At a sun-soaked Hornsey CC, the first semi-final saw Crouch End lock horns with their near neighbours and hosts who were asked to bat. Despite reaching 86-1, Crouch End pegged Hornsey back to 159-8 from their 20 overs thanks to a tight bowling and fielding display. Leg-spinner Shaariq Sheikh took 3-26, Kiwi pacer Jack Dry collected 2-29 and first team debutant 14-year-old Morley Southern spun an excellent web under pressure finishing with 4-0-25-0. What could have been a tough chase, was calmly anchored by openers Arthava Prasad who finished on a classy 72 not out and a punchy 62 from Arran Duguid – the pair put on 135 and the visitors cruised to a 9-wicket win.

In the second semi-final, Teddington CC posted an excellent 237-4 against Shepherds Bush CC thanks to a superb 160 from ex Warwickshire batsman Ed Pollock. They finally triumphed by 84 runs with Shepherds Bush finally reaching 153 all out.

With the crowd building throughout the day, the stage was set for a titanic final. Teddington won a crucial toss, electing to bat and to try and looking to stamp their authority on the game however Scottish spinner Adi Hedge had other ideas. Opening the bowling, Hedge took all the early wickets as Teddington CC slumped to 25-3 but then the class of Pollock began to shine as Teddington rebuilt quickly and reached 123-3. Again though, that resilience from Crouch End in the field was on display as they fought back to limit Teddington to an imposing 177-6. An excellent and crucial run-out from Southern and Duguid off the last ball deprived Pollock (96) of a century.

Setting off on their quest for 178 for victory, skipper Prasad and Duguid continued their semi-final form with a flurry of boundaries in a rapid opening partnership of 47 before three quick wickets stopped Crouch End in their tracks at 68-3. It looked an almost impossible challenge when Hedge was dismissed at 82-4 but a crucial 21 from Pratik Patel was vital in a 56-run partnership with Sachin Patel to give Crouch End a chance. Pratik’s dismissal at 138-5 seemed perilous but it coincided with the CREW marching into the ground from the bottom of Tivoli Road to bring the “vibes” and an extra boost of positive energy. Sachin seemed particularly influenced as he then decided to up the ante, instigating a blistering attack by launching several monstrous sixes to all parts of the ground. In fact, one maximum was hit so hard it is still travelling in a galaxy far, far away as you read this. He was on the verge of seeing victory before being run out on a glittering 74 from 45 balls and the total on 177-6 – scores tied but with one delivery left!

The drama was then ramped up further with the umpires pausing the game and checking with the scorers what the situation would be in the event of a tied game. The tiebreaker would be the team with the most runs in the Power Play (opening six overs of the innings) which would be Crouch End thanks to the exploits of Prasad and Duguid. Knowing this, the scene was set for the final ball of the game.

If Crouch End played out a dot ball and the totals remained tied on 177-6, they would win on the Power Play total. If Teddington managed a wicket with the last ball, they would win on losing fewer wickets i.e. 177-6 v 177-7. Southern’s run out of Pollock in the first innings now appeared pivotal in Crouch End’s attempts to fend off the final delivery.

With Teddington fielders crowded round the bat and a hushed crowd watching on transfixed, the final ball was speared just down the leg-side and raced to the boundary - sparking delirious scenes between Crouch End players and spectators who could celebrate a 4-wicket triumph at the end of a brilliant final. The respect between both teams was evident at the end of the game, Teddington showing good grace in defeat and all recognising the umpires who did a very good job on the throughout the day.

So, a fantastic day for the club on many levels and we now go on to represent the Middlesex County Cricket League at the T20 Area Finals on Sunday August 9th at Billericay CC against the champions of Kent, Essex and Surrey.

Crouch End CC - back-to-back T20 Middlesex champions!

Dan Botten, July 21st, 2026