A very friendly friendly.

The highlights :-

Elliot Lowes continued good form with the ball - fine line and length at rapid pace see's him move to the front of the line of opening bowlers contending for the new ball come Sept 13th

Dilshan bowling into the wind - turn, bounce, variation in speed and 'drop' saw him unplayable - no man needed at cow corner with the wind blowing a gale - simply too good...

Jake Williams - provided variety with his left armers - a better second spell with the breeze allowed the ball to swing and deviate from a fuller length - one to watch

Mustards fielding - Johnty-esq' 

Stiven having a fin afternoon beind the stumps with 3 catches a stumping and some very safe glovework 

And a mention for the oppo skipper who scored a fine tonne as his charges faltered around him

With the bat chasing 170 -

Uzi's promotion to the top of the order was inspired - played all round one for a well compiled 0  - back to number 11 in the absence of Nev for you matey...  hero to zero in the space of a week - its tough in the 4's.....

The VC charging ahead in the battle for 4's top runscorer in Kam's absence  - over 600 hundred now Kam - you better score some next weekend when the skipper and I are in Portugal or its fine leg and number 10 for you in the final...

Douggie Teesdale's fine cover drive in the closing stages , a well deserved wicket from a fine flighted legspinner and some smart work behind the stumps saw Stiven and Doug combine for a crucial wicket

We are still waiting on confirmation but Mr 200 average is now averaging a measly 120 these day - keep up the great work Mark

Simon - an encouraging spell with the ball - a couple of those shorter ones had some real bite and zip.. unfortunate the other ones went to the boundary....

And with the great news that North London beat Richmond in the delayed Cup semi final - Sept 13th looks promising in terms of a cracking Cup final played between 2 sporting teams in N8  - bring it on

VC

Old foes Osterley were the next challengers to the North Mid 4's unbeaten campaign ...  same result .. just a twist in the weather.

Despite starting out bright and sunny the North Mid 4's arrived at a very moist E17 eager to splatter Osterley's hopes of revenge after an 'interesting' league encounter earlier in the season. Despite a few inappropriate pre game jibes by the opposition skipper, tensions remained in check even though the rain continued to fall.... Eventually a bowl off was called with the deteriorating weather conditions and wet pitch in mind - a 5 man shoot out was on the cards....

A quick pep talk by the skipper - outlining his plans for the North Mid straight shooters to do their bit in the target area and another winning coin toss ( 3/18) saw the mid artillery called upon to fire the first shot : - Dilshan the destroyer just missing off stump. Osterley's no. 1 fired their first wide of the target. Elliott fired in a cracker that looked to shave the top of middle stump but the score remained 0-0 even after Osterley's second attempt.

With the tension mounting the Mid skipper called upon newly crowned U13 National Championship member Charlie Yorke-Starkey for the crunch 3rd delivery. Not even national champions can rely on a E17 pitch behaving nicely as his doubled barrelled thunderbolt narrowly missed the pegs after a wicked deviation from another dodgy E17 strip. Another miss from Osterley saw the score remain at 0-0 after 3 attempts.

When you need the big guns to fire - you call on the biggest.... Uzi take a bow. 

After throwing a sickie and looking a little worse for wear in the warm up - Uzi fired in a gem - slapping into off stump and putting the Mid in front for the first time in the shootout. Another Osterley miss saw left the skipper in a position to secure the Mids place in the cup final only to be denied by the smallest of margins when his stock delivery of the pitched up inswinger just missed off stump and leaving Osterley a chance of taking it to the second round. For some unknown reason ( maybe a lack of knowledge or ability to count ) Osterley only had 4 bowlers willing to take a shot - and the hastily prepared 5th man although going close was again on the losing side of an encounter with the mighty Mid 4's.

Bring on the Double !!!!

Seano

1 Down 2 To Go

The North Mid 4's travelled to sunny Winchmore Hill for their first cup fixture of the season. After wrapping up the premiership as undefeated champions the next task was the League / Cup Double and with a first round bye, a win against MTSCC would send us straight to the semi's.

