Hornsey’s flagship colts side, the Under-13s, have been crowned Middlesex champions after overcoming Eastcote in a tight semi-final and going on to defeat Ickenham.

Given that skipper Jack Bruce, Tom Waine and George Croton all represent Middlesex, Hornsey boast the best bowling attack in the county at club level – and possibly one of the strongest in the country.

That was evident in the victory over Eastcote in the final four as Hornsey dismissed their opponents for 77.

Bruce (3-7) and Tom Waine (2-12) did the main damage but there were also wickets for George Croton, Ben Waine and Will Ross, combined with strong fielding, careful catches and two well-executed run-outs.

It was nip and tuck for some time as Hornsey attempted to chase that target, but they eventually wobbled home with 79-4 off 18.3 overs.

The general view was that the victors of that semi-final clash would go on to win the final – and so it proved.

Hornsey restricted Ickenham to 68-7, with Bruce (2-7) and Tom Waine (1-8) turning the screw early on, while Ben Waine, Joe Macadam and Will Ross also picked up wickets.

The chase was far from straightforward against a committed Ickenham attack, but Hornsey batted sensibly.

Jack Bruce notched an unbeaten 28, while Tom Waine hit 16 and Croton added 14 not out to see the victors to an eight-wicket triumph at 69-2 off 18.1 overs.

That capped a successful season for the Under-13s, who were disappointed to lose the County Cup final after having to bowl 20 overs in torrential rain – but they have won the area league and the area cup and have now ended their season on a high by becoming the county champions.