BRONDESBURY were denied maximum points by Wembley's last-wicket pairing in a tight Middlesex County League premier division clash on Saturday. However, Bron have only themselves to blame for not departing with the win.

Brondesbury 234 Wembley 131-9

BRONDESBURY were denied maximum points by Wembley's last-wicket pairing in a tight Middlesex County League premier division clash on Saturday.

However, Bron have only themselves to blame for not departing with the win - they had the home side 63-8 at one stage.

The visitors batted first and were reduced to 26-2 on a turning wicket - Tom Simpson and Matt Cousen departed cheaply.

But a sparkling century partnership between Middlesex's young star Billy Godleman and former Ireland captain Jason Molins put Brondesbury in the driving seat at 157-2.

After Molins fell for 74, Ben Claypole (19) helped Godleman move the score along to 190, but spinner Malik (4-59) then initiated a middle-order collapse.

He had Godleman caught by Greig for 69, then dismissed Claypole and Brett Penny in quick succession and finally broke up a promising stand of 28 between Matt Cox and Danny Evans. Evans was the last to go for 19 in the 58th over.

Rain during the interval helped to flatten the surface, but Wembley still struggled in reply as Toby Sharpe (2-30) claimed two early wickets. Matt Sampson (11) and Adrian Green (29) began to improve Wembley's fortunes before Claypole tore through their line-up with a flurry of wickets.

Penny (2-10) helped reduce Wembley to 63-8 and Claypole (5-40) claimed his fifth wicket by bowling Magan. But Bron were unable to complete the job before the rain returned.

Brondesbury captain Mark Lowrey, who did not play in the match, said: "The boys were fairly confident of getting that last wicket and of course they're disappointed it didn't happen.

"On the plus side, Molins' and Godleman's batting was fantastic and Ben Claypole bowled very well - he's got 20 wickets now, which is about as many as he got all last year."

Brondesbury were scheduled to have played High Wycombe yesterday in their rearranged Cockspur Cup tie, with the winners set to host Stanmore in the next round on Sunday.

l Hampstead had to be satisfied with a point after rain forced Saturday's premier clash at Finchley to be abandoned with the hosts on 218-8 after 53 overs. The home side had collapsed from 130-2 to 144-4 at lunch.

Skipper Paul Weekes and Dexter Thomas each picked up two wickets. The point moves Hampstead to fourth. Tomorrow, Hampstead entertain Stanmore.