The Park Road club made it three unbeaten in the top flight with a seven-wicket win last weekend

Joel Hughes was delighted to see a number of his North Middlesex players step up to help defeat local rivals Hampstead in the Middlesex County League Premier Division on Saturday.

Luke Hollman claimed 5-32 from 13 overs to help dismiss the visitors for 171 and it proved light work for the hosts.

Wicket-keeper Joe Cracknell struck a rapid 74 not out and was backed up by number four James Parslow, who finished unbeaten on 50.

The five-wicket haul for Hollman was his first of the season and occurred after a run of two wickets in three games.

Captain Hughes said: “Luke was absolutely superb and he has been bowling well all year, but it seemed like everything clicked for him on Saturday.

“To be fair to Hampstead, I don’t think they had their best team out, but it was still a really good performance by everyone.

“Luke was able to get the big wicket of George Adair for 76 and their batsmen just couldn’t pick him, he was brilliant.”

After a strong display in the field, North Middlesex suffered a slight wobble at the start of their chase and were reduced to 26-2.

Hollman followed up his five wickets with a score of 35 before Parslow and Cracknell put on 94 for the fourth wicket.

The North Middlesex skipper added: “I was hugely pleased for ‘Pars’ and Joe and especially for ‘Pars’ because he has been working so hard in the nets.

“He has faced so many balls in there recently and is so committed to his career and his time with us.

“It was great to see it pay off and for him to play a big part in our win and Joe was excellent. When he comes off he is so exciting to watch.”

After Saturday’s win, North Middlesex were due to host Premier Division rivals Shepherds Bush in the last-eight of the Middlesex knock-out cup on Sunday.

It has been put back a week, however, but Hughes is determined to see his team go far in the competition.

He said: “The Shepherds Bush game was postponed a week to this Sunday, so we are looking forward to it.

“We are really going for it this year, especially given the disappointment of the T20 recently (lost in final to Osterley).

“We should be strong for Sunday, so hopefully we can get another win and we look set for a good season.”