Pete continued his rich vain of form at the coin toss ( now 2 / 16 ) and chose to bowl against a relatively unknown team who seemed unfazed by the daunting prospect of taking on the Mid. Both MTSCC openers took the game to the regular opening combo of Pistol and Ian,  and with cup rules stating a max.of 9 overs each the skipper had to go to some of his plan B bowlers early to stem the flow of runs and get the elusive breakthrough. With Glazer behind the stumps and Mustards medium pace swingers out of action due to a dodgy ticker, VC Seano was the next best option and proceeded to get the breakthrough in his first over with a bouncer that hurried onto the bat and was well taken by Mustard at mid wicket ( he moved very freely from his fielding position at mid on and held onto it too!!! ).

From there it was further solid batting mixed with exuberant strokeplay from MTSCC - including a team mate of NMCC's own Zulfi - not so sure if his talent matches Zulfi's but his mouth was on a par.....  A steady fall of wickets though to Dilshan, Pete, Ian and back up spinner Jonny Roberts plus a fine runout by Kam kept the run rate at a reasonable clip to finish their 45 overs on 249.

The less said about the dropped catches the better as they cost us dear....

So with the highest run chase of the year needed to secure the semi final spot in the Cup, openers Andy Roberts and Sean went about making quick work of it.

Some 160 runs later both gentleman having posted fine half centurys which included a few bombs and and artful reverse sweep from Andy were dismissed - Seano 88 and Andy a fine 65.  ( Always helps selection aspirations to score a few runs in front of the 3's skipper after his side has just been rolled for 90 on the pitch next door too !! )

From there, despite a second wind from MTSCC - the Mid had the game wrapped up and all it required was the package delivery when who should stride to the crease but the 4's mailmen Glazer and Grundy - they both deliver on saturdays... Mark for his part is averaging over 200 in 4's games this season and Glazer took a catch of my bowling so i gotta big him up somewhere...

10 overs to spare chasing 250 ... not a bad effort boys keep up the good work and BRING ON THE DOUBLE

VS Seano

NMCC 4th XL Report - 26/07/08

NMCC v Hackney Martians – yes ”Martians“

Twas a bright and sunny morning as the North Mid 4s squad gathered at the Pavilion on the morning of Saturday 26th July, ready to travel up to Walthamstow to face the Hackney ”Martians.“ An odd name for an opposition, but still a force to be reckoned with by a largely young (excluding Glazer) North Mid side.

With the North Mid skipper ”Pistol“ Pete Croaker sure to win the toss (having won only the last 1 from 10) the team started the day practicing throw downs – surely we’d bat first!

In the end NMCC were put in to bat by the ”Martian“ captain (another great toss of the coin from pistol, although even the colts in our team were beginning to add two further letters to the word ”toss“ when he initially informed us he had lost the toss on a baking hot day).

North Mid got off to a solid start with the skipper and once batting legend Mustard opening up with a fifty partnership. This was followed by a fine innings from North Mid veteran Glazer (50 odd), and further good performances from Kamran, Josh Alibhai, Jake Williams and the very composed looking Charlie Hierons and Will Armstrong-Fox, both in their first senior matches.

North Mid finished with a healthy total of 240 for 7, leaving the Martians with a daunting task ahead having spent 4 hours in humidity North London has not seen since the balmy afternoon of the Bulgarian festival held by the Pavilion the previous summer – look what happened there!

The North Mid bowling attack was varied to say the least with every player offered the ball by the skipper at some point during the innings – including wicket keeper M.Glazebrook. The only player not to bowl was Mustard complaining of ”his dodgy knee“, although having been spotted in the Red Rita the night before, the skipper suspected his fatigue had resulted from ”alternative“ reasons.

Bowling figures were as follows:

Finn Teesdale 0 for 11, Jake Williams 1 for 14, Isaac Baden-Powell 1 for 32, Nolsad 1 for 32, Kamran 1 for 29, Josh 0 for 42, Pistol 0 for 20, Glaze 2 for 14, Charlie 2 for 10 and Will 0 for 7

The extraterrestrials batted solidly all the way down their order especially the number 5 who scored 56 runs.

However said No.5 was dismissed by what one spectator (Mr. I. Coleman – who traveled over 200 miles from Bolton to watch this fine North Mid side) as ”the most bizarre thing I have seen on a cricket field in years“.

Let me set the scene: The Martian No.5 has just got his eye in & has started to tee off. If NMCC don’t remove him soon they are in big trouble. The skipper tells the keeper (Glazer) to remove his pads and take the next over from the other end. ”Bowl straight and up to his toes“ was the message.

