MAX Harris put on a bowling masterclass as North Middlesex made light work of their home match against Teddington in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

The fast bowler picked up four wickets at the expense of just 36 runs from a 14-over spell that included two maidens on Saturday. With teammates Harry Meehan (2-36) and Luke Hollman (2-41) also both bowling well, Teddington only managed 148 runs before being dismissed in the 54th over.

North Midd’s reply wasn’t all plain sailing, with the usually big-hitting Divyanshu Bhartiya departing with just one run to his name after being trapped lbw by Christopher Searle. Bhartiya’s replacement at the crease, Jacob Miltz, didn’t fare any better as he went for a duck.

Joe Cracknell got the momentum moving back in North Midd’s favour, however, as he smashed 77 runs off 84 balls in a knock that included nine fours and three sixes. With Hollman providing the perfect support – scoring 37 not out – North Midd wasted little time in reaching their winning total of 149-3 to seal a seven-wicket victory.

The result leaves North Midd one point clear at the top of the table ahead of what promises to be a tough away day against Hampstead this weekend.

Hampstead will go into the match at Lymington Road confident that they can pile on the runs, especially after being involved in what was arguably the game of the day.

After being sent in to bat first by hosts Ealing, Steve McGiffin hit an unbeaten 139 off 160 balls. McGiffin’s efforts, along with Callum Jackson’s rapid knock of 62, saw Hampstead post 289-8 from their allotted 66 overs.

Incredibly, it only proved enough to earn them two points for the draw as Ealing, inspired by Nic Taylor’s innings of 104 and Lachlan Shaw’s well-crafted 58, ended play on 270-8 off 54 overs.

The draw leaves Hampstead third from bottom with five games remaining.