CENTURION Joe Cracknell put in a masterclass with the bat on Saturday to help guide North Middlesex to the top of the table in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

Showing tremendous patience and shot selection, Cracknell carefully crafted an unbeaten 102 off 127 balls at Hornsey’s Tivoli Road ground. His irrepressible innings included eight fours and a six, and forged what proved to be a match-winning fourth-wicket partnership alongside Will Vanderspar, who batted well for 47.

Their combined efforts, built on a resilient knock of 34 from opener Will Frais, saw North Midd reach 231-9 off 60 overs before declaring.

Vanderspar then got to work helping his side protect their advantage as he quickly removed openers Richard Tucker, for four runs, and Josh Haynes, for 11. He also bowled Dom Smith for just two runs on his way to earning impressive figures of 3-38 off 12 overs.

Teammate Joel Hughes (4-39) was equally as devastating with the ball in hand as he collected four wickets at the expense of 39 runs. The constant pressure proved too much for Hornsey, who were dismissed in the 45th over for 175 – earning the visitors a table-topping 56-run victory.

North Midd’s next challenge is building on the two-point lead they now hold over their title rivals. This Saturday they host third-placed Ealing, while second-placed Crouch End face a tough trip to Shepherd’s Bush.

Meanwhile in Division One, the performance of the day undoubtedly belonged to Hampstead’s Rafay Ahmed, who thwacked 157 off 129 balls in a mighty knock that included no fewer than 17 fours and six sixes. With teammate Joe Kendall also chipping in with 92 off 110 balls, Hampstead soon amassed what was always going to be an unassailable 340-4 from 50 overs before declaring.

Opponents North London got nowhere near that target, largely thanks to the bowling efforts of Damien Burrage (4-35) and Sam Fraser (3-33) who tore through North London’s batting order. With Muhammad Ahmed (2-46) also picking up a couple of wickets, Orban Holdgate’s side were bowled out for 160, earning Hampstead a 180-run victory.

The win leaves Hampstead 24 points clear at the top after just eight games, and seemingly heading back to the Premier Division at the first time of asking. They will be looking to continue their march back to the top-flight this weekend when they welcome Harrow St Mary’s to Lymington Road in West Hampstead.

A win would prove even more crucial with second-placed Southgate travelling to third-placed Harrow Town, meaning that at least one of Hampstead’s immediate title rivals are going to be dropping points.