North Middlesex were facing a defeat when reduced to 58-5 chasing 256 to win, but they come through following a 200-run partnership

North Middlesex captain Joel Hughes praised the batting display of Alex MacQueen and Tom Nicoll following Saturday’s success over Shepherds Bush in the Middlesex County League Premier Division.

The clash at Bromyard Avenue saw over 300 runs scored and 15 wickets claimed and it was the visitors who triumphed in the end.

Bush were eventually dismissed for 255 and although North Middlesex were reduced to 58-5, Alex MacQueen and Tom Nicoll put on 200 for the sixth wicket with the former scoring an unbeaten 118 and the latter finishing 88 not out.

“They increased the run rate and put the pressure back on Shepherds Bush which was fantastic,” said captain Hughes.

“Normally in those situations near the end you get to around 30 or 40 runs required and the set batsmen get out and it can make it nervy, but full credit to them both.

“They stuck around and made sure we got over the line and it was so important they did that.”

Hughes was pleased with North Middlesex’s bowling display, which saw the hosts all out in the 65th over of their innings.

The away captain led from the front and claimed figures of 4-44 with Luke Hollman offering able support and picking up 4-63.

After restricting Shepherds Bush to 255, the key for North Middlesex was to start solidly with the bat.

Unfortunately it didn’t happen as only Evan Flowers (26) reached double figures in the top five, but MacQueen and Nicoll saved the day to inspire a five-wicket win.

“Saturday was very pleasing,” said Hughes. “We were disappointed to lose the toss because we wanted to have a bat first and I think 255 was a reasonable score.

“It was hard with the new ball as it was seaming and bouncing quite a bit, but once you got through that it was a lot easier to score runs.

“We knew we had to try and weather the storm at the start with the bat and we didn’t and they bowled very well and we were staring down the barrel at 58-5, but Alex and Tom batted really, really well and made it look so easy.”