Sean Solia equalled the highest score by a Hornsey batsman in league history – but his side were left frustrated as Brentham ground out a draw in Division Two of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

Solia blasted an unbeaten 154 to help set up a positive declaration for the visitors, but Brentham made little attempt to chase the target and bedded in to deny Hornsey maximum points.

Hornsey’s Chetan Patel said: “It was like a re-run of the previous game against Acton, when they shut up shop and we had to endure the most painful, boring 25 overs imaginable.

“We tried to give ourselves more time so, having lost an hour to rain, we pulled out after 39 overs and gave them 45 back. But, once they lost a couple of wickets, they just dropped anchor.

“It’s frustrating having to watch teams block for one point, but we’ve got to be able to get them out when they adopt those tactics.

“The positive is that our batsmen took the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring at six an over, and Sean’s innings was exceptional.”

Hornsey captain Garfield Struthers lost the toss for the third time in a row and his side were asked to bat, but Solia soon made Brentham’s bowlers regret that decision.

His knock of 154 from 119 balls, which matched Todd Bowd’s innings for Hornsey in 1991, included several enormous sixes that sailed out of the ground.

Solia was well supported by Steve Atkinson (35) as Hornsey racked up 231-4 declared – and he then made early inroads with the ball when the home side replied.

Jack Bruce also produced a good opening spell to put Brentham on the back foot, which was where they remained as their innings closed on 134-7.