An engrossing Middlesex County Cricket Premier League match at Hampstead saw Eastcote overcome a spirited fight back by the home side to take 4 points for a winning draw in the 3^rd weekend of their league campaign.

Winning the toss and electing to field brought stunning early success for Paul Metcalfe, who struck in the first over to remove Buckley (0) to an fine, athletic catch by Chris Coleman behind the stumps. Alan Colmen soon chipped in at the other end removing the other opener Levy (2) and then the prize scalp of Paul Weekes (5) to reduce the North Londoners to 17-3.

Akhtar batted well in difficult conditions and under huge pressure, despite losing Sharma (18) as he made 61 before running himself out just before lunch. However after the interval the surface eased and the bowlers laboured as Mark Harvey (83*) and Hussan (19) batted sensibly to ensure that a reasonable target was posted.

The innings was declared at 230-8 after 66 overs, which was more than had looked likely for most of the innings.

In reply Tom Scollay, visiting again from Perth, Western Australia, set about the Hampstead bowling in signature style. Despite losing Sagoo (18), Scollay took apart the seamers and then continued to show no respect to pedigree as he repeatedly smote Paul Weekes to the boundary on his way to a sparkling 71. Prior to his departure Eastcote were sitting pretty at 119-2, thanks also to a useful 23 from Chris James.

David Goodchild took on the baton, making 24 and seeing the Southill Lane side to 140 before he misjudged a square cut.

Eastcote’s middle order demon then made an unwelcome appearance as a procession of batsmen made brief appearances and the score slumped to 171-8. Chris Coleman (9) was trapped leg before wicket, Alan Coleman (5) was deceived by the wily Weekes and Phil Wise (4) gave some easy catching practice.

Hampstead were by now well on top and looking likely to run through the Eastcote tail, however Adam Rossington and Mark Collier had other ideas. In a measured and controlled display these two showed mettle and class beyond their years to first stem the flow and then to do the maths correctly and ensure the visitors had enough runs to take 4 points for a winning draw.

15 year old Adam Rossington was man of the match, after being hit in the head attempting a catch earlier in the day, and following a visit to A&E at the Royal Free his batting was exemplary as he showed his quality.

In the second XI fixture at home, Hampstead piled on the runs batting first, setting Eastcote 284 to win.  Pick of the bowlers for the home side was spinner Sumit Anand, who picked up 4-42 off his 9 overs.  In reply the home side never really threatened the total, ending on 231-7 to collect 1 point.

The third XI had an incredible win at home, after conceding 290-5 off just 49 overs, the Eastcote batsmen set about hauling that massive total in.  After losing James Mans fairly early on, Chris Wilkins joined with Raj Siva Kumar to put on a fantastic partnership.  Wilkins fell on 83, but Siva Kumar continued on to see his side home with 122 not out, and in the end a comfortable six wicket victory.