Middlesex County Cricket League (MCCL)

We're halfway through the 2025 season. Hornsey's Week 9 defeat of Shay Boo means the title race is now very much alive. At the other end of the table, Harrow St Mary's shock a struggling Ealing, whilst Twickenham lose their 100 per cent record at the top of Division One. Elsewhere, Eastcote are streaking ahead in Div 2, promotion race is much tighter in Div 3. For all on the above and indeed much more, do have a listen.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teddington and Ealing have traditionally been sides that have vied to win the Middlesex County League title. Not this year. Could one of them even get relegated? Sal and Dan think the unthinkable. Plus, North London win the big game at the bottom of Div 1, and Kay Plus (finally) come a cropper (to Chiswick) in Div 3. How much longer will the four other first XIs with 100 per cent records go? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The two Premier League heavyweights, Shay Boo and North Middlesex, met at the weekend. And Shepherd's Bush very much came out on top. Elsewhere, Twickenham remain unbeaten in Div 1 but it's at the bottom where the really interesting game is taking place this weekend. Plus, the story behind the first tie in timed cricket this season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

North Midd and Shay Boo are starting to look like they are in a battle of their own at the top of the Prem. Ealing, meanwhile, are struggling in (pretty much) unchartered territory at the bottom. Sal and Dan take their regular look through all the 1st XI divisions plus they take super, super, super overs (!) and do the draw for the Middlesex T20 semi-finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rain ruined Week 5 of the MCCL, but that's not going to stop Sal and Dan reconvening. Issues to be discussed include fallout from that game between North London IIIs and Richmond IVs, a review of the season so far, plus a quick rundown on Middlesex Cup and Middlesex T20 action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There were plenty of tight finishes around the MCCL in Week 3. Brondesbury and Twickenham delivered a classic of the genre in Div 1, as did Wembley and South Hampstead in Div 3. But, there was also.......the North London IIIs v Richmond IVs game. Welcome to the week the MCCL went viral.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Some things went to plan in Week 2 of the 2025 MCCL season, others very much didn't. Enfield's victory over Harrow in Div 2 certainly caught the eye, whilst Wycombe House gave Bron one almighty great fright in Div 1. Plus, they heard the one about a side scoring 327 (including two centuries) and still losing? If not, do listen in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May is traditionally supposed to be a bowler's month. Not the case in Week 1 of the MCCL. Runs galore were the order of the day, as batters up and down the county filled their boots. Sal and Dan talk through the first double-century of the campaign, plus a 198 on top of that. In terms of results, Ealing and Teddington both go down to defeat, whilst Brondesbury win by over 300 runs. Plus, plenty more from all corners of the MCCL.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winter is behind us and summer is (almost) here. The start of the 2025 MCCL season is on the horizon.  Sal and Dan come together to (try and) predict who is going to do what. Contact Sal (salman_uya@hotmail.com) or Dan (d.t.hough@sussex.ac.uk) with your feedback; all comments welcome. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shepherd's Bush came second in 2024, will they be able to go one step further in 2025? Skipper Ali Easton joins Sal and Dan to chew the fat. Plus, the sad demise of Osterley and then a final round of 10 questions of the winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sal enjoys a well-earned night off, so Dan takes the lead in talking to one of England's greatest-ever captains; Mike Brierley. The pair take a meander through Middlesex's glory years in the 1980s, Mike's life after cricket and, of course, that famous summer of 1981. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It might be the bleak mid-winter, but Sal and Dan are in a forward-looking mood. The guys take a look a first look at the 2025 MCCL fixtures, and they conduct the draw for the 2025 Middlesex Cup. Plus, the Middlesex T20 groups are announced. It's all go, go, go..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Indian Gymkhana had an excellent 2024. All of their sides were competitive and the 1st XI managed to win Division Two by 11 clear points. Sal and Dan ask Kabir to talk us through his return to Indian Gym in 2023 and his job as the club's head coach. Sal and Kabir also compare notes when it comes to their Division Two team of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ealing kept their powder dry until it really mattered in the 2024 title race, coming through on the final day to claim the league crown. Kristian Martin, Ealing's skipper, joins Sal and Dan to talk through the season. Sal and Kristian also name their respective teams of the season. No easy task there...... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There was drama everywhere on the final day of the 2024 season. Shepherd's Bush impressively beat Crouch End, but Ealing swept past North Midd to claim the title. In Div 1 Harrow Town and Southgate conjured up a thrilling finish that ultimately saw the former promoted and the latter relegated. Osterley secured second place in Div 2 , Brentham (somehow) overhauled Chiswick to snatch the second promotion slot in Div 3. Elsewhere United Sports will be going up from Division 6.....but that didn't stop the Stallions going well and truly run-crazy against them in Week 18. For the full lowdown on all of the above, do listen in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Crouch End, Ealing or Shepherd's Bush will win the 2024 MCCL Premier Division. Sal and Dan work through the various connotations, and that includes a three way tie at the top. Could be a real knickergripping end to the season. Elsewhere, Harrow Town now in the box seat to join Hampstead in the Prem in 2025, Barnes still fighting for their lives at the bottom. Plus, all the ins and outs from elsewhere whilst Dan also comes off his long run about ticket prices at Lord's..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rain ruined Week 16 so Sal and Dan look ahead to what a - hopefully much drier - Week 17 might have in store. There's also news of a league legend retiring whilst Dan has to negotiate a Bank Holiday street party..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's becoming ever easier to see who is going up and down, and in three cases - Hampstead (Div 1), London Tigers (Div 3) and Harlington Meadows (Div 7) - we know who will be champions. Elsewhere, there remains lots to play for. Richmond's Chris Goldie steps in for Sal to talk through the options with Dan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Little separates Shepherd's Bush, Crouch End and North Middlesex at the top of the Prem, poor old Finchley and Bron look ever more doomed. London Tigers have already sealed the promotion deal in Div 3, Hampstead almost there in Div 1. Plus, some entertaining relegation six-pointers for Sal and Dan to report back on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rarely has the MCCL been as topsy-turvy as it is in 2024. North Midd stay top despite being trounced by Richmond, Crouch End chase 319 at Ealing. Elsewhere, London Tigers lose in Div 3 but still remain 26 points clear, whilst the top three (!) in Div 6 are all - already - north of 100 points. Plus, keep an eye on the bottom of Div 3; four teams look like they are in a fight to the death there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hornsey bowlers bat the Tivoli Roaders to victory against Crouch End, Stanmore win big against Bron. Indian Gym get the better of Osterley in the big game in Div 2, London Tigers looking ever stronger in Div 3. Plus, the Bush go for glory in the national T20 and Richmond search for a national title in the U13s Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The top five in the Prem played the bottom five. And none of the top five won! Cricket, forever the great unpredictable. Harrow St Mary's move into second in a topsy-turvy Div 1, Osterley, Indian Gym and Highgate split by a hair's breadth in Div 2. Plus, United Sports are bowled out for 51.....and yet win at an absolute canter. Cricket, strange old game! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A low-scoring week across the MCCL saw plenty of peculiar results. The top three in Div 4, for example, all lost....and barely managed to score 250 runs between them. In the Prem, North Midd return to the top after beating Crouch End, but Teddington suffer a shocker against Hornsey. Elsewhere, keep an ear out for the biggest cricket tournament this century, incoming on Sunday..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have new leaders in the Prem as North Middlesex take over the reins. Elsewhere there were a plethora of low-scoring, high-drama affairs; Southgate bounce up to second in Div 1, Harrow suffer their first defeat of the season in Div 2. London Tigers continue their fine form in Div 3, Bessborough and NL Muslims surge away in Divs 4 and 5. It's as tight as ever in Div 6, though. Do tune in to find out more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shay Book take over at the top of the Prem as the division slips towards two mini-leagues. Hampstead gain some breathing space in Div 1, Harrow win the shoot out at the top of Div 2. London Tigers have another excellent day at the top of Div 3. Plus, Wembley's Junayd Azar comes to the party big style against Eastcote. As the Luniz song goes, 'he got five on it'..