Mill Hill Village 153 Mill Hill 134

Fullers Brewery

Middlesex Championship First Division

Bottom-of-the-table Mill Hill Village scored a magnificent shock victory over Mill Hill on Saturday, foiling the bid by their hot rivals to take over at the top.

When the news came in that leaders Harrow Town's home game with Highgate had been abandoned, Mill Hill were in a strong position against Village.

But they reckoned without the battling qualities of the visitors, who fought back for a well-earned narrow victory. It was Village's first league success of the season and took them above Indian Gymkhana and Twickenham.

"I feel proud of the lads," said Village captain Richard Downes. "They showed what can be achieved if you are prepared to battle right to the end."

Village were struggling at 47-3 before Liam Owen (39) and Felix Charles (29) doubled the total. Owen then fell to a brilliant catch by Ghadiali.

Downes joined Charles in adding 30 but the last six wickets crashed for 29 runs as Village were all out for 153 (A Mohammed 3-8).

Michael Jadunath (29) and Omar Khan (23) shared a third-wicket stand of 47, and at 78-3, Mill Hill seemed set for victory.

Lee Cara and Raj Thakerer (3-14) kept plugging away, encouraged by excellent catches from Jon Rycroft (two) and Andy Brazil and it was Village who were celebrating after dismissing Mill Hill for 134.

The two clubs met again the next day in the Middlesex Ibex Cup at Burton Hole Lane and Mill Hill gained handsome revenge. After rattling up 295, they dismissed the Village for 147 (Andy Fish 33, Lee Cara 27).