Slow-go Harrow deny North Mid

NORTH MIDDLESEX almost forced an unlikely victory at Park Road on Saturday before eventually losing out to a snail-paced Harrow batting display. Having capitulated to 124 all out in just 40 overs, the visitors had a mammoth 60 overs in which to reach 125

NORTH MIDDLESEX almost forced an unlikely victory at Park Road on Saturday before eventually losing out to a snail-paced Harrow batting display.

Having capitulated to 124 all out in just 40 overs, the visitors had a mammoth 60 overs in which to reach 125 for victory.

But on a lively track and in fading light, Harrow slipped to 60-6 and went the full distance before edging to a two-wicket success with just 11 balls to spare.

That was due in no small part due to some disciplined bowling from North Mid with Jaron Semper conceding just 25 runs from his 24 overs, while Evan Flowers was also economical and took four wickets as the visitors wobbled throughout.

However, in the penultimate over they finally knocked off the required runs to take the 10 points and put a big dent in North Mid's promotion hopes.

It was the batting performance that was to blame as, put in by the visitors, North Mid struggled immediately.

Skipper Alex Hill and fellow opener Evan Flowers were both back in the pavilion for single figure scores, and only a disciplined knock from Scott Richardson held the innings together.

His composed 44 led North Mid to 80-2 but when Greg Arnold departed he was followed by a clatter of wickets as Semper, Matt Drew and Nick Brand were all dismissed for ducks and Shahin Khan for five.

Suddenly and inexplicably North Mid were 95-8 and even a handy 20 from Will Wootton could not save face as the hosts were skittled for a total that never looked like being enough.

Darren Crook was the man who did all the damage for Harrow, his 7-61 being the decisive contribution on a low-scoring pitch.