The epic century is not enough for Belmont and Edgware CC

Scott Gerard smashed 150 off 78 balls but his side still lost by 80 runs

Belmont and Edgware slumped to two defeats yesterday as the pair were beaten despite an epic unbeaten century.

The first eleven faced Crouch End at their home ground Old Camdenians in Mill Hill.

After a solid opening partnership from skipper Elliott Mayer and wicketkeeper Mark Spanjar, wickets fell at regular intervals.

After some lower-order resistance, they reached 187 in the allotted overs after starting early to ensure nobody missed the Euro final.

In reply, the 1s bowled Crouch End six down and it became very edgy at one point as a number of wickets fell as the opposition closed in on the total.

Meanwhile, the pair played London Maccabi Vale’s development XI on the ground below, also at Old Camdenians.

Vale batted first with opener Jamie Hurwitz hitting a fabulous unbeaten ton as the opposition reached 200 without loss. Belmont pulled it back well, eventually getting Vale out, but the total was mammoth at 341.

In reply, Belmont and Edgware got off to a shaky start before all-rounder Scott Gerard went wild, hitting a century in under 60 balls. He finished with 150 not out from 78 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and 11 sixes, while what the 2 lost by 80 points at the end.

While Vale Development were on top for most of the game, Gerard’s ton was a memorable innings that ensured the winning margin was respectable.

Club captain Elliott Mayer said: “Another good day at Old Camdenians with two teams out. The game against Crouch End was exactly what you want from a friendly – ​​played in great spirit but competitive and going down to the last ball. Decent contributions in our batting innings to get to a respectable total and then really tight bowling to limit the run rate and increase the pressure throughout. This was backed up by a strong performance, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get over the line.”

Second XI skipper Jack Mendel said Scott Gerard’s 150* “was one of the most memorable innings by a Belmont player in its history. A few weeks after celebrating our 50th anniversary as a club, it’s great to see the records being broken and how we’re going from strