London Maccabi Vale 1st maintained their grip at the top of the Middlesex Sunday League first division with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Birkbeck College in Bushey.

Fast bowler Ryan Kangisser was the hero of the day as he put in a devastating spell, including two wickets in two balls in the first over of the day. Both victims were bowled via swinging deliveries, and were seen leaving the field with looks of confusion on their faces.

Virtually unplayable throughout his eight-over spell, Kangisser picked up another wicket, also bowled, and was ably supported by Andrew Daniels, who also picked up three wickets.

The introduction of Neil Lederman and Adam Brand saw the Birkbeck innings brought to a swift conclusion for 51 as Lederman picked up three wickets in two overs, leaving Brand to wrap things up.

LMV’s reply was fairly uneventful with Daniel Cole looking in good form until playing an uncharacteristic shot to get out. Alex Haffner and Richard Black saw Vale home to a well deserved early finish.

MAL remain top of the Barratts Sunday League following a 37-run victory over Belmont & Edgware 2nd for whom Jeremy Freeman claimed his 500th wicket in his 23rd season with the club.

A captain’s XI beat the President’s XI by two wickets in a match to celebrate Downsiders’ 25th anniversary.

In a clash featuring some of the South London club’s players past and present, Jon Benjamin (46)  top-scored as the President’s XI posted 193-8 from 35 overs. An unbeaten 47 from Mickey Tilles helped the Captain’s XI home with 2.5 overs to spare with Downsiders president Robert Silverstone passing the 400-wicket milestone for the club.