THE hold the weather has over the Middlesex County Cricket League was plain to see on Saturday.

Premier Division leaders North Middlesex had hoped to extend their advantage – but those hopes were dashed after downpours resulted in their home match against Ealing being cancelled.

The rain washed out all bar one of the top-flight fixtures. The only match that did survive saw Crouch End record a resounding nine-wicket win at Shepherd’s Bush.

Pratik Patel made light work of the home side’s batting order, taking six wickets for 49 runs as Shepherd’s Bush were bowled out for 137.

In reply Crouch End raced to 115 before the loss of their only wicket, Dhaval Narotam hitting a rapid 73 off 59 balls before departing. Atharva Prasad also batted well for an unbeaten 44 as the visitors eased to a comfortable win – one that could be telling come the end of the season as it saw Crouch End leapfrog North Midd at the top of the table.