Belmont win five on a bounce and Lev hits a ton for the 2nd XI

In response, Crouch End’s openers began comfortably with an 83-run stand as the bowlers toiled in the 30-degree heat. With the seam not bearing fruit, captain Adam Morris turned to his spin options and it unlocked the game.

Zack Gothelf took an impressive 4/59 off eight overs, putting Belmont in the driving seat. Akash Shingadia was also impressive, taking 2/32 in his seven overs, stemming the flow of runs and making useful breakthroughs.

After top-scoring, Reynolds, who usually spearheads the BECC attack, came on much later and it proved to be decisive. The quick bowler was in prime form, taking 4/15 in his six overs, with three maidens.

Uriel Lev, saluting his impressive day at the pavillion. Photo Georgia Rosenberg[Missing Credit]

Crouch End resisted admirably, however, and the game went right down to the wire. Frustrating partnerships got them within 30 runs of the total, much closer than Belmont would have wanted, in similar fashion to the 12-run win the previous week. However, win they did, a fifth successive victory, and now all eyes are set on this coming weekend when they take on London Maccabi Vale’s 2nd XI in Division Two of the North Hertfordshire League.

Meanwhile, on the lower wicket, the 2nd XI, led by David Kay, were impressive in their match against Ivanhoe. Uriel Lev opened the batting with his brother Elisha, who unfortunately was out for a golden duck. The left-hander was then involved in a run-out, but didn’t let either of these mishaps faze him.

In David Gower-esque style, the stylish opener caressed the ball all over the ground, was solid in defence, precise in attack, and added a smattering of power hits.

He reached 50 with a big six, before smashing several more around the ground, especially behind square on the leg side.

Uriel was ably supported by Warren Ladd and Yeshaya Gross as he brought up his first- ever century. Lev, who was also vice-captain for the first time, remained unbeaten on 113, carrying his bat for one of the most aesthetically pleasing hundreds the club has seen, and continuing his rich rein of recent form after his 78 last week.

Chasing exactly 200, Ivanhoe had a relatively slow start, with wickets falling consistently.

Spinner Jack Mendel tied up one end, taking two wickets for just 11 runs in five overs, but in his sixth over, one of the batsmen changed gear.

He hit several huge sixes, and then continued to maul other bowlers, as he took control of the game. Moishi Lopian, Mik Levin and Yeshaya Gross also bowled tidily, but one knock took the game away.

“Despite putting in a solid display with both bat and ball in brutal conditions, they ultimately fell short, losing by five wickets.

BECC captain Adam Morris said: “The heat was always going to be the main player today so it was great to set a really competitive total.

“It was really pleasing to see the runs shared across the team, with Josh accelerating beautifully to get some momentum towards the end.”

“Crouch End clearly had two or three very good batsmen so the key was being patient, taking our chances when they came and then doing what we can to take the remaining wickets.

“Zack, Josh and Akash bowled superbly to get us over the line given their fast start.

“For the second week running it was a bit closer than we’d have liked but that’s five wins on the bounce in what’s been an awesome start to the season.”

“Days like this when both XI’s play at the same ground are always a season highlight, and the boys at the top absolutely loved seeing Uriel Lev raise his bat on the lower pitch to get to his first (hopefully of many) centuries.

“The day puts us in a really good place for the derby against London Maccabi Vale’s 2nd XI in the league next week!”