Ealing beat Highgate

Following on from a tense victory the previous week, the Ealing boys headed to Highgate for a top of the table clash.

Fairs won the toss and elected to field first, which seemed a sensible decision given the large volume of shrubbery on the pitch.

With good pace to the wicket, and small straight boundaries, accompanied by a rapid outfield, it was essential for both opening bowlers to hit their straps from the off. A tight first over from Henri was followed by one of the worst opening overs many on (and off) the pitch had ever seen. Three gentle full tosses from Fell and the Highgate openers cashed in.

Henri continued his consistency and bowled a tight opening spell, unfortunate not to pick up a scalp or two. Fell managed to find some sort of rhythm and claimed two wickets, one caught in the gully, courtesy of some excellent decision making from Tom’s Good and Shaw.

At 38-2 from the opening 10, it was honours even. However, Ealing’s lack of a fifth genuine bowler proved costly, with Ashok first going for 41 from his first 5, and Fairbairn 22 from 2.

Marshall bowled nicely, unfortunate not to claim a victim, and with Oscar bowling economically, wickets began to tumble. Highgate limped to 221 all out, Fell with 4, Oscar 2, Ashok 2 (showing off his skills at the death), Henri picking up 1 and a superb run out from A. Dewhurst, as much as he tried his best to mess it up.

Facing a much larger chase than the previous week, nerves ran high in the Ealing camp. Good fell early, not aiding the nail biting from the E-men.

A. Dewhurst (28) and Shaw (34) began putting the Highgate bowlers to the sword and Ealing raced to 75-1.

A couple of quick wickets and Highgate were back in the game. Ashok (59*) and Tattersall (40) a natural running partnership) silenced the home side with consistent boundary hitting and good strike rotation.

Strong contributions from Holt (22) and Fairbairn (13*) ensured Ealing reached their target with 10 balls to spare.

A comfortable victory for the now only unbeaten side in the league, the boys carry their momentum into week four.