Luke Hollman struck 158 not out before Ethan Bamber claimed 5-40 to help North Middlesex triumph over champions Richmond by 200 runs

Joel Hughes hailed the efforts of the talented youngsters at North Middlesex after a tremendous victory over Middlesex County Premier Division champions Richmond on Saturday.

The Park Road club batted first and declared on 276-3 off 60 overs with opener Luke Hollman unbeaten on 158 from 184 balls at the end of the innings.

If that was impressive, Ethan Bamber then showed his worth with the ball to pick up 5-40 in a 16-over spell which was only interrupted by tea.

For North Middlesex, it ensured they thrashed Richmond on the road by 200 runs with Hollman's century the fourth the club have scored this season, with the first by the England under-19 star against Finchley on May 18.

Opener Joe Cracknell followed it up with back-to-back hundreds against Twickenham and Stanmore before the latest three figure score occurred again on Saturday.

Captain Hughes said: "It's remarkable that one of them has scored a century in four of the last five games.

"Joe was very unlucky on Saturday as well because he was given out on 30 when he hit it, so he couldn't carry on his form.

"Luke paced his innings so well and knew when to respect the bowling and upped the pace late on. It was a remarkable innings."

Hollman and Cracknell are both contracted to County Championship Division Two outfit Middlesex and so is Bamber, who shone at Old Deer Park last weekend.

After Hughes' team set Richmond 281 to win, the away captain and Bamber made early inroads in the field.

The 2018 Premier Division title holders were soon 37-5 and inside 30 overs they were all out for 76.

Bamber impressed and so did Hughes, who conceded just nine runs in 10 overs while he also claimed a solitary scalp.

Hollman was the only other bowler used and he picked up 3-14 in quick time to help North Middlesex secure a statement victory.

"We had tea halfway through the innings and it worked well because Ethan was able to bowl seven or eight overs before and then carry on after," Hughes added.

"I was going to change him, but with Luke picking up wickets down the other end I didn't need to and he was very happy to carry on.

"He hasn't bowled that much this season either for Middlesex or the second-team and so he was thrilled to get through so many and we loved having him involved again."