The Calthorpe club have been in the promotion places all season, but have been warned against complacency on Saturday

Pratik Patel has told Crouch End not to be fooled by the position of Middlesex Tamil Sports & Social Club in the Middlesex County League Division Three standings ahead of Saturday’s meeting.

While the Calthorpe outfit are top of the pile after seven victories from nine games, Middlesex Tamil are seventh in the table with only 37 points to their name.

This weekend, Crouch End will visit the lowly side eager to remain in first position by claiming another success, but they have been given a timely warning by the vice-captain.

Patel said: “I don’t think the table reflects how good they actually are because they have lost a few close games.

“We know they are capable of scoring well over 200 on their day or being all out for a 100, so we need to prepare to face the best possible version of Middlesex Tamil.

“At the same time, we do feel we can get 10 points from this game and we are hoping our consistency will be key at the end of the season.”

Ryan Cunningham’s form has helped Crouch End move to the top of the table at the halfway point of the year as he has claimed 27 wickets in Division Three.

The former Jamaica first-class cricketer has the most scalps of any bowler in the Middlesex County League and Pratik hailed his contribution to the team.

He added: “This is Ryan’s second season with us and he joined two summers ago with the aim of enjoying cricket again, and he has immersed himself with the club.

“We value his experience so much and he is the spearhead of our bowling attack and such a crucial player.

“He keeps everyone in the squad grounded and reminds us of the process during the key moments, so he has been brilliant this season.”

Cunningham shone again on Saturday during the 111-run win at North London by taking 8-41 from 23 overs.

It enabled the hosts to be all out for 153 in reply to Crouch End’s score of 264-8 declared, which was largely thanks to 114 from Jalpesh Vijay.

“Our adaptability has been key so far this season,” said vice-captain Patel.

“It doesn’t matter if we bat or bowl first, we are flexible enough to handle either way and it has helped us a lot.”