MIDDLESEX CHAMPIONSHIP SECOND XI DIVISION ONE
Birkbeck College seconds 121 all out
Harrow Town seconds 249-8
Harrow Town won by two wickets
HARROW Town seconds had Buddhi Attanayake to thank as they recorded a convincing win over Birkbeck College to edge a step closer to promotion to the Middlesex County League.
Attanayake took 7-38 as the Birkbeck middle order was ripped apart en-route to a 128 run victory for Town, leaving them well placed for Saturday’s key clash with Harrow St Mary’s.
The afternoon started slowly for Town who lost Bhavik Thakkar early on for just 13.
However, totals of 56 and 48 respectively for Hitesh Sejpal and Shahil Sheth put pressure on Birkbeck as the away side powered through the overs.
Harrow took their foot off the gas as the afternoon progressed, losing a succession of middle order wickets before recovering their composure to seal a healthy total.
Yanus Shafi rounded off the innings for Town with a respectable 37 before captain Talib Malik declared on 48 overs with a commanding 248-8 tally.
Following Attanayake’s dominant performance, Birkbeck’s lower order looked to chip away at the overs and grind out for a draw. But with just two overs to spare, the last man fell with the home side stranded on 120.
Town will take on St Mary’s at the weekend in buoyant mood after this victory which leaves promotion within their grasp.
Meanwhile, already-relegated Harrow Town were beaten by 34 runs by Brondesbury in Middlesex County League Division Two.
Harrow lost by two wickets against Uxbridge in the same division.
