvincing pull shots. Wootton eventually made the breakthrough as Patel’s luck ran out and the bowler soon made it two, bowling H Singh cheaply.
Basram was joined by B Singh, looking splendid in sunglasses and floppy hat, and the two put together a valuable partnership though Singh was looking less than convincing. It took the introduction of Kaleem to split the pair as Basram couldn’t restrain his attacking instincts and was stumped as he charged out of his ground for 59
The spin twins of Kaleem and Mishra tightened up the scoring rate and despite Singh’s unorthodox technique baffling the fielding team on several occasions, once he departed for 58 to Kaleem, the Midd got on top and with Kaleem finishing with 4-46, and Mishra 2-56, Barnet Bs were all out for 219 in the 45th over.
Despite a slightly weakened batting line up North Midd would have fancied their chances of a successful chase, especially with 5 extra overs and the new opening partnership of Sheppard and Holloway started building a solid foundation to the innings. Whilst the scoring rate was never quick, the openers put together the first century opening stand of the season and as both batsmen brought up their 50’s the Midd were looking strong favourites at 110-0.
However once Sheppard (51) lost his leg stump to the returning opening bowler Mohammed, and was joined soon after by Holloway (50), the innings started to stumble and the fielding side found a spring in their step. Roberts (2) fell cheaply to a superb catch and although James (14) and Yorke-Starkey (19) steadied the ship to an extent, the pressure of the chase was taking its toll on the batting team.
The 5th choice bowler J Singh proved the difference, and once he had removed those two batsmen, the rest of the team struggled to take the initiative and wickets continued to fall with regularity and the Midd were bowled out for 184 in the 48th over, with J Singh finishing with a match winning 5-31.
A very disappointing end to the day as North Midd will feel the ten points were gifted to the visiting team, after being within touching distance of the win.
Sam Sheppard
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Highgate CC 2nd XI v North Middlesex CC 2nd XI Sat12th June
In an extremely hard fought and often hot tempered local derby against next door neighbours Highgate, North Midd emerged with a valuable 10 points win.
After seeing off the first few overs without much alarm The Midd, batting first, lost their first wicket as Sheppard missed a straight one and lost his middle stump. Ferguson joined Way and began setting the foundations of a solid partnership, taking advantage of some wayward seam bowling from one end, whilst respecting the impressive left arm spin of the other opening bowler Karrar, who was making a rare appearance at this level after demotion from the Highgate 1st XI.
Whilst Karrar's tight spell continued there were enough bad balls from the seamers at the other end to allow the scoreboard to keep ticking at a healthy rate before the main point of contention caused the match to erupt with emotions running high. With Way looking very comfortable, a momentary lapse in concentration caused the opening batsman to block an incoming throw with his bat, whilst slightly out of his crease. In a questionable example of sportsmanship, as Highgate appeared to sense this was their best chance of dismissing Way, they decided to uphold their appeal and the wicket was given and the batsman reluctantly had to return to the pavilion for a fluent 34.
On a tricky and dampish track the incoming batsmen found it hard going against the accurate spin and Holloway and Roberts departed after struggling to make much of an impact, and were followed by Ferguson who made an important 29. James struck some nice boundaries in his 33 as The Midd attempted to set up a competitive target but the rest of the lower order found the conditions tough. As the final wicket fell the scoreboard read an eminently chaseable 167, as Karrar's left arm spin proved crucial, returning incredible figures of 25.4 overs, 6-34, having bowled throughout the entire innings and included taking 9, 10 and 11 with a hat-trick.
