The team has relied on its top 3 to bat teams off the park this season. But tonight all three were gone inside the first 21 balls. It was the middle order of Yosef, Abiram, Sulaiman and Ibtisam that steadied the ship with patient batting for 14 overs. They laid the platform for Muneef (26) and Hammad to plunder some late runs, as the Old Ruts boys struggled with their lines on a tricky pitch. In the end 116 was a decent total - with 75 coming from the last 8 overs.

In reply Charlie and Emile built a handy second wicket partnership to put the visitors on top at 39-1 after 5 overs. But wickets fell at regular intervals, as the top 3 redeemed themselves with the ball. Shamali conceded just 8 in his two overs, and supported his teammates well. Zubair took 2 for 19, and a catch and a run out. Maywon captained the team brilliantly, rotating his bowlers sensibly, took a wicket and conceded just 6 runs in 3 overs. Janardhan's had his best spell of the season to restrict Old Ruts. In the end it fell to one of the under 12s making his debut – Amaan K – to bowl the final over. And with the game in the balance he held his nerve to bowl a couple of crucial dot balls to see Mitcham home by 11 runs.

The visitors will return to Merton Park cursing wides and no-balls which outscored any home batsman.

Mitcham’s fielding was a massive improvement on recent weeks, and although they may have been slightly fortunate to win a game that could have gone either way, they will take great confidence knowing that 3rd place – at least – is now secured.

MCC u12 – 115-5 (20)
Sinjungrammarians u12 - 110 all out

The under 12s had a morale boosting victory at Sinjungrammarians in a mid-season friendly. Batting first Mitcham’s 115-5 looked like a competitive total. Muhammad again max-ing out – another 31* in an impressive season. In reply the Browncaps bowled and fielded excellently. Daif, on debut, a standout performer. As the home side closed in on the total it took some brilliant work in the field – Michael’s direct run out being a highlight - to see the boys home by just 5 runs.

The u12s return to league action at Alleyn next Friday.

Spencer u16 – 179-5 (20)
MCC u16 – 88 all out (19)

The under 16 finally got a game of cricket this season as they welcomed Spencer to CR4. But the boys’ lack of match practice showed as they were heavily beaten by an impressive Spencer side.

Bowling first, wickets fell at regular intervals as Spencer took their score to a reasonable 61-4 off the first 10 overs. But first Nick (25) and then the powerful Fraser (65*) and Joseph (22*) – in an unbeaten 81 stand for the sixth wicket – built a huge score with 12 boundaries coming in the last 33 balls.

Amaan A was the pick of the Mitcham bowlers as he took 2 for 18 and took a catch off a skied shot. It was off his bowling that Mitcham conceded 8 runs. Spencer ran 2 byes off a no-ball, but as the ball was heading towards the boundary, a Mitcham fielder – who shall remain nameless – fancied his cap might slow the passing ball. The umpire signalled 5 penalty runs and the fielder was called in for a chat with the Chairman.

At the half way stage Mitcham’s reply was looking healthy at 67-2. But once the impressive Azeem (33) was out in the 11th over Mitcham crumbled, losing 8 wickets for just 17 runs. Jaffa (3-9) looked unplayable, Aftab (3-19) and Will (2-14) were also impressive.

After two walkovers so far, Mitcham stay top but are now level with Spencer and Old Ruts.