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cricket just wasn't meant to be played on rainy weekends. A fair few games in the MCCL in Week 6 never got started, some that did were ruined by showery weather. But, a surprising number of matches did see winners emerge. Crouch End were the big winners in the Prem, but it's North London Muslims (Div 5) who are now the only side with a perfect six from six winning record. Plus, the odd story of planes above stopping play at Barnes..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stand up Enfield (Div 2), London Tigers (Div 3) and North London Muslims (Div 5). Five weeks in and they are the only three 1st XI sides with 100 per cent records. Elsewhere, Harrow Town and Kenton (Div 1) are involved in the mother of all shoot outs, and Osterley win a thriller against Highgate in Div 2. Sal and Dan, as ever, provide the full lowdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It was a weekend of thrills and spills in the MCCL. Low-scoring knickergrippers, dramatic high octane run chases; there really was something for everyone in Week 4 of the MCCL. Enfield, and he who shall not be named, continue to impress in Div 2 whilst London Tigers cruise 18 points clear in Div 3. The London Desperadoes are also flying in Div 6. Do have a listen for the full lowdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If you're a test cricketer, you're going to be a decent player. Devon Smith illustrated that nicely this week as Harrow eased up the Div 2 table. Highgate also looked to their go-to men to keep moving forward. Elsewhere, Shay Boo and Crouch End still unbeaten in the Prem, Hampstead lose their 100 per cent record in Div 1. Willow Leather win an extraordinary contest lower down, whilst Twickenham find themselves flying the flag for the MCCL in the first European Cricket Network event to be held in the UK. Do have a listen to discover more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're only two weeks in but already league tables are taking shape. In the Prem Ealing and Shay Boo will be happy, as will Hampstead in Div 1. Elsewhere, a test player scores a tonne in a close one in Div 2, plus a Meadower of Harlington comes within touching distance of a double-hundred in Div 7. Sal and Dan give you all you need to know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Normally it pours down on the first day of the cricket season. Not this year. Teddington, Finchley, Stanmore, Shay Boo and Ealing start with wins in the Prem, Hampstead and Twickenham go big in DIv 1. Ealing Trailfinders start impressively in Div 2, London Tigers win a thriller in Div 3. MTSSC squeeze home in Div 4, Perivale Pheonicians send out a statement in Div 5. Div 6, meanwhile, became the land of close encounters. Sal and Dan do their best to cover the lot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The 2024 MCCL season is now upon us. And that can mean only one thing; Sal and Dan make the big calls and tell everyone who's going to win what this season. Will Richmond spring a surprise in the Prem? How will Hampstead cope in Div 1? Who are the ones to watch lower down? Plus, more on Dan's new coaching role..... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Middlesex CCC's head coach, Richard Johnson, joins Sal and Dan to talk shop. The guys talk about Richard's own playing career with Middlesex, Somerset and England as well as the challenges of coaching a side in a world of what at times feels like 24/7 cricket. Middlesex's focus on youth and how and when to unpick a bowling action get plenty of coverage, plus Richard's put through a re-vamped ten questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Coleman, Middlesex's Director of Cricket, is Sal and Dan's guest on the latest episode of the Middlesex's County Cricket League (MCCL) podcast. Coleman is now very much focused on life in the first-class game, but he's got a long history of playing in and working with the MCCL. The guys subsequently manage to cover plenty of ground, ranging from dealing with agents to DoC WhatsApp groups. Do have a listen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do you get the best out of people? James Fleming, head of athletic performance at Middlesex and long-time Hornsey CC player, joins Sal and Dan to talk about how he tries to get Middlesex players in the right place to score runs and take wickets. Plus, why eggs for breakfast is the way to go and when's the best time to take your leave from your own stag doo.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The days are getting longer and winter nets are slowly kicking into gear. Sal and Dan try their best to make the season feel just a little bit closer by conducting both the Middlesex Cup and Middlesex Trophy draws. There's also AGM fallout and a quick look at first-day fixtures in the 2024 campaign. As ever, all feedback is more than welcome via our social media channels Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jim Gatting is a larger-than-life character and he proves excellent value on the latest edition of the MCCL podcast. There's plenty of chat on the highs and lows that Jim's experienced in his career, plus a fair bit more besides. Do tune in to get the full lowdown.

