Syed Muazam Ali’s team struggled to show their best form against Hornsey at Tivoli Road on Saturday

Highgate's inconsistent start to life in Middlesex County Division Two continued at the weekend with a draw away to local rivals Hornsey.

The Shepherd's Cot club were only able to pick up one point from the clash, after a testing encounter at Tivoli Road.

Batting first, after Syed Muazam Ali lost the toss, Highgate put on 49 for the first wicket before Shane McNamara (26) was caught.

His departure sparked a mini collapse, but Sandum Dias and opener Hasnain Ali steadied the ship and yet 26 proved unlucky for them too, as they were both dismissed on that score.

In the end, 36 by Zahid Ali Khan and an unbeaten 22 by Syed Hasnain Shah saw Highgate post 188-9 off 55 overs.

Hornsey seemed on top in reply, but had to finish on 139-5 off 36.3 overs and so a potentially exciting climax was prevented.

Uzair Amjaid did impress during his 11-over spell with 2-33 while David Monk's 1-19 off seven overs also helped.

The result leaves Ali's team fifth in the table on 33 points and they will aim to return to winning ways on Saturday at home to local club Crouch End.