For North Midd to have a chance of winning early wickets were needed. Despite missing regular opening bowlers, captain Holloway stepped up to the plate, clean bowling the opening batsman, and following a suicidal run-out Highgate found themselves 15-2. Highgate's number 4 joined the solid looking Vijenderen and proceeded to knuckle down and grind out a meaningful partnership. Runs started flowing more regularly and the partnership took the score to 90-2. The introduction of spin twins Kaleem and Mishra soon gave North Midd hope as the runs dried up and wickets started to fall. By the time Vijenderen fell to a sharp catch from Holloway the bowlers sensed victory was possible and not even the addition of several overs to the chase due to an unfamiliar rule could throw the bowlers off their task. Karrar smashed a rapid 19 to give Highgate hope but when he fell in Parker's second spell, North Midd mopped up the tail with Mishra finishing with 2-37 and Kaleem 4-47.
Having defended a modest total without the services of the first choice opening bowlers this victory should give North Midd a huge confidence boost for the rest of the season, and having earned bragging rights in the local derby meant these 10 points were the most satisfying of the season so far!
Sam Sheppard
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North Middlesex CC 2nd XI v South Hampstead CC 2nd XI (Home) 19 June 2010
North Middlesex 2nds narrowly missed out on ten points against South Hampstead in blustery conditions at Park Road. South Hampstead, who were promoted alongside The Midd last season, started proceedings with disciplined and controlled bowling, particularly from the youthful left armer from the Pavilion End, limiting the scoring opportunities. The conditions assisted swing bowling and the variable bounce increased the potential for LBWs. But Sam Shepherd and Craig Ferguson held their nerve and fended off the opening overs with minimal difficulty. Although the scoring was not particularly quick Shepherd and Holloway built a strong foundation. Shepherd eventually was bowled for 62, before a flurry of massive sixes from Andre (32 not out) in the last 4 overs pushed the home side up and beyond the 200 mark. North Middlesex eventually finished the 55th over on 209-8.
In reply the Midd bowled just as tightly as their opponents. Nightingale and Wootton bowled very few bad balls, and with the scoring rate at less than 2 an over for the first 15 overs South Hampstead were quickly turning their attention to a draw. Nightingale finally made the breakthrough with a bouncer that was gloved to Parker at first slip and a second wicket followed soon after as another rising delivery was ballooned up to Kaleem at backward point. And as Wootton continued to probe away from the Pavilion End, Kaleem replaced Nightingale from the Calthorpe End and immediately put the new batsmen under pressure. With the run rate still well below the required rate for both victory and 4 points the South Hampstead batsmen worked hard to defend their wickets and avoid defeat. A couple of wickets from Kaleem, and an LBW for Andre – which he quickly followed up with a superb run out, offered some hope of victory to North Middlesex but the overs appeared to be running out fast. But the game became increasingly exciting as Nightingale returned to the attack, picking up three quick wickets (one of which brought a lengthy discussion from the two umpires which added to the nerves) and bringing out South Hampstead’s experienced number 11 with 4 overs to spare. But despite the jubilance of the previous couple of overs the Midd failed to dislodge the bails for the last wicket, and an agonising misfield for a clear run out only added to the feeling of what might have been. South Hampstead finished on 114-9 with Nightingale (5-21) and Kaleem (2-21) the pick of the bowlers.
This was a solid all round performance from North Middlesex who arguably deserved more than the 4 points for a winning draw. The lads will be hoping to follow it up with another strong performance against Winchmore Hill next week.
James Nightingale
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North Middlesex 2nds away to Shepherd’s Bush 29th May 2010
If last week’s game was like the clichéd rollercoaster ride The Midd’s match against Shepherd’s Bush was comparable with a mid-winter pedalo excursion with your grandma on Ally Pally’s duck pond. On a day where the weather resulted in every other league game being abandoned you would have expected North Middlesex to put in an energetic performance to try and sneak some additional points. Instead it would be kind to describe the performance as ‘lacklustre’.