All clubs have good years, bad years and muddling years. Harpal Sagoo, with over 25 years' playing experience for Eastcote, has seen it all ... and more. The guys also talk through Eastcote's dramatic last day win against Highgate, and the famous 10 questions are back. Do tune in to find out more.

Stanmore came through impressively in Weeks 17 and 18 to win the MCCL title. Sal and Dan talk to skipper Grant Reingold about their campaign and particularly how they managed to keep their powder dry in a last day thriller against North Midd. Plus, news on two Middlesex cup finals.

Stanmore and North Midd went toe-to-toe for the title in Week 18 with the hosts ultimately coming out on top. Brondesbury end up silver medalists, Hampstead join Twickenham in heading to Div 1 for 2024. Richmond beat North London to secure a quick return to the top flight alongside Hornsey while Winchmore Hill fail to beat Acton and so drop back to Div 2. Elsewhere, Wycombe House go big and clinch the second slot in Div 2, Ealing Trailfinders pip Actonians in Div 3 and the Stallions fall at the final hurdle in Div 6. Tune in for the full lowdown.

Rain (and thunder and lightning) did their best to ruin Week 17, but plenty of cricket was still played. Twickenham blew the title race apart by beating North Midd, Stanmore beat Ealing. Cue a title decider when The Midd travel to Stanmore in Week 18. Elsewhere, Hornsey are champions in Div 1, Kenton gain promotion - in what sounds like entertaining fashion - in Div 2. Plus, the weird and wonderful case of a side declaring (when you can't) and an internal ruck meaning that Ealing Hanwellians don't even take to the field....

Ups and downs galore across the MCCL. North Midd edge away but still a gaggle of teams in contention. Hornsey are up and in the Prem in 2024 whilst top beats bottom in Div 3. Stallions, meanwhile, win a thriller in Division 6. It really is all to play for moving into week 17.

Teddington are aiming to be the first Middlesex side to win the National since they themselves lifted the trophy in 1991. Chris Wakefield joins Dan to talk about their run in the competition so far and to preview their semi-final against Bexley. Beyond that, the Prem remains as wide open as ever, Hornsey looking good in Div 1 and Kenton (just about) keep their title challenge moving forward in Div 2. Big games keep coming elsewhere, too, do have a listen to find out more.

With rain (again) decimating everything in Week 14 of the MCCL, Sal and Dan think forward to who's going where come September. One 1st XI is already promoted, three more could be at the weekend. Three sides across the eight divisions of 1st XI cricket are already relegated, three more could join them on Saturday. And what of the other runners and riders?  There's also been cup action in the Middlesex Trophy and indeed the national stages of the Vitality Club T20. The guys talk you through what you need to know.

The destiny of the premier league title remains far from certain, but North Midd and Bron both gained valuable ground with wins in Week 13. Poor old Osterley (Div 1) and Tower Hamlets (Div 3) are now mathematically relegated, with United Sports (Div 5) all but certain to suffer a similar fate. Elsewhere, North London hit the top of Div 1, Old Isleworthians stretch away in Div 3 and the previously imperious Friends United have their wings clipped in Division 4.

Brondesbury continue their title charge, but the big guns are very much in and around them at the top of the Prem. North London edge closer to Hornsey and Richmond in Div 1, whilst Harrow beat Indian Gym in the game of the day in Div 2. Old Isleworthians plough on at the top of Div 3, Friends United (Div 4) and Pinner Challengers (Div 5) almost out of sight. Elsewhere, Twickenham triumph in a topsy-turvy T20 finals' day at Ealing.

Just the one win in the top flight, and struggling Twickenham are the side that get it. Hornsey and Richmond both stumble in Div 1, whilst Kenton and Indian Gym play out a tight one in Div 2. Poor old Brentham gain an unwanted record, whilst Old Isleworthians hit the top in Div 3. Friends United (Div 4) and Pinner Challengers (Div 5) vanish into the distance, whilst there are a whole host of impressive 'dig ins of the day' around the league.

The merry-go-round at the top of the MCCL's premier division continues. North Middlesex are the new leaders, but plenty of other sides remain in touching distance. Hornsey now just the one point behind Richmond in Div 1, Kenton slip up in Div 2. SKLP re-gain the lead in Div 3 in what was an oddly low scoring set of games there. Friends United now miles clear in Div 4 as are Pinner Challengers in Div 5. Plus, plenty on the fallout from the second Ashes Test and, erm, cat warfare in Dan's house....

High scores, low scores, crazy scores; normal service in the MCCL. Richmond and Hornsey come croppers in Div 1, Kenton extend their lead in Div 2. Chiswick back on top in Div 3, Friends United doing well in Div 4. Plus, Northwick Park and Youth Wing serve up plenty of drama in Div 5.

The Prem remains as topsy-turvy as ever. Stanmore and Ealing win well, Teddington blast back into contention, North Midd return to winning ways. Richmond and Hornsey looking good in Div 1, Kenton stretch their lead in Div. Plus, Swamibapa v Northwick Park; magnificent madness on steroids

The topsy-turvy Premier League season continues as everyone continues to look like they can beat everyone else. Div 1 throws up one cracking finish plus another, erm, very bizarre one. Kenton continue to lead Div 2, plus Parminder Singh tweaks and twirls to good effect for Indian Gym. Lower down North London Muslims (Div 5) and the Stallions (Div 6) go batting bonkers. So, all the fun of the fare across the MCCL