Yogi Berra was a legendary American baseball catcher, coach and manager. During his career he made some of the most amusing quotes I have read. A quote attributed to him was: ‘It’s tough to make predictions, especially about the future.’
A fortnight ago I wrote a summary of where teams where in the Middlesex County Cricket League and what was likely to happen in the coming weeks. As I sit here now I can relate to the Yogi Berra quote because, whilst a number of my forecasts have taken place, several have not come through.
None of us enjoy being wrong but I am quite happy that a number of my judgements have proved to be inaccurate. The reason for this is that it means, with two rounds of matches remaining, there will be, in a number of Divisions, a far more thrilling conclusion to the MCCL season than I predicted.
Premier Division
With the exception of Twickenham, who have already been relegated, the remaining nine clubs in the Premier Division have something to play for in the final two rounds of the season. A couple of weeks ago I implied that the conclusion of the Division had become a two horse race. How wrong I was – it has now become a four horse race that is set to have a thrilling finish.
The topsy turvy form of Crouch End and Teddington has enabled this to happen. Teddington’s victory over Finchley at the weekend ended a run of two consecutive defeats and Crouch End, having lost their last two games, seem to have hit the buffers. The poor form of these two teams, and the good form of Hornsey and Richmond, now means that four points separate the top four teams.
In the remaining two rounds of matches there are two games that involve these teams playing against each other. Both games involve Richmond, who play Hornsey this Saturday and Crouch End on 5 September. So, if Richmond were to win both games, they are likely to be champions. The safer and more enjoyable prediction is that anything could happen, and it probably will.
At the bottom any one of five clubs could join Twickenham as a relegated side. Ealing currently sit in 9th place, two points behind 8th placed North Middlesex. Stanmore, Finchley and Shepherds Bush are each more than one win ahead of Ealing but they could all still be overtaken if they were to lose their final two matches. A lot could be settled this weekend but Ealing and North Mid are strong clubs that will not go down without a fight. The three teams above these two will not rest easy until the fate of these two is known.
Division 1
That I suggested Harrow would win Division 1 a fortnight ago is not something to be proud of because their lead was that considerable. And congratulations need to be sent to the NW London club who are promoted to the Premier Division for the 1st time in their history as Champions.
What has taken place below is not what I predicted and has become fascinating. Eastcote were in an extremely strong position but, having failed to win any of their last three matches, they have now dropped into 3rd place. The reason for this is the excellent form of North London, who have won four of their last five matches. Hampstead have sneaked up too and, though outsiders, could go up if North London or Eastcote lose another game and they win their final two matches.
At the bottom it has been all change. Acton and Indian Gymkhana have both won their last two matches and moved out of the relegation places. This leaves Barnes and Brondesbury, who have not won any of their last five games, fearing the drop. None of these sides play each other over the next fortnight which means, as mentioned previously, anything could happen.Barnes, however, have to win their final two matches to escape the drop.
Division 2
As in Division 1, suggesting Bessborough would be promoted was hardly a Nostradmus moment. That they will go up as Champions with two weeks to go is something they should be congratulated on. This is the first time the club will have played at such a level.
Brentham were tipped for promotion but the West London club has now lost four of its last five games. This has allowed Ealing Trailfinders, Highgate, Kenton and Winchmore Hill to still keep hopes of going up. Brentham make the short journey down the A40 this Saturday to play Ealing Trailfinders and the winners of this game would be the likeliest team to be promoted.
At the bottom London Tigers are down and it would take a miracle for Southgate to stay up. Southgate are 17 points behind 8th placed West Harrow and anything but two wins will see them drop down to Division 3.
Division 3
Three of the major results in Division 3 have now been decided. Congratulations must be sent to Harrow Town who secured promotion the previous weekend with a win over Friends United. Who will join them is the only other predicament that needs to be decided.
Kay Plus remain in prime position to join them and a win will guarantee a place in Division 2 in 2027. Chiswick are the only team that could overtake them but, along with relying on Kay Plus losing their last two fixtures, they too have to win their final two matches.
At the bottom, as forecast a fortnight ago, Old Merchant Taylors and Old Isleworthians have been relegated.
Division 4
As in Division 3, three of the major results in Division 4 have been decided. Alexandra Park have been promoted, so congratulations are extended to them, and they will go up as Champions if they win one of their two remaining games.
MTSSC can secure promotion and keep up their outside chance of becoming Champions if they beat Alexandra Park on Saturday, but if they were to lose they could face a nervy last weekend of the season. Wembley and London Sportif are the two teams that could overtake them and they play each other this coming weekend. The loser would see their promotion hopes end. The winner, if MTSSC lose, could sneak in at the last.
At the bottom, the relegation of Lanka Lions and United Sports was confirmed weeks ago.
Division 5
The already promoted Ealing Three Bridges missed the chance to become Champions last weekend when they lost to Actonians.
Actonians needed the win, as had they lost they would be in a real battle with London Desperados and Perivale Phoenicians for the 2nd promotion spot. London Desperados play the two teams above them over the final two weeks of the season and two wins would secure them promotion.
Actonians play at South Harrow on Saturday, in a game South Harrow may have to win to avoid relegation. With Ealing Hanwellians needing a miracle to stay up Northwick Park will be hoping they can secure the win they need to remain in Division 5 in their final two games, which are against two mid-table teams with not a lot to play for.
Division 6
United Sporting Club secured the title and promotion on 15 August when they defeated Elite, their nearest rivals. Congratulation go to the Edmonton based club.
Who will go up with them is yet to be decided, with Elite and Swamibapa competing for the solitary spot. Elite are currently three points ahead, which means a win would secure a place in Division 5.
Sadly, Regents Park’s fate was sealed a week ago and they will spend 2027 in Division 7
Division 7
The nature of Division 7 – only six sides compete in the Division – means that the winners will be decided this coming weekend. Kingsmen currently top the league but they are not favourites to be Champions or go up because they have played all their games and are only one point ahead of Tower Hamlets.
So the fate of the Division is with Tower Hamlets, who will be promoted as Champions if they beat GQ United on Saturday.
