The two local clubs head into this weekend’s Middlesex County Premier Division fixture in good form

After almost beating first in the table Ealing on Saturday, Hampstead are eager to push joint-leaders and local club North Middlesex just as hard this weekend on home turf.

Matt Watson's team picked up two points from their clash at Corfton Road which didn't seem fair given the way they performed.

Hampstead declared on 232-6 and had Ealing 197-9 come the conclusion, but did take plenty of confidence from the Middlesex County Premier Division fixture.

"Saturday was a terrific advert for the league - a high quality game played by two really good sides," chairman Nick Brown said.

"It's a shame we weren't able to win and an even bigger shame that injuries have perhaps meant that our season 'started' a bit late for us to take a run at the title.

"But hopefully we perform to this level on Saturday against North Middlesex and have just as good a game with them."

Hampstead have won two of their last three fixtures with the draw coming at Ealing, who were outright leaders before the start.

The hosts' fielded first and saw Watson's team recover from a mixed start to post a competitive total.

Sam Evison scored a patient 67 with Ben Frazer adding 51 as the pair put on 105 for the fourth wicket.

With Ealing needing 233 for victory, they set about their chase positively, but Frazer dismissed the two openers and recorded figures of 4-50 off 17 overs.

Ajit Sambhi enjoyed some joy too, also collecting four scalps and conceding just 62 runs from 18 overs.

It wasn't enough for the visitors to claim a memorable victory, however, with Ealing finishing up 36 runs short of their total and Hampstead still needing one wicket.

Watson's men are sixth in the standings, but only four points off third in the table Teddington with seven games to play this year.

North Middlesex will pose a real test at Lymington Road with the previous encounter back in May very one-sided.

Hampstead suffered an eight-wicket loss after being all out for 142, but with plenty of momentum and belief, they will aim to have another say in the title race on Saturday.