Hampstead climb to second after ‘most complete performance of the season’
Opening batsman George Adair struck 88 in Hampstead's successful run chase. Pic: Paolo Minoli - Credit: Archant
Hampstead rose to second place in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League after putting in their “most complete performance of the season” to beat Twickenham at home on Saturday.
An 187-run partnership between Carlos Nunes (100) and Shawn Hicks (86) left the visitors in a strong position at 213-4, but Archie Fellowes then took 5-40 to leave them all out for 249.
It was still a good total but, after Hampstead captain Steve Clark (20) was dismissed, George Adair (88) and Jamie Gibson (74) made 136 together.
And, although they fell to consecutive deliveries, Jaahid Ali (19 not out), Ragheb Aga (27) and Liam Hughes (20no) took the hosts to 253-4 after 45 overs to secure an impressive six-wicket win at Lymington Road.
Hampstead’s second successive victory took them above North Middlesex and Ealing in the table, and they now the closest side to league leaders Richmond, lying 13 points off the top.
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The chairman of Hampstead’s playing committee, Nick Brown, told Ham& High Sport: “This was probably our most complete performance of the season. We have been thwarted throughout the season by big individual performances from opposition players and Saturday could have gone the same way with Carlos and Shawn putting on that big partnership.
“Despite their stand, Twickenham never really got away from us and we managed to keep a hold of the run rate - which is testament to the bowling because both Carlos and Shawn are very destructive batsmen.
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“We thought 250 was very gettable but, as is always the case, someone needs to get a score to get us there and Jamie and George batted superbly, just as they had done at Ealing. Their stand broke the back of the total.”
Brown added: “Special mention goes to Archie Fellowes - his five wickets were really important for us, as was his general economy.
“Archie is a terrific cricketer and we haven’t seen anything like the best of him. He has been somewhat stuck in the late middle order because of the strength at the top, but he has never complained. He just gets on with the job.
“He won us the game with the bat last week [against Indian Gymkhana], made a big contribution with the ball this week and is superb in the field. We’re really lucky to have him.”
