Division One Eastcote 221-8 (4pts) Drew With Southgate 150-8 (1pt)
RESOLUTE batting by the Southgate tail denied Eastcote and in particular Mahrouf Chowdhury a deserved win after he produced a fine all-round display.
The Southill Lane club had to settle for a winning draw despite another convincing performance in north London, although only after Chowdhury helped them recover from a shaky start.
Tom Scollay and Phil Wise started well to see the score to 40 without loss but when Scollay (28) was clean bowled he was quickly followed by Wise (13), Harpal Sagoo (2) and David Goodchild (7), to leave Eastcote stunned at 59 for four.
Skipper Chris Coleman took control and with Chowdhury he saw the score to 102 before departing for 26. Coleman's brother Alan then took up the mantle and he and Chowdhury added another 87 before Alan Coleman (36) departed.
When Chowdhury fell two runs later for an entertaining 65 Eastcote were out of trouble at 191 for six and a wagging tail took them to 221 for eight in 62 overs.
Chowdhury (3-30) then produced a devastating spell with the ball, claiming three quick scalps to leave Southgate on six for three.
Jack Hemingway and Jamie Jouning rallied to see the score to 41, before Collier removed Hemingway (11) and Alan Coleman dismissed Jouning (31) and Faisal Mir (1), to leave the home side reeling at 59 for six.
Jeremy Dangerfield and William Dean dug in and as the pitch flattened the going got easier. Eastcote had plenty of overs to chip away but it was a long time before Goodchild removed Dangerfield (31), bringing Tuan Hadgie (32 not out) to the crease. He decided attack was the best form of defence and despite losing Dean (26) Southgate escaped.
