North Midd u13's arrived for their first game of the season to beautiful blue skis, bright sunshine and Park Road looking splendid giving no indication of the arctic conditions to follow. The usual optimism of the new season was obvious in the boys who appeared raring to go. Robbie Clark won the toss and elected to bat.

Euan Parr took the field with Jonah Charlesworth who was dismissed early not quite getting in line to a straight ball. Euan was joined by Cameron North who built a really solid platform for the the innings, Cameron scoring quickly by effectively dispatching poor balls whilst Euan more conservatively building an innings at a run a ball. Both ended up retiring with 30 no. Herbie Walford (27) accelerated the innings towards the end supported by a couple nice shots from Rayan Chandra (20). Close 18 Overs, 135/4.

Second innings saw Tom Richards open the bowling with Ben Chambers. A solid start from both the opening bowlers resulting in some searing pace, bruised ribs, a couple of chances but no break though. A run out and the introduction of the spinners was the start of what was to be a fairly rapid decline for Crouch End. Sachin Curtis immediately hit his mark generating good turn in a wicket maiden to open. With the introduction of Leg spin at the other end chaos reigned. In now pretty cold conditions Robbie Clark started slowly but found some rhythm in his second over finishing with 4 for 15. Sachin took another wicket finishing with 2 for 6 which effectively tore through he heart of their innings. The remainder of the Crouch End batsmen were put to the sword by Akash Dhana who bowled tight lines to remove the final 2 batsmen.

All in all a comfortable win for the Midd and a really encouraging start to the season. Monday night sees a trip to Hampstead, our toughest opponents in years past and will be a better test for this group. Go the Midd!!!

Scorecard and full stats can be viewed at https://northmid.play-cricket.com/website/results/4734279

Graham