South Hampstead 158

Stanmore 161-1

What a weekend for Stanmore skipper Alastair Fraser!

On Saturday, his fine spell of four for 18 in 14.5 overs, including six maidens, set Stanmore on their way to a nine-wicket victory at South Hampstead that left them nine points clear at the top of the Middlesex County League.

At Lord's on Sunday, Fraser followed that with his best ever-figures in in one-day county cricket taking 4-19 against Durham, to help Middlesex on their way to a three-wicket win which sent them to the top of the AXA League.

After accounting for Durham's middle order, Fraser had top scorer Michael Foster (70) caught by wicketkeeper David Nash as the visitor's innings closed at 160-9.

Opening the batting as a pinch hitter, Fraser was bowled by Melvyn Betts for six, but there was plenty for the Stanmore skipper to celebrate as Justin Langer (46), Nash (33) and Paul Weekes (24) saw Middlesex to victory.

In the club match, Fraser won the toss and put South Hampstead in.

On a flat wicket, Stanmore's attack performed well and their opponents were always struggling after Battrum and Moore shared an opening stand of 32, before falling to Luke O'Reilly (2-48) and Fraser respectively.. They were well supported by Dave Dunn (2-17), Mark Stear (2-35), Luke O'Reilly (2-48) and Julian Makin who deserved better reward for a fine spell of bowling..

Despite a seventh wicket stand of 50 between Malik (48) and Thompson (24) South Hampstead were all out for 158 in the 60th over.

After Niaz Ahmed was trapped lbw, Umesh Valjee (77 not out) and Richard Brooker (62 not out) played some splendid shots in an unbroken second-wicket stand 148 as Stanmore cruised to victory at 159-1, off 38.4 overs.

That was enough to take Stanmore clear of the leading pack in the Middlesex County League, putting them nine points ahead of second-placed sides Brentham and Brondesbury.

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