MIDDLESEX CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND XI DIVISION TWO
West Harrow seconds 92 all out
Old Lyonians seconds 95-8
Old Lyonians seconds won by two wickets
OLD LYONIANS seconds scaled new heights on their way to claiming the Middlesex Championship Second XI Division Two title.
Victory over West Harrow on the final day saw Lyonians finish with a new league record points total of 151, beating the previous benchmark set by North London in 2012.
It is the most points racked up by a team since the 10-points for a win system was established by the league, and they had already bettered the divisional record of 118.
That total was reached by Sri Lankan Cavaliers in 2010, but Lyonians are now the undisputed kings after a sensational season that has seen them win 15 of their 18 matches.
“It is a massive achievement for this team, having come together at the start of this current year,” said seconds coordinator Srirangan Balakumar.
“It is a proud moment not only to finish as champions, but also with a record wicket haul where two bowlers, Sumudu Wickramaarachchi and Budhika Arachchi, took over 50 wickets in one season.
“This achievement is due to hard work and commitment shown by all the players to play for each other and the untiring effort put in behind the scenes by manager Sadeep Abeysena.
“We will have tough challenges next year as the opponents are now aware of our capabilities, and will be prepared, but we are sure we will come up with answers.”
In their final match of the campaign, Lyonians skittled out West Harrow for 92, allowing the bowlers a chance to bat and still managing to get the job done with two wickets to spare.
There was better news from West Harrow’s firsts as they finished top in Division Three. Elsewhere, there were wins for Bessborough and MTSSC in Division One, while relegated Pinner were beaten on the final day of the Division Two season.
