Champions North Middlesex: Josh Alibhai (captain), Connor Nurse, Zulfikar Bipul, Charlie Yorke-Starkey, Robert Chadwick, Josh Chatland, Ben Varma, Jamie Davis, William Armstrong-Fox, Joe Bridgland and Nicholas Friend

Classy colts reach finals

A TOP team of young cricketers booked their place in the National Finals on Friday after being crowned Middlesex County Cup champions.
North Middlesex are gearing up to represent their county in the South of England Championships after a narrow eight run victory against Sheen Park in a thrilling 20-over contest held at Southgate Cricket Club.
Rivals Sheen Park won the toss and put North Middlesex into bat first despite the fact that they only had nine players and a substitute available at the start of the match.
North Middlesex made a bright start as they climbed to 36 runs without loss, but in a disastrous six-over spell the under-13s Colts side crashed to 51-7 as the match threatened to slip out of their hands.
The last three batsmen adopted a resolute approach, with William Armstrong-Fox batting with sense and assurance to help North Middlesex reach a score of 89 runs before the fall of their final wicket. 
North Middlesex had to be at their best in the field if they were to protect such a slender lead. A tight opening spell from Robert Chadwick and Jamie Davis saw Sheen Park restricted to 10-3 off seven overs.
But a resiliant Sheen side turned the match back in their favour as they moved to within 21 runs of victory.
North Middlesex star bowler Zulfikar Bipul came into the action to take three wickets for just 11 runs in a single over.
Nicholas Friend was also in devastating form as he claimed three wickets for 18 runs, restricting their opponents to just 81 runs in reply.
North Middlesex will now take part in the National Finals on Tuesday July 24.