Johan de Silva played when the two teams faced off last time on May 7 in the Middlesex T20 Cup and expects another difficult match

Highgate are looking forward to doing battle with North Middlesex this weekend, but it isn’t only the first-teams facing off on Saturday.

The Shepherd’s Cot club will host the Middlesex County League Premier Division regulars while their seconds and thirds visit Park Road to take on North Middlesex’s second and third XI.

It isn’t the first meeting between the sides either as they did battle on Monday May 7 in the second round of the Middlesex T20 Cup.

Tom Nicoll’s team won by 68 runs after posting 195-5 from their 20 overs, but Johan de Silva is expecting Highgate to push them a lot closer this time around.

He said: “We are hoping for some better weather this week after Saturday’s game away to Shepherds Bush was abandoned due to the rain.

“We have a local derby at the weekend as we take on North Middlesex and the sides met in the cup earlier this month.

“We are looking forward to testing ourselves against a team who have finished strongly in this division over the last few years.

“The seconds and thirds take on North Middlesex sides as well this weekend, so we are looking forward to hopefully coming out on top in the triple-header.”

Highgate go into the match off the back of a frustrating afternoon away to Shepherds Bush last Saturday.

Muz Ali lost the toss and the visitors were made to bat first on a tricky surface at Bromyard Avenue.

Bush seamer Dexter Marsh started well and claimed an early scalp as opener Shane McNamara went first ball.

After an initial recovery, Marsh managed to dismiss William Bowley (16) and it was the start of a hat-trick.

Liam Knight and captain Ali followed Bowley back to the pavilion and Highgate were now 29-4.

Bush reduced them to 43-6 at one stage before a fight back occurred thanks to the efforts of wicket-keeper Phil Knott (15*).

He batted for 52 balls and found support through Craig Gourlay (14) and Malik Shahid Sadiq (17) as Highgate reached 89-8 before the rain arrived to abandon the game.

After a tough day last time out, Ali will hope for better this Saturday in their local derby with North Middlesex.