Bessborough still waiting for first league win

In helpful bowling conditions, run scoring was difficult throughout, especially against the new ball and Bessborough had to recover from the early wickets of Ishan Shah (four) and Tharshan Kanagaraj (six) who were both dismissed in single figures.

Opener Ramesh Gunalan was forced to hold the innings together especially when the middle order of Jigar Shah (nine), Ian Barrie (two) and Talha Junaid (six) were also dismissed cheaply. Gunalan scored a brilliantly patient 67 off 150 balls to give Bessborough the foundations of a big total.

When he was dismissed in the 36th over, Bessborough slumped to 124 for six and were in danger of being bowled out for less than 150. Vice-captain Alex Irani (29 not out) and Vivek Patel (37 not out) looked to rebuild the innings and a partnership of 43 helped Bessborough reach a competitive total of 204 for eight from 55 overs.

With Crouch End looking to make a fast start, they were forced to put their handbrake on when Khan was brilliantly run out by Barrie. Crouch End were never able to attack an excellent Bessborough attack with seamers Talha Junaid (one for 21) and Amrit Ryatt (one for 41) producing good spells without getting the wickets they deserved.

Once again the wickets fell to the excellent spin pair of captain Rohan Karkhanis (three for 16) and Mitesh Vyas (four for 25) who took seven wickets for just 41 runs in their 23 overs combined.

A spate of wickets reduced Crouch End to 91 for eight with nine overs remaining. Despite captain Karkhanis mixing up the bowlers and getting the ninth wicket himself in the final over, the last wicket that would have brought home the ten points proved elusive.

Bessborough Seconds earned their first win of the Middlesex Division Three season after beating Brentham Seconds by three wickets.

Brentham were dismissed for just 87 and Bessborough chased down the total.