Hampstead came up short in their attempt to chase down a target of 256 against Ealing on Saturday, falling to a 32-run home defeat at Lymington Road in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

Ealing posted 255-8 from their allotted 50 overs in the Premier Division’s new format and, although captain Steve Clark and new overseas signing Jamie Gibson both struck 40 in reply, Hampstead were bowled out for 223 in the final over.

Clark won the toss and inserted Ealing, getting an early breakthrough as Gibson (2-49) had Oli Wilkin (4) caught by George Adair.

But Robbie White came in and hit 51 alongside Mylo Wilkin (21), David Holt (20) and Ahmad Elech (1) before being caught behind off Mubasher Hassan (2-47), leaving Ealing 123-5.

Huw Jones (37) and Leigh Parry (42) then shared a 63-run partnership, and tail-enders Chris Glasper (21) and Elliot Opie (28 not out) helped to take the total past 250.

Hampstead started well in reply, with Clark (40) and Adair (29) reaching 76 without loss, and No3 Gibson (40) also performed well.

However, Hassan (2), Ragheb Aga (14), Freddie Fairhead (2) and Liam Hughes (9) were less prolific and the hosts found themselves 155-7.

Jonathan Dunne (38) and Charlie Wedgwood (21) staged a recovery, but it was not enough to give Ealing a real scare.