The Shepherds Cot club are determined to remain optimistic heading into the next chunk of matches

Highgate are trying their best to stay positive ahead of travelling to Twickenham on Saturday in the Middlesex County League Premier Division.

June has been a difficult month for the Shepherds Cot club with no top flight win recorded since May 19 and two defeats suffered over the last four weeks.

Last weekend they lost by six wickets at home to Finchley after failing to defend 183, but experienced clubman Johan de Silva is optimistic ahead of facing a side at the bottom of the table.

He said: “We look forward to heading to Twickenham Green on Saturday to take on our fellow promoted side Twickenham.

“We hope for a more positive result to keep our momentum going through the remainder of the timed games.”

Even though the first-team are struggling in the Premier, sitting in ninth after eight games, there are lots of reasons to be cheerful behind the scenes at Highgate.

With the help of others, de Silva has managed to increase the All Stars Cricket numbers and began to put plans in place to improve the opportunities available to women and girls at the club.

“Despite the result at the weekend, the club is in a fantastic place at the moment due to All Stars Cricket,” said Highgate’s School Recruitment Lead.

“We are the third largest centre in the UK and the largest in Middlesex and look forward to developing our women and girls cricket offering through our landmark Women’s Softball Cricket Festival on July 27.

“Links with the local community, schools and groups are strong, exemplified by our match day sponsorship partner this week being Bistro Aix in Crouch End.

“For more information, please visit their website – bistroaix.co.uk and thanks to them again for their support.”

Although Highgate suffered a fourth loss of the Premier season last weekend, there were plenty of positives still to take.

Hasnain Ali (42) and captain Muz Ali (36) both showed class at the top of the order while down at seven Craig Gourlay once again demonstrated his quality with 48 off 57 balls.

But it could only help them reach 182 before they were all out in the 45th over, and Finchley got home quite comfortably.

Uzair Amjaid claimed 3-75 from 19 overs, but Brad Chemaly hit an unbeaten 54 to get the visitors over the line in the 39th over.

“Amjaid was once again the pick of the bowlers with his 19 bowled on the bounce, but Finchley were indebted to their strength in depth,” said de Silva.

“They recovered from a brief scare to win with six wickets in hand and plenty of overs to spare. Credit must go to Chemaly for an accomplished 54* and Joe Barrett, whose 57 at the top of the order set the tone for the Finchley chase.”