With Mustard being a complete wuss (preferring to lazily continue his stint in the office), Kam Khalid took the responsibility with the gloves.

Now comes the first ball of the ex-keeper’s spell: As instructed Glazer sends down a straight one which is ”leading edged“ by the Martian straight above the fledgling wicket keeper’s head.

Cries of ”catch it“ chime around the ground. Having just put on his gloves, the above new keeper decides (while the ball is in mid air) that he can’t catch with wicket keeping gloves or inners on (the ball is still in the air at this point). Said ”wicket keeper“ proceeds to throw off both keeping gloves and pull off one inner (at this point every person in the ground is so open mouthed that it was a good job there was no Victoria Line tube passing through Blackhorse road station).

Then…………………. Takes the catch with the coolness of Jack Russell.

A remarkable effort Kam – love yer work.

Therefore as per the above details, no need to spell out the man of the match award for this game. Glazer ”the senior pro“ took the accolade with great batting and bowling performances.

All in all a good game that was won fairly comfortably by the Mid in the end. Great to see so many colts stepping up to senior cricket also, with good performances especially from Isaac, Nolsad, Charlie and Will, all playing their first adult cricket match, and Josh, Jake and Finn who all put in great efforts

Now for the Cup.

Cheers,

Mustard

WE IS DA CHAMPIONES....

With the 1987 League 5th Division league title on the line - the mighty 4's took on local rivals North London in a crunch title deciding game in E17.

The ladder had us equal on points with fellow title contenders Richmond coming into the final round of the league - the Mid needing maximum points to ensure that  the trophy would be winging its way up Park Road in 2008.

Winning the toss and batting first to secure 25 points and leave the other contenders in our wake looked to be vital in the mid week discussions and it was with this ringing in his ears that our fearless leader tossed the coin hoping to continue his great tossing form. Another loss later ( 1/12 for the season) mattered little as the Mid were sent in on what looked to be a feisty E17 track and with overhead conditions conducive to attacking in the field.

Never fear - the 4's top order had it covered.....  An excellent opening stand of 117 between new Mid recruit Andy Roberts and the not so new vice skipper got the Mid off to a flying start against some good but erratic bowling by the North London team. Andys innings was composed and controlled with some fine strokeplay and solid defence when required to blunt the new ball attack and set the tone for the Mids innings. Outscoring your opening partner by a length is not on though Mr Roberts - Kam and I have a reputation to protect don't you know!!!

The fall of the first wicket only served to further increase the run rate with Kam launching and aerial attack for a quickfire 40 and Andy going on to post a fine century and get the Mid within touching distance of the 250 the skipper had targeted off 40 overs.

A swift declaration and a cup of tea later the Mid boys were ready to play.

From the outset, the determined nature of the Mid 11 could be seen in their performance with Rajiv and Josh toasting the North London top order through some aggressive bowling showing discipline and great skill plus being ably supported in the field for a change, with the first few catches by Andy and Sean setting the tone in the field.

It was then left to the skipper and young spinner Moshin to do their bit and perform they did. Pete's quality line and length bowling snagged him 1 wicket but it was the star of the show Moshin who did the real damage. Mo bowled with flight and turn to take advantage of the variable nature of the track and was simply too good for the opposition batsman - all 5 wickets where classic off spinner scalps - 2 leading edges carrying to Josh at mid off , drawing the number North London no. 7 forward with flight, only to beat the outside edge and  Glazer had the bails off in a flash and 2 catches off his own bowling - the second of which secured the league title for the Mid and sparked wild celebrations by 11 happy guys in E17.

Our commiserations go out to Osterly who despite accounting for 2nd placed Richmond in the final round, the captain incapable of securing enough points for his team to gain promotion for the 2nd year running. 3rd place for them - a worthy performance to be the best of the 'other' teams in the division.

A well earned week off ( friendly game ) this weekend boys before we start the assault on the Cup. Bring on the Double...

With rain being a major consideration in the points table and promotion prospects for the Mid 4's it was with nervous anticipation that the brains trust looked out their windows upon waking up Saturday morning. Clear enough skies and a reasonable weather forecast were enough to calm some fears but a closer inspection of the pitch at Winchmore Hill revealed a soggy patch on a good length at the Southern End.... A huge thanks go out to the ground staff at Winchmore Hill who were hosting 5000 Sri Lankan cricket fans the next day and were none to keen on our boys trashing one of the pitches they had prepared so lovingly. Thankfully the rain abated and a strong breeze sorted the wet patch out before they had time to change their minds and call the game off !!! Bullet 1 dodged !!!

