MIDDLESEX COUNTY CRICKET LEAGUE DIVISION THREE
Highgate 160-8
Uxbridge 162-5
Uxbridge win by five wickets
TONY Stephens hit an unbeaten 58 as Uxbridge eased to victory over Highgate on Saturday.
Uxbridge won the toss and put Highgate into bat on a tricky wicket with a boggy outfield also sure to slow down the run-rate. Jonathan Tall and Nishel Patel were both on form with the ball, taking seven wickets between them, as the visitors reached 160-8 in 55 overs.
After seeing two of their first three batsmen dismissed for five runs or less, Uxbridge fans would have been forgiven for feeling twitchy as their side set about chasing down the target.
But the early losses of Andre Jason and Francois Louw would not cost the hosts as Stephens took to the crease to replace Austin Andrews, who was even more disappointed as he drew a blank. Stephens surpassed the 50 mark to push Uxbridge to victory with five wickets to spare as they knocked 162 after 43 overs.
Elsewhere, some poor batting saw Uxbridge’s second string slip to their first league defeat of the season at North Middlesex.
Having lost the toss, Uxbridge were put into bat on a slow wicket but got off to a perfect start with Malkeet Dhaliwal driving the ball with confidence.
However, his departure signalled the start of the slide and fresh from his record breaking 193, Bal Mangat was finding it difficult.
Runs were scarce and after 25 overs Uxbridge were 68-1. Preetinder Singh patiently added 37 to the score, which finished 152 all out. With a beatable target set, Uxbridge were given an early boost with the ball as Naseer Jamali and Osama Alam bagged two early wickets.
But realising time was on their side, Uxbridge remained calm at the crease and despite the best efforts of Jamali, who took four wickets, the hosts reached their target with a boundary.
