1st XI vs Harrow Town

Saturday, 23rd August 2003 - League

NLCC vs Harrow Town

NLCC 225 50 overs

HTCC 192 46.3 overs

North London held their nerve in a tense thriller at Harrow Town to claim victory in this crunch game at the top of Division Three. With Shepherd's Bush already crowned champions, and the rest of the division 30 points behind, the coveted 2nd place can only be claimed by Harrow Town or North London. This win gives the Crouchenders a handy seven point cushion to carry into next week's local derby with in-form North Middlesex.

Ian Johns, with his third century of the campaign, and Tom Wakeford, with his third five wicket haul starred in the win, but once again it was North London's collective effort and spirit that did most to secure the ten points.

Put into bat on a luminous green wicket with lots of grass Norths struggled to 23-2 off the first ten overs. Patrick Mills played a vital knock, scoring 37 off just 49 balls to provide some much needed momentum. At the drinks break Norths had recovered to 99-2 from 25 overs. But it was to be a day when the advantage see-sawed between the teams and the next ten overs were dominated by Harrow Town to leave Norths in trouble again at 120-5 off 35 overs. Tom Wakeford (26) and Johns rallied with a stand of 61, Wakeford's cameo including five thumping boundaries. Johns gradually accelerating throughout the innings finished with 116 from 137 balls, a priceless knock in difficult conditions. Norths skipper Alistair Hart, determined to attack in this must-win game, decided not to bat beyond half-way and three last over run-outs left Norths 225 a/o off exactly 50 overs.

Harrow Town had lost just once all season, and their powerful batting line-up scented victory. Perhaps they were too cavalier, but knowing that victory would virtually clinch promotion they resolved to go all out for the win. Michael Jadunath top scored with 62 and while he was at the wicket North London remained fearful. Tom Amedee bowled a superb opening spell of 14 overs, picking up two wickets. Patrick Mills dismissed Jadunath and Jack Godfrey-Wood got involved with a smart run-out. But Tom Wakeford in a 17 over spell was the pick of the attack and troubled every batsman to finish with figures of 5-60 which if anything did not do him justice.

MoM: Tom Wakeford - 5 wickets, 26 runs and the all-important catch to dismiss Jadunath.

CtK: Jack Atchinson - 16 years old with Flintoff-like physique, could carry everyone's kit under one arm.

Report by: Run Machine