Hornsey batsman Chetan Patel believes his side are back in the promotion race after crushing Brentham by 114 runs for their second successive win in Division Two of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

The Crouch End club are now level on points with third-placed Harrow St Mary’s – and can close the 17-point gap on joint leaders Shepherd’s Bush when they travel to west London on Saturday.

“We’ve always had the potential to play well and we lost our way, but it’s just clicked again and we’ve carried on the momentum from the previous game [against Acton],” said Patel. “Now we’ve got a confident changing-room that believes again. We still have work to do, but we’re back in contention.

“It’s a big game for us this weekend – we beat Shepherd’s Bush earlier in the season and we’re going to have to repeat that at their ground.”

Hornsey lost the toss and were put in to bat on a greenish wicket, with the in-form Sean Solia departing cheaply, but James Bull batted well for 29 before falling victim to a contentious lbw decision.

Teenager George Croton, elevated to the senior side after his century for the second XI, scored a quick 30 before Patel and Paul Weekes built a 50 partnership.

Weekes eventually top scored with 47, while significant contributions from the tail enabled Hornsey to declare at 194-7 from 51 overs.

Jack Bruce gave his side the ideal start when Brentham replied, clean bowling both openers, and the visitors slumped further into the mire as Weekes and Ed Wharton scythed through their middle order.

Both bowlers took three wickets, while Solia helped to clean up the tail as Brentham were dismissed for just 80 in 29 overs.