Our thanks to Angus Fraser, who takes a look ahead to the final weekend of the Middlesex County Cricket League, which concludes this weekend.
Any Middlesex members looking for a fix of cricket this weekend, ahead of our return to County Championship action at Essex on Monday, could do far worse than heading to their local cricket club to catch the final weekend of the Middlesex County Cricket League, with a huge amount riding on it for many of the sides involved.
By this time of the season – the final round of matches – many situations have been finalized but this season there is still much to play for in most of the Divisions.
So let’s have a look at the Divisions:
Premier League
The biggest match of the day/season is undoubtedly on The Common in Stanmore where there is a winner-takes-all match between Stanmore Cricket Club and North Middlesex Cricket Club. Three points separate the two teams, which means the winner of the match will be crowned as Champions.
The game is a huge event for both clubs but, probably, slightly bigger for Stanmore. North Middlesex were crowned Premier League Champions in 2019 and have recently been competing for the title for a number of years; Stanmore’s last, and only, title win was 40 years ago in 1983.
Middlesex supporters may get the chance to see a few current, former and future Middlesex players performing on The Common. Luke Hollman, Joe Cracknell and Max Harris regularly turn out for North Middlesex, whilst Stanmore will field Dan O’Driscoll along with a couple of our Academy boys.
If inclement weather were to interfere – thankfully the forecast is good for NW London – and the game at Stanmore were to be rained off, three further sides could sneak in to pinch the title. Brondesbury, Shepherds Bush and Crouch End are each a win behind the leading two and will be praying for heavy local showers in HA7.
At the bottom, one of Finchley or Hampstead will be relegated with Twickenham. Finchley have the slight advantage in that they play Twickenham, whilst Hampstead take on a highly motivated Shepherds Bush.
As Chair of Stanmore, and someone who played for the 1st XI when it last won the league win in 1983, I think you may know where my loyalty’s lie – COME ON STANMORE
Division 1
Congratulations to Hornsey on returning to the Premier League as Champions but the battle for the 2nd promotion spot will be keenly battled for between Richmond, Harrow St Mary’s and North London. North London and Richmond meet at Shepherds Cot but it is not quite a winner takes all battle. If Richmond win they are up but North London may not necessarily replace them if the they were to walk away as victors. Points for losing narrowly could then save Richmond and, if Harrow St Mary’s and North London win Harrow St Mary’s will pip North London for the final place in the Premier League for 2024. I think I’ve explained that correctly
At the bottom one of Winchmore Hill or Barnes will go down. Barnes host the Champions whilst Winchmore Hill travel to Acton.
Division 2
Congratulations to Kenton on being promoted and a win at Harrow would see them crowned as Champions. The battle for the remaining promotion spot is between Wycombe House and Indian Gymkhana. If Wycombe House win at home to Enfield they will join Kenton in Division 1 in 2024. If they lose and Indian Gymkhana win at Brentham it will be they who will be celebrating promotion on Saturday evening.
At the bottom there is everything to play for with Eastcote, South Hampstead and Brentham fearing the drop. If Eastcote win it will seal the fate of South Hampstead and Brentham. If Eastcote lose at home to Highgate it will open up a potential escape opportunity for the other two.
Division 3
Congratulations to Old Isleworthians on winning Division 3 and therefore becoming one of the top 30 Middlesex clubs in 2024. The battle for the second promotion spot is complicated but the biggest game takes place at the Racecourse ground where Alexandra Park take on Ealing Trailfinders. If Ealing Trailfinders win they go up. If the lose Alexandra Park would be promoted if Actonians or Chiswick fail to win their final game.
At the bottom MTSSC can only stay up if SKLP were to somehow lose points through a misdemeanor in their final match.
Division 4
Congratulations to Friends United on winning the Division and being promoted. The contest for the second promotion spot is between three sides, two of which will be playing. The unavailability of a ground means that Headstone Manor can only watch on to see what will happen in the matches involving West Harrow and Bessborough. If West Harrow win at Lanka Lions they will pip Headstone Manor but, if they lose and Bessborough win at home to Willow Leather, Bessborough will overtake their local rivals.
Division 5
This is one of only two Divisions where most things are already decided, so congratulations to New Calypsonians and Pinner Challengers for being promoted. The only thing to be decided is who will be champions. If New Calypsonians win at North London Muslims they will be crowned as Champions. If they fail to win and Pinner Challengers defeat Perivale Phoenicians it will be the Challengers that have the most to celebrate on Saturday evening.
Division 6
There is still plenty to play for in Division 6. South Harrow are promoted and they will be joined in Division 5 in 2024 by either United Sporting Club or Stallions, who play each other at Church Street Recreation Ground.
Division 7
As with Division 5 everything here is already decided, so congratulations to London Desperados on being Champions and to Burhani for being promoted.
