CENTURIONS Jacob Miltz and Will Vanderspar forged a match-winning partnership on Saturday as North Middlesex sealed a 48-run victory over Finchley to extend their lead in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League.

It looked like it was going to be a tough old slog for the table-toppers after David Burton removed openers Alex MacQueen and Will Frais for just 12 and 19 runs respectively.

But skipper Miltz and Vanderspar arrived at the crease to steady the ship in spectacular style as they put on 212 in a devastating third-wicket partnership. Miltz hit 101 not out off 136 balls in a calculated knock that included 16 fours and a six, while Vanderspar smashed 15 fours and a six on his way to scoring 104 off 110 balls.

Their combined efforts saw North Midd post 256-3 off 55 overs before declaring. But there was still plenty of hard work ahead for the home side at their Park Road ground once they had switched to the field.

Finchley are in a relegation fight and were in no mood to lie down and surrender. Opener Tim Le Breton had to be patient for his 60 off 148 balls before he was eventually bowled by Joel Hughes. Rohail Imman also frustrated North Midd as he came in at number seven and duly set about thwacking six fours and four sixes on his way to 64 before being caught by Richard Tunnicliffe off MacQueen’s bowling.

Having already delivered with the bat, Vanderspar proved just as ruthless with the ball as he dismantled Finchley’s top order, taking three wickets at the expense of 43 runs. MacQueen (3-49) also ended the afternoon boasting impressive figures as the visitors were bowled out in the 58th over for 208.

It was enough to earn North Midd a maximum 12 points, leaving them 10 points clear at the top of the table ahead of what promises to be a tough trip to Richmond this weekend.

Meanwhile, in Division One, Hampstead returned from their trip to Twickenham with five points after securing a winning draw courtesy of their faster run rate.

Joe Kendall once again led by example as he put in an eye-catching innings that saw the Hampstead captain hit 104 off 97 balls in a mighty knock that included 14 fours and a six. With Rafay Ahmed and Robin Evans also both batting well for 39 and 36 runs respectively, the visitors soon found themselves in a strong position as they wrapped up their 55-over stint at the crease on
251-8.

Damien Burrage did his best to make it a match-winning total as he picked up four wickets for 19 runs. But in the end Hampstead missed out on victory by just one wicket as Twickenham hung on to see out play, ending the afternoon on 167-9.

The result leaves Hampstead a healthy 23 points clear at the top; an advantage they will be hoping to add to this weekend when they host Harrow Town at Lymington Road.