Eastcote’s grip at top of table loosens

EASTCOTE remain top of Division Two of the Middlesex County Cricket League, despite losing only their second game on Saturday.

Hosting Brondesbury, Eastcote got the start they wanted after winning the toss and electing to field.

With Matt Savage taking some early wickets, Brondesbury found themselves 38-5 after 11 overs.

Eastcote’s tails were up and they wanted to seal the deal, but some stubborn Brondesbury batting pushed them up to 103-6 before Avi Anand removed their skipper.

A further 55 runs were scored before a handy stumping from captain Chris James off young gun Naresh Rajakulasuriar took the next scalp at 155-7, but more gritty batting allowed Brondesbury to delcare on 255-8, Savage taking 6-60.

Eastcote’s reply was looking steady before James lost his off stump for eight and although James Rosewarne (22) and Aman Lotay (29) showed some resistance, both were dismissed in close succession to leave their side at 80-3.

This soon became 134-8 after drinks, with only Phil Bell (22) and young Shahen Wijeratne, with a fine 38, showing any resistance as Eastcote were bowled out for 150. Although they stay top, Shepherd’s Bush are now level on points.

In the same division, Uxbridge beat Wembley by 68 runs (John Elmes 55, Toby Polkinghorne 54), while Ickenham’s hopes of an instant return from the Middlesex Championship look doomed following a three-wicket defeat to Perivale Phonecians in Division One.