This gave the Mid's deadly arsenal their chance to unload .....

Pistol Pete won his first toss of the year -  1/10  - he is now and on a roll - and duly sent MTSCC into bat and assembled the firing squad.

With weaponry Ian 'BB Gun' Bennett and Rajiv the Rocket firing the opening salvo's the Mid gained the early ascendancy with some high class bowling on a green and wet battle ground.

Pistol,  Uzi  and Josh ' the assassin ' Alibhai fired a few shots each in backing up the senior gun slingers but it was Ians controlled line and length at a good pace that really unsettled the MTSCC lineup and he had the Mid in command from the start with his 10 overs shooting down 5 scalps for a miserly 15 and his most Jug worthy performance of the hunting season. 

MTSCC all out for 126.

With the tea and sandwiches running a little late the captains agreed a quick 10 over stint before the break.

The new opening combination of Andy Roberts and veteran Seano followed the skippers instructions for all of 3 overs until a light shower drifted over N21 and the VC threw the skippers instructions of 'calm and cool' out the window and decided to launch a few bombs of his own. A few craters in the outfield and a lost ball later the Mid had raced to 70 before losing the first wicket and tea was called.

The shower didn't really amount to much except a few nervous glances to the sky and without further ado Andy batted solidly for a well compiled 40 and Kam krushed a few as is his want and the Mid rapped it up pretty smartly and secured a vital 20 points.

With one game to go and now in equal top spot with Richmond its all to play for next week against North London on home turf.

Once again i have spent valuable work time ( thanks Bank of America )  compiling a comprehensive spreadsheet of permutations and outcomes for next weeks Division 5 clashes -

( i went easy on the colour coding for the visually impaired ) most of which though are green and in bold and read :

NMCC 4's 1987 5th Division undefeated CHAMPIONS !!!!!

Report : Seano

Flash slideshow: Pistol Pete

With the London summer living up to its wet and windy reputation the North Mid 4's ventured to Finchley to take on a rejuvenated Highgate in the 1987 League 5th Division clash.

With the points table very congested at the top end - Captain Pistol was willing to sacrifice an extra 5 points by bowling first on a pace friendly Wilf Slack postage stamp.

Needless to say he lost the toss again ( 0 from 9 ) but the Mid were given first use of the ball anyway.

An enthusiastic yet slightly wayward opening spell of fast bowling between Ian and the skipper got the Mid off to a solid start, but it was the introduction of Dilshan - using all his guile and accuracy that was the turning point in the Highgate innings. Variations of spin, flight and speed first tied their batsman down then toasted them for a fine 4 wicket haul with the skipper taking advantage of some fine bowling at the other end to pick up a couple of scalps for himself. ( he actually got 5 but it was hardly Jug worthy ! )

Highgate's lower order, taking advantage of the super short boundaries at the East and Southern ends scraped together a respectable 205 off 50 overs to set the Mid a very chase-able target after the break.

With the lure of the short boundaries outweighing 'seeing off' the opening bowlers - VC Seano went on the attack from the outset - dismissed after 5.1 overs for a hard hit 30 paving the way for mid legends Tiger Tim and Kam the Krusher to take the Mid within a few well hit off drives of the finishing line.

And off drives became the flavour of the day - with Kam crunching one on to East End road and Tiger showing all his class with a textbook high elbow in his follow through to deposit a couple into the trees.

Kam's spectacular innings ended in equally spectacular style being caught one handed on the boundary by one of Brad Sculleys students !!!

You have been teaching him too well Sculls !

It was another Mid legend that played the off drive of the day though - using his feet superbly, Glazer danced down the wicket to get off the mark with a crisp drive off the young and talented Highgate legspinner  to get the Mid 4 runs closer to the winning post. Both Mark ( 22 ) and Tim ( 92 ) finished undefeated and sealed another fine win for the Fab Fours - still undefeated with 2 rounds to play in the league.

With the title and promotion still very much up for grabs between Osterley, Richmond and ourselves - a fine performance indeed.

Anyone that wishes to see the 'permutations' spreadsheet that was concocted last week to illustrate just how important the last 2 games against MTSCC and North London in the final rounds are then feel free to email sean.fegan@bankofamerica.com you will need a maths degree and your thinking cap on -  but well worth the read.

