Bessborough and Osterley will face each other level on points in the race for the Middlesex Championship title next Saturday.

Bessborough stretched their unbeaten run in the league campaign to 13 with a winning draw at Crouch End, while Osterley lost at home to S.K.L.P.

Fast bowler Neal Patel gave Bessborough a perfect start by removing Crouch End’s top three batsmen by the ninth over.

Patel’s second five-fer of the season means he is now the first team’s leading wicket taker in the league with 24 at an average of 13.54.

A first league defeat of the season was a distinct possibility but Vivek Patel and current skipper Rohan Karkhanis dug in to close on 195 for eight from 45 overs.

The second eleven’s promotion charge continued apace on Saturday with a resounding six-wicket win at home to Brentham.

Star of the show Urooj Ahmed, who despite having only touched down in the country a few days before, went on to bowl a mammoth 26 overs and then smacked a quick-fire 85 with the bat.

The third eleven put up a brave fight against Middlesex 1987 League Division One leaders Enfield, but ultimately came up short losing by 32 runs.

The fourth eleven beat league leaders Stanmore to reignite their own promotion hopes.

The Sunday side are in contention for securing promotion as they beat league leaders UCS Old Boys by three wickets at home.