Harman Drive outfit lost by two wickets in opening game of league season on Saturday

Ham & High: Sam Smith of Brondesbury against Finchley (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo)Sam Smith of Brondesbury against Finchley (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo) (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

James Overy believes Brondesbury let a possible victory against Crouch End in Middlesex County Division Two slip through their fingers.

After being relegated from the Premier Division last term, the Harman Drive outfit had been keen to start the new campaign in style with a home win on opening day.

After losing the toss, Brondesbury were put into bat on a damp wicket and were restricted to 137-9, despite a dogged 35 from opener Steven Martin.

Max Hope, Alistair Wilkinson and Sam Smith then took two wickets each, but it was not enough to prevent Crouch End from completing the chase in the 40th over as the hosts lost by two wickets.

Skipper Overy was content with how Brondesbury played, but believes shortcomings in the field proved their undoing.

"We're disappointed to lose any close game and I felt that we did enough to win, but it was five dropped catches which cost us," he said.

"The pitch was one of the toughest we'll play on all season, so I'm happy with how we batted.

"Crouch End had to work hard to get the wickets, rather than us giving our wickets away cheaply.

"The bowlers did well with the ball too and it was a shame we couldn't back that up in the field."

The following day also saw Brondesbury beaten at Finchley in the National Club Championship.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Harman Drive side closed on 139-9 after wicket-keeper Thomas Shaw top scored with an unbeaten 42.

However, Finchley completed a successful chase for the loss of just one wicket to knock Brondesbury out.

And whereas Overy felt there were some positives to take from the league loss on Saturday, it was a different story following their cup exit.

"We didn't play at all well in the National Club and Finchley played a completely different game to what we could manage," he added.

"It showed us exactly how hard we have to work to get back to a level of being able to compete in the Premier Division.

"We're a long way off that at the moment, but there were some positives to take from the weekend on the whole."