Mid 4's for the Title !!!!

Seano

With Inspirational skipper 'Pistol Pete' attending his sisters wedding in a far off land it was left to the remaining members of the dream team and a few well chosen debutants to take on Osterley in a top of the table clash of the Division 5 heavyweights.

Acting skipper Seano proceeded as instructed - Win the toss and Bat - unlike the normal format where Pete losses the toss and gets told what we are doing......

After what can only be described as a disastrous start on an E17 pitch that was doing heaps - the Mid recovered from  28-4 to post a fine 184-7 dec off 47 overs.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the Innings was the fine batsmanship of Jon Roberts on debut for the mighty Mid. Combining  with brother Andy to steady the ship - the 2 Roberts boys set about posting a defendable total with skill and expertise that proved to be the deciding contribution to what could be the seasons defining game.

Jon batted through the adverse conditions, making the most of the 2nd chance he was given when dropped in his 40's to post a fine century. His marathon innings was ably supported by good partnerships with Stiven and  Jack Marsh, getting the Mid to 184 ( and maximum batting points ) - objective 1 achieved !!!

With the game proceeding at a snails pace the 4's brains trust took a gamble and declared their innings with high hopes of securing the necessary 10 wickets for outright victory and the full 25 points - a gamble yes , but with the division title on the line due to some 'irregularities' in the 1987 League fixture list - it was make or break time.

A quick turnaround over a sandwich and the Mid boys were ready for Round 2 - the gloves were off !!!!

Both teams were fired up and ready to rumble at the resumption of play - but with early breakthroughs by Simon Cowley and acting skipper Seano leaving the Osterley batting lineup in tatters there was only ever going to be one result ( barring Kamran instigating a walkout !!! )

Simons hostile bowling down breeze and aggresion netted him 2 wickets and a marathon spell from the other end by the acting captain netted  him 5-74. Johnny Bass and Jack Marsh also bowled well without luck and Jon added to a fruitful day with a fine wicket also.

Thankfully no blood was spilled and with some superb fielding and catching the mighty 4's went in for the kill only to be denied maximum points by some stubborn

batting ( and umpiring) by a spirited Osterley lineup who stumbled to 168-8 when time was called.

A great effort guys - one we can all be proud of.

A special thanks to those guys making their Mid debut - Marcus, the Roberts brothers, Jonny Bass and Billy Luckhurst, your efforts were very much appreciated by all at the Mid.

This great effort keeps us in pole position for promotion to Division 4 with 3 games to play - lets keep up the great work guys. If we win the last 3 ( including the other big match of the season against MTSCC 12/07/08 )  promotion looks to be guaranteed. Undefeated Premiers has a pretty nice ring to it don't you think ???

Acting skipper and Kams personal bodyguard Seano

After a couple of false starts due to traffic and a dislocated Knee-cap requiring an ambulance an understrength GWR team were comprehensively thrashed by the Mid in West London of all places - its no E17 let me tell you!!

If E17 reminds you of Beirut then NW10 must be Afghanistan - with the RAF flexing its muscles overhead and a pitch that looked like it could do with a good dose of Napalm.

With Kamran continuing his fine run of form and Mark Grundy posting another 50 the Mid top order has been gaining momentum coming into the crunch games of the season.

With the second wicket falling to a close LBW call and the Mid in a commanding position the Mid's Vice Admiral and backup bomb launcher proceeded to launch a few.

Numerous bombs later a fine catch on the boundary saw him dismissed for 112 - caught in the deep again.....

280 was always going to be enough, and with Usman and Ian bowling a treat the GWR batting lineup was under fire from the start. Some stout defence by GWR's middle order combined with the occasional counter attack saw them post a respectable score in return but it was never enough to challenge the rampaging force that is the Mid 4's.

With massive games against Richmond , Osterly, Highgate and MTSCC coming up over the next month - lets keep up the great work in the field and the massive improvements in the running between wickets boys.

