Middlesex Seniors enjoyed an outstanding season, with every side qualifying for their respective cup competitions. The standout achievement came from the Over 60s 2nd XI, who lifted the Cup after a memorable final victory over old rivals Surrey.
Having finished 13th nationally at the end of the league season, the Over 60s 2nd XI progressed to the last 16 of the main Cup competition. Drawn away to fourth seeds Worcestershire, Middlesex held their nerve in a tight contest to win by 15 runs. They followed that with an impressive quarter-final performance at home to Kent, cruising to an eight-wicket victory.
The semi-final brought an away trip to top seeds Essex, who posted 231 from their 45 overs. Middlesex responded superbly, with excellent contributions from the top order guiding the side to a five-wicket win with just three balls to spare. That set up a final against Surrey at the excellent Valley End CC, where Surrey made a brisk start before Middlesex’s slower bowlers struck regularly to bowl them out for 183.
In reply, Middlesex lost an early wicket before Allen and Pettet steadied the innings, taking the score to 89 before the second wicket fell. Surrey fought back to leave the match finely poised at 141 for six, but sensible batting from skipper Jeff Davis and Willis saw Middlesex home by four wickets. Congratulations to Jeff Davis and the whole squad on a superb cup-winning campaign.
There was further success for the Over 60s 1st XI, led by Michael Jadunath, who also reached their final following an excellent campaign. On the day, they came up against a strong Yorkshire side at Oakamoor, near Stoke-on-Trent, who completed an unbeaten season and proved too strong in the final.
Seniors cricket in Middlesex continues to go from strength to strength. The county now fields three Over 50s sides, three Over 60s sides, and two Over 70s sides, one of them in partnership with Buckinghamshire. Competition for places remains strong, but players and officials still involved in regular cricket who feel they can contribute to future success are encouraged to get in touch.
