Nicoll’s men maintain strong start in Middlesex League

North Middlesex maintained their strong start to the Middlesex League season, but missed out on the opportunity to leapfrog visitors Ealing and move into second place after a losing draw on Saturday.

The home side were just two points behind their opponents at the start of play, but now trail by five after six matches.

Having lost the toss, North Middlesex were sent into bat and an early wicket fell as Joe Cracknell was clean bowled by Mungo Russell for nine, leaving the hosts 10-1.

James Parslow made a rapid 22 off 20 balls, hitting five fours before he was trapped lbw by Scott Ensom.

But Evan Flowers was unable to repeat his heroics from the match with Richmond and also fell victim to Ensom for just 14 to leave North Middlesex 61-3.

Luke Hollman offered some stability with a very measured 42, hitting only two boundaries in his 125-ball innings.

Wicketkeeper Charlie Macleod top scored at number seven with 46 off 74 balls before being caught behind off the bowling of Russell.

And a late surge from Adam Price and Will Nicoll dragged North Middlesex to 236-9 from their 66 overs.

In reply Ealing made it to 65 without loss before captain Tom Nicoll claimed the first of his two wickets.

Joel Hughes then took three quick wickets in a terrific bowling display and Ealing were suddenly 77-4.

But top scorer Thomas Plant and Chris Wakefield piled on 120, in a game-saving partnership to take Ealing to 226-7 off 54 overs and securing the them four points.

Hughes continued his fine wicket taking form and to finish with figures of 4-61, while Tom Nicoll had 2-67 from his 19-over spell.