Report : Vice Admiral Wing Commander Seano

On an overcast but pleasant saturday afternoon, the fours took on the as yet unchartered SOAS team (School of Oriental and African Studies) in a friendly, since the whipping boys of last year Swamibapa had given us a convenient bye. Their team arrived in a rather lethargic fashion despite having Indiana Jones as their spiritual leader complete with hat and safari suit, and we kicked off an hour late. Notably Neville was actually on time for what is a new milestone for him, and proceeded to barrack the opponents for putting us in to bat and then not taking to the pitch. We were playing at our home ground (of sorts) at Winchmore Hill and again the pitch did not disappoint despite there being a downpour the night before. As per usual Pete lost the toss- that's seven in a row. We all agree that the day he wins the toss actually spells disaster for us. 

In the agreed 40 overs we slammed 266 for 4 in an astounding effort from Kamran. Actually he made his 112 not out look effortless, with several nonchalant sixes. The one over square leg was a mere flick off his pads, but the shot of the year so far was the off drive for 6 which missed the clubhouse window by millimetres. In the end he got tired (or simply didn't want to face the better bowlers again and preserve his not out but who can blame him) and retired.

Also worthy of a mention was a superb 51 from Mark Grundy, carefully constructed and executed, before he holed out trying to hit one back to crouch end. Yohan provided good back up as the partnership man and hit a smart 38 before exiting for Neville who took centre stage with 1.5 overs to spare. We await to see his famed expertise with the willow next time.

So requiring nearly 7 an over, amazingly SOAS were still up for the challenge, at least initally, until it became painfully obvious that the fourths are firing on all cylinders this year. Stand out bowlers were Charlie Yorke-Starkey, 3 for 11 of 4 overs, who skittled the opponents. Dilshan looped in some beautiful off breaks to take 3 for 13 off 5 overs, a career best. Yohan took some lightning catches in the slips which made us look as though we were playing first class cricket at least for a while. Of the total 6 bowlers, all took a wicket in what was truly a sterling team performance. SOAS were despatched home after 28 overs left wanting at 115 all out.

Credit to Pistol who has 7 out of 7 straight wins to his name, surely a faultless start to the season, leaving the fourths at the top of the league currently. GO the MId.

Report:   Sanjay

After some early selection controversy at the Mid before the start of a game for a change - North Mid 4's faced an in form Hornsey team with just the 10 men at Peter May Sports Grounds E17 - the postcode of choice for all 4's players.

So down a bowler and with a juicy pitch on offer for the skipper who won the toss, Pistol proceeded to lose his 5th straight toss of the year....

A strong batting performance from the whole team on a pitch the was doing alot though saw the Mid to an impressive 220 of 48 overs.

Some good bowling on a helpful track brought about the early demise of 4's veterans Kam, Mustard and Glazer but with the continued fine form of the Vice Captain with a controlled 68, put the Mid in the box seat turning the bend of the first innings. Solid team batting by Yohan and Dilshan then paved the way for a memorable cameo by Pistol who hit a quickfire yet jug avoiding 47 to leave the game nicely poised once Mrs Patel's curry potato sandwiches had some time to settle.

Despite the continuation of the atrocious running between the wickets where a loud and clear Yes / No or Wait is replaced by utter confusion and lack of communication with your batting partner a very satisfying performance with the willow in hand.

Rajib making his 4's debut, partnered by Ian got the Mid off to a great start with the ball with some disciplined fast bowling as the pitch dried out and with the steady loss of Hornsey wickets, the Mid  pulled to the front with 2 furlongs to run.

Despite some histrionics from the skipper in the closing stages after another LBW appeal was turned down the Mid posted its 4th consecutive league win to remain undefeated and gunning for the title.

Keep up the good work boys - and sort out the running between the wickets will you.

Persons guilty of slack backing up and owning a pair of concrete cricket boots will be named and shamed in this column just as your skipper has been for his petulant outburst.

Go the Mid.

Report : Sean Fegan

With the 4's batting lineup yet to be tested this season Captain Pete was ever keen to lose his 5th consecutive toss for the year and allow the opposition to dictate the early exchanges. On what looks a flat and dry track but plays anything but,  the 4's brains trusts decision to bat first was thrust upon us anyway by the Ickenham skipper.

With Kamran and Mustard out of the lineup a new look top order set about their task in fine style with Sanjay contributing a solid 15 and Sean and aggressive 35 against Ickenham's testing opening pair. But with the fall of the vice skipper the wheels came off, some poor running between wickets including the most village dismissal of all time where Glazer skied a cross batted slog only to be dropped and then run out after 'switching off ' halfway down the wicket.