In blustery conditions and horizontal rain the players spent the first 2 and half hours in the clubhouse watching the ground staff dealing with similar conditions down the road at Lords. At soon after 3:30pm the umpires decided to start proceedings (with the game limited to 70 overs) and the Midd began well, Will Wootton surprising Colbeck with pace and bounce and capitalising on a ball that lofted up high enough for Wootton to take the catch himself from his first delivery. But this brief moment of euphoria was not a sign of things to come for the visitors. As Nightingale struggled to consistently find his length on a flat wicket Mitchell and Mayers found the boundary with relative ease. Wootton (1-50) bowled slightly more consistently than his fellow opener but the longer the two Shepherd’s Bush batsmen were in, and with ball becoming increasing benign in the damp conditions, wickets seemed unlikely and the run rate remained high. That said, by this point North Middlesex had already squandered several decent catching opportunities that could have brought an earlier end to the 2nd wicket partnership. By the time Nightingale (0-48) was replaced Shepherd’s Bush had passed 100 runs with only one loss. Soon after both Mitchell and Mayers reached their half centuries and both looked very comfortable.
After another couple of simple dropped catches, Parker (1-69) finally got the breakthrough as Mitchell (78) sliced the ball towards point and into the grasp of Nightingale leaving the home side on 141-2. But with Mayers still batting aggressively things didn’t really get much better for The Midd. Kaleem, the new off-spinner looked dangerous but still leaked runs, again not helped by some uncharacteristically inept fielding. After 3 overs Kaleem bowled Carbin (9) before Howard was run out by Parker on 15 after a suicidal push for a single. But by this point Shepherd Bush had plenty of wickets in hand and were happy to bat aggressively and take risks – although the fielding side’s inability to catch the ball greatly reduced the risk of even the wildest slog. Eventually The Mid did hold one on the boundary as Reynolds (14) found Nightingale at long-on off the bowling of Kaleem (2-51) and after a few more boundaries Shepherd’s Bush declared on 227-5 off 35 overs.
228 in 35 overs would have been a challenge at the best of times, but with key batsmen missing and poor form leading into the game any neutral observer wouldn’t have given the visitors much hope of victory. Any hope of 10 points were quickly extinguished as first Tom Way (3), who was struggling with a knee injury, was caught out and Ed Lake was then bowled for 4, both off the bowling of Muhammed. The Midd were soon at 22-4 off 15 overs after Hollway (8) and Parker (4) fell victim to Mian. With 10 points out of sight, Joey James and debutant Craig Ferguson set about blocking out as many overs as possible in the hope of snatching a draw. Both players succeeded in combining forward defences and leaves to frustrate the opposition and move North Middlesex within 10 overs of an undeserved point. Ferguson (12) eventually departed as a Mian (4-30) delivery landed on his toe in line with the stumps, and after a few more aggressive strokes through the crowd of close fielders from Wootton (17) and James (20) both were eventually bowled with one over to go. On 70-7 youngster Somerville fended off the last few balls. Shepherds Bush finished with 4 points and North Middlesex 1 point.
The North Midd players were justifiably disappointed with their performance and perhaps embarrassed that they had somehow picked up a draw against a team that had outplayed them. With the exception of a solid batting performance from Ferguson and James and a good spell of bowling from Kaleem, in very difficult conditions, there were very few positives to take from the game. It certainly wasn’t entertaining! At the very least the performance dispelled a few myths that The Midd are a good fielding side and that the teams bowling attack would pick up wickets no matter what the circumstances. Unless the team wants to be battling relegation at the end of the season they will need to turn up with a bit more drive and focus.
James Nightingale
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North Middlesex 2nds away to Ickenham 22nd May 2010
In glorious sunshine, in stark contrast to the opening day of the season, North Middlesex 2nds travelled west along the A40 to Ickenham's idyllic ground. On a pitch that looked like a batsmen's paradise skipper Anthony Holloway wasn't too concerned after losing the toss and being put into bat. As with the previous two games, Tom Way looked in good form, regularly punching the ball through the leg side for four. Way and Sam Shepherd took the score to 40 for no loss before the latter was trapped LBW for 13. Ed Lake joined Way in the middle but, with the score on 68-1 he managed to chip the ball to the fielder at point for 10. That sparked a flurry of wickets that saw the visitors collapse to 85-5. Holloway (2) found the hands of mid-wicket, Joey James (1) left a ball that spun back to clip the off stump and the impressive Way was bowled on 48 after coming down the wicket to Ickenham's Room. Knowing that a par score was probably going to be at least 250 North Middlesex desperately needed to regroup. Pat Parker and Jonny Roberts set about adding some respectability to the visitor's innings and, with both players starting to time the ball well, the score moved beyond 150 with no further losses.
The recovery soon took a major blow as Parker was caught on 43. For the second time in the innings The Midd threw away a series of wickets to leave them in a precarious position. After Parker, Chris White, Irfan Tai and Andre Mishra were all removed for ducks in the space of 10 minutes. On 167 for 9, James Nightingale joined Jonny Roberts in the middle after 41 overs. The pair batted sensibly, Nightingale defending his stumps and taking every opportunity to keep Roberts on strike with quick singles, and Roberts mercilessly dispatching any lose balls to the boundary. Against all expectations North Middlesex put on 70 for the 10th wicket, Roberts eventually bowled for 87 in the 53rd over with Nightingale on 8 not out. North Middlesex returned to the changing rooms looking to defend a score of 237.
Ickenham's innings started in dramatic fashion as the first two deliveries from Nightingale brought big LBW appeals, the second inconspicuously given out by umpire Lake. Despite some good bowling Ickenham developed a promising partnership between Bevis-Knowles and Berti, taking the score to 40, before Nightingale followed up a series of bouncers with a low full toss that hit middle stump, Bevis Knowles departing for 27. At drinks, after 15 overs, Ickenham were on 55-2. The introduction of Andre Mishra (2-35) for Irfan Tai after the break quickly brought rewards as he first bowled Cook for 4 and then trapped Berti (27) LBW leaving the home side on 71-4 after 24 overs. At this point the Midd looked well placed to defend their total, but after a nervy start from Namal and Lawton, the pair began to settle and bring Ickenham some much needed stability. After a 14 over spell Nightingale was replaced by Parker and skipper Holloway (0-22) replaced Mishra after the home side began to take advantage of the short boundaries down the ground. Despite Parker's tight lines and some good catching opportunities in the field, The Midd failed to break the 5th wicket partnership which took Ickenham beyond 160. With the run rate accelerating Nightingale returned to the attack alongside Parker, but both Namal and Lawton continued to punish anything pitched up. With the score on 209 for 5 and with Ickenham needing 33 off the last 4 overs, Nightingale(3-81) finally got the breakthrough bowling Lawton for 52. Parker (1-69) then heaped the pressure on Ickenham after Namal (86) feathered the ball into the hands of Sam Shepherd, and soon after Nightingale ran out Iyer (2) with some quick fielding off his own bowling.
Ickenham went into the last over on 223-7, with Waller and Maley needing an improbable 14. But with the fielders on the boundary Waller managed a four and then smashed a massive six to put the home side within touching distance of victory with just two needed off the last two balls. Ickenham grabbed a single, leaving one needed off the last ball. Despite all the pressure Parker bowled the perfect delivery...Waller chopped the ball down by his feet and sprinted for a single... Sam Shepherd pounced on the bouncing ball and managed to swipe the stumps before Manley made it over the crease. The Midd ended a crazy game jubilant at snatching a point from the jaws of defeat.
Despite the last gasp celebrations, and the immediate feelings of immense relief, The Midd were left reflecting on a performance that offered a lot of room for improvement. Only 3 batsmen made meaningful contributions on a ground that should have yielded big scores and the fielding did not live up to the team's usual high standards. But the character shown at the death will hopefully bode well for a more solid all round performance next week against Shepherds Bush.
James Nightingale
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North Middlesex 2nd XI vs Harrow 2nd XI Saturday 15th May. North Middlesex win by 72 runs
After last Saturday's disappointing start to the campaign, North Middlesex's 2nd XI recorded a convincing win against a competitive Harrow team. Winning the toss and electing to bat, North Middlesex surged to 80 without loss; Tom Way in particular playing with ease through mid-wicket and punishing anything full on an increasingly reliable North Midd surface. Way though was the first to go playing a loose stroke to the impressive Hills and snicking to the keeper. Three balls later and Sheppard was dismissed, an identical outcome, caught at the wicket. Through some tight and impressive bowling from a strong Harrow attack, the run rate slowed as Lake and Holloway attempted to rebuild the innings; Holloway surviving two simple chances at slip and extra cover. As momentum slowly swung back to North Middlesex, Lake, walking three yards down the wicket was given out LBW to the surprise of opposition and team mates alike. Holloway soon followed as what had looked to be an impressive innings began to fall apart, wickets falling at regular intervals. James, Parker, Wootton and an unlucky Mark Teale all fell cheaply as Roberts tried to hold the innings together at the other end. But as Tai swung high and not very far to Mid off, North Middlesex were dismissed for 204 from 49 overs, a below par score. With five starts from the top 5 batsmen the score should have been far greater.
The match was to be determined on both sides by excellent bowling and some poor batting. Will Wootton ran in with pace and aggression, dismissing the opening left hander in the first over after already having two close LBW appeals turned down. With the experienced Graham Overy also dismissed by Wootton LBW, the game hinged on the partnership between Harrow's numbers 3 & 4. Beginning nervously but becoming increasingly fluent, the pair put on 70 with some impressive straight driving. The bowling however, was tight, giving away nothing and backed up by some excellent fielding. Harrow were forced to work for every run. The Harrow keeper was dismissed rashly swishing at a short ball from Wootton. Number 4 soon followed, caught at Long on, and wickets began to fall. The game was decided in a three over spell that saw 5 wickets fall; the final wicket taken soon after as Holloway demolished the castle of the number 11.
Though the batting can definitely improve, this was an impressive bowling and fielding display from a team who looked and sounded like a team. It sets a standard for the rest of the season; one that needs to be maintained.
Ed Lake
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North Middlesex CC 2nd XI vs Barnes CC 2nd XI (Away) 8 May 2010
On a day where the pre-match warm up had a new meaning (multiple layers and mugs of steaming tea all round) the North Midd 2nds kicked off their Division 2 campaign away to Barnes. Skipper Anthony Holloway won the toss and elected to bowl first. As the drizzle slowly cleared The Midd made a great start limiting the scoring opportunities with a combination of controlled bowling and lively fielding. With Irfan Tai taking 4 wickets, supported by James Nightingale, the home side found themselves on 50 for 5 in the 20th over. However, the momentum of the game began to change as Barnes’ big hitting middle order began to find their way. Despite tight bowling from Holloway and further wickets from Pat Parker, Matt Dyke and Nightingale’s second, Barnes were in a position to declare on 193-8 after the 50th over.
In response, North Middlesex ‘s opening batsmen looked in good shape. Tom Way and Sam Shepherd combined good running with several boundaries to take the score near to the half century mark with no losses. Again, despite starting the innings well The Midd failed to capitalise as wickets began to tumble with alarming frequency and the run rate remained below par. Several players got themselves in but failed to break the 30 barrier and once Roberts and Holloway had returned to the relative warmth of the changing room, 10 points seemed a distant prospect. Despite some nice strokes from Pat Parker and Will Wooton the tail failed to wag and with 5 overs left Barnes claimed the final wicket to take all the points and leave North Midd all out for a disappointing 138.
Having had the opposition for 50-5 and then laid the foundation for a good chase in the second innings, The Midd were left highly frustrated by the result. Their inability to kill off the Barnes innings and then create any meaningful partnerships with the bat ultimately proved costly.
James Nightingale
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