Highgate 1st XI

Saturday, 24th May 2003 - League

North London V Highgate.

Highgate 65 all out

NLCC     66 for 5

The Wakeford brothers claimed nine of the ten Highgate wickets on Saturday, to help secure a North London victory, in this hard fought local derby. Bowling first on a wet, undulating pitch Tom Wakeford looked on top form with the new ball, holding a firm, frustrating off stump line. With the ball swinging ferociously, seaming off the wicket and generally behaving like a bag full of cobras, the younger Wakeford took full advantage grabbing a healthy 4-24.

Three of his four we held safely in the slips, with the fourth the pick off the bunch from a diving Robbie Tombs at gully. Seventeen-year-old Tombs used his goal keeping experience to excellent effect, diving horizontally to pluck the ball out of the air. A better catch, all season, is unlikely

With Highgate’s batting shell-shocked, the rest of innings was left for the older Wakeford brother, Ben, to sweep up. Ben bowled aggressively with pace and bounce, richly deserving his 5-17. Playing in his sixteenth adult season he seemingly used all his experience to roll back the years to rip apart the Highgate resolve. He combined cunning in-swingers with beautifully executed leg-cutters and at times looked unplayable. Highgate never came to terms with the brothers Wakeford; 65 was never going to be enough.

North London set about chasing the meager target well, with debutant Jamie Russell (12) twice easing the ball effortlessly through the covers. Suddenly wickets started tumbling and at one stage North London seemed to be on the ropes at 30-5. With the Highgate bowlers sensing an unlikely victory it was left for Mark Askew to show his usual grit and determination. You are unlikely to witness a better four not out all season, as Askew jumped, hopped and danced around the crease. At the other end Rian DeVillers beasted a valuable 28 not out, at one point smashing the bowler back over his head for six. On a day were big shots were not rewarded DeVillers’ inning was full of courage and match winning audacity.

North London will be looking forward to next weeks clash with old foe Wycombe House in what is promising to be a successful season,

Report by: Patrick Mills