MIDDLESEX professional Billy Godleman made a rare appearance for Brondesbury as they crushed Hampstead in Saturday s big premier division clash. Hampstead were flayed for just 98 runs before the home

By Jonny Weeks

Hampstead 98 all out

Brondesbury 101-2

MIDDLESEX professional Billy Godleman made a rare appearance for Brondesbury as they crushed Hampstead in Saturday's big premier division clash.

Hampstead were flayed for just 98 runs before the home side - aided by 41 from Godleman - proved there could be no complaints about the wicket as they notched 101-2 off 22.4 overs.

Brondesbury were so ruthlessly efficient with the bat that even the afternoon showers came 50 minutes too late to dampen their victory march.

Captain Mark Lowrey said: "The wicket was a little bit green - one or two balls went up and down - but they can't blame the defeat on that.

"Their wickets were falling regularly. It was 20-2, 40-5 and 70-8. They never looked like settling in."

Hampstead player Joe Cotterell admitted: "No-one showed any application and we hit some rather injudicious shots.

"We can't argue. When it was out turn to bowl we knew had to get early wickets and we failed."

Brandon Buckley's departure in the first over signalled the start of a steady decline for the visitors, and when captain Paul Weekes was caught behind for 19, their best hope of a decent tally had gone.

Danny Evans took 2-40 and Toby Sharpe added 3-35 to remove the first five wickets.

Ben Claypole joined the bowling attack to dismiss the middle and lower order for what Lowrey described as "ridiculous figures" of 5-8 off 9.3 overs.

Only Gary Hadley at number six offered any resistance for Hampstead with 22 runs.

When it was Brondesbury's turn to bat, Godleman enjoyed a strong opening partnership of 86 with Tommy Simpson (47 not out) before being caught leg-side.

Ed Crowther at number three went cheaply, but there was never any danger of the home side stumbling in their chase.

"We played sensible cricket and fortunately we got to the finishing post before the rain set in," said Lowrey.

"We only had 50 minutes to spare, so it was a good job we were so effective in our bowling."

Lowrey said the return of Godleman had proved a welcome boost for his side.

"It's always good to have Billy around," he said.

"I rang him on Thursday and asked him if he fancied it because he only had one knock against Glamorgan.

"He's been with us since he was 13 or 14 and he's a really good lad. He might be a professional, but he's still the youngest at the club which is a bit funny.

"The pro's are always on a hiding to nothing when they come back to play in the Middlesex League because they're expected to make runs and if they don't they look stupid.

"But he did well for himself. He'll be happy with 41."

Hampstead's players went into the contest hoping to repeat the pre-season thrashing they gave to Brondesbury when the sides met earlier this year.

"Last time we played we knocked them off for 230 and then chased them down for two wickets," said Cotterell.

"But this time it just didn't happen for us.

"Having lost the toss we knew we needed to build a decent platform and, for the second week running, we didn't manage it."

Hampstead face Teddington at home tomorrow, while Brondesbury, who now lie second in the table, face Winchmore Hill.

jonny.weeks@hamhigh.co.uk