Middlesex Cricket’s biggest and best Sunday league, the Middlesex Premier Cricket League, reaches its conclusion this coming Sunday (6 September) with many clubs and teams still having plenty to play for.
The Constitution of the league allows each team to win 30 points in a game, a rule which makes large looking gaps smaller than they appear. Teams that win games get 20 points along with a potential five batting and five bowling points. The losing team could also score 10 points if it bowls the opposition out and posts a score of more than 200. This makes predicting what may happen prior to the matches pretty hazardous.
So, how are the leagues looking going into the final round of matches?
Premier Division
Peshwa enter the final weekend of the season in a strong position 12 points ahead of their only challengers West Harrow. Peshwa’s final match of the season is against the bottom of the table and already relegated United Sports. If they defeat United Sports, which they would be expected to do, they are champions.
This points gap means that West Harrow have to beat Sri Lankan Cavaliers even if Peshwa lost to United Sports. West Harrow would be expected to beat Sri Lankan Cavaliers, who have also been relegated.
If, somehow, bonus points mean that both teams end up tied on the same number of points I would think – I don’t know for sure – that Peshwa, who have a far superior net run rate, would be crowned as champions.
Looking at the above, it is hard to see anything but Peshwa being crowed as Champions.
Division 1
Having already secured promotion and the title Gangeshwar can enjoy their last Sunday of cricket in 2026. The second promotion place, however, should be a very competitive affair with three points separating Friends United and West End.
Looking at the final round of matches Friends Utd have the tougher challenge as they play Gangeshwar. They will be hoping their opponents have switched off for the season. West End travel to South Harrow, who, if they had a complete shocker, could be dragged into a relegation scrap.
With there being only three points between the teams, and there being 5 batting and 5 bowling points up for grabs there are many permutations, which I will not go through. However were Friends Utd to be involved in a low scoring game against Gangeshwar West End could sneak in with a high scoring victory against South Harrow.
Whatever happens members and players of both clubs will be watching their opponents match as much as their own.
At the bottom Ealing Three Bridges are already doomed but four teams – Anson, Harrow Indians, Harrow Willow and South Harrow - will be hoping to avoid the remaining relegation place. Anson currently occupy the 2nd relegation spot and are 10 points behind the 8th placed side Harrow Indians. With the awarding of bonus points starting at a score of 40 runs or by taking two wickets it means that Anson basically have to win at Harrow Willow.
Harrow Willow sit 20 points ahead of Anson, which means they could lose and, depending how the bonus points work out, stay ahead of their opponents. If Anson win it is Harrow Indians that could be in trouble. Harrow Indians are 10 points ahead of Anson and a victory over the already relegated Ealing Three Bridges would secure their position in Division 1.
South Harrow are 25 points ahead of Anson and would need to be bowled out cheaply and not take many wickets to be dragged into the remaining relegation place.
If, somehow, teams end up on the same points South Harrow and Harrow Willow would be okay as they would have more wins than Anson. Harrow Indians and Anson could end up on the same amount of points with the same number of wins, and if that were to happen I reckon (don’t know for sure) that Harrow Indians run rate would be better.
All it leaves me to say is good luck to all those involved. We know the day will not be enjoyable for some butwe hope you nonetheless enjoy it.
Angus