The dismal collapse to 7 - for 100 odd of 25 overs reflects the fact that batsman did not occupy the crease and create an innings on a difficult pitch - yes our home turf is a batting minefield but as Mark Grundy and mid newcomer Yagnesh Patel showed all it takes is a bit of application and intelligent shot selection to form a partnership. Their well crafted team batting brought about by attacking shot selection to the right ball and aggressive running between the wickets got the Mid back into the game. Fine work gents - and a lesson for us all to note of when playing on an up and down pitch.

The Mid's score of 220 turned out to be plenty enough in the end with Elliot Lowe and the skipper each making an early breakthrough and then destroying the Ickenham middle order to leave them in tatters and rueing the day they travelled to E17 to face the might of the MID.

Report: Seano

With threating skies hovering over Winchmore Hill the 4's 1987 league grudge match against a young Winchmore Hill attack eventually got under way with the Mid losing the toss again and asked to field first. All part of the plan according to our captain who's idea was to roll the youngters with the new ball and set up a quick run chase before the weather had any chance of interviening.

And despite some sloppy fielding - partly due to the slippery conditions the plan worked a treat. With workhorses Aktar and Fegan pushing up the hill and into the breeze the medium pacers made the initial breakthrough with Captain Pistol breaking the opening partnership with a fuller swinging delivery. But it was the early injection of spin that was to prove the decisive move by the Mid with Dilshan bowling his customary tight off spin and new Mid recruit Kevin Mitchell bowling some excellently flighted left arm orthodox spin to take the remaining 9 wickets between them. A truly jug-worthy performance given the conditions Kevin - congratulations.

Winchmore Hill, after their younger team members played the conditions well were out for 155 and a hot cup of tea was the order of the day in the cold and moist conditions.

A quick run chase was needed to limit the possibility of rain marring the Mids quest for maximum points and with this in mind Kamran produced a highly skilled knock of 80 with controlled aggresion the standout feature of his innings. A quickfire opening partnership of 89 with the vice captain ensured the Mid had the game by the proverbials in short time. A few middle order wickets never dented the Mid's postive attitude in the run chase and ran home easy victors to keep the unbeaten start to the league campaign on course.

The lesson to take from this particular game was preperation on game day is vital in being able to take the field 100% ready to catch and field every ball to the best of your ability. With competition for places in the 4 Mid team's a big factor this year, set your self a step in front of the rest with a high workrate in the field with attacking and intelligent fielding.

Report: Seano

Well the 4's season got the competition games underway in fine style with a well earned victory over Birbeck College at our new home ground in Walthamstow - E17

Despite a small hiccup when we realised nobody had any stumps - the first ever pitch inspection of the new facilities resulted in words such as 'fast and bouncy' by senior Mid players - something we were not expecting on a May Saturday in E17. So with the new ball in hand Captain Pistol and new ball colleague Ian Bennett ripped in to the opposition batsmen - dislodging 7 between them and a few teeth after a charge down the wicket by the opposition big hitter went awry. Some great bowling by the opening pair, well supported in the slip / gully region and astute field placements had Birbeck College in dire straights well before the first drinks break. Further fine attacking bowing against the remaining batsmen saw Simon Crowley take a wicket with his first ball for the Mid and Dilshan finish with the incredible bowling figures of 3 balls 2 wickets without conceding a run.

All out for 65.

With the intention of getting the necessary 66 runs with a minimum of fuss as well as having a chance to bat on our new home pitch for the first time - opening batsman Kam and Sean got the Mid off to a solid start reaching 32 before a brain explosion from the non striker saw him back in the sheds with one of Glazers cigars before he had really got going.

Club legend Mustard then steadied the ship after hard hitting Kam chanced his arm one to many times and in Glazer found the perfect foil to get the Mid to within touching distance of the line before being sent back to the sheds with a dubious LBW decision.

All in all a pretty solid performance - bowling, fielding and catching were all of the highest class and the enthusiasm shown by all players was outstanding.

An email during the week from Captain Pistol mentioning 20 mid regulars that were not playing in the first round of games highlighted to me that competition for places within the 4 Mid teams is going to be pretty hot this year. With starting X1 places limited to 44 each saturday attitude / commitment and enthusiasm are going to be major considerations when it comes to the Captains picking their teams from the ever growing squad of players at the Mid.

Report: VC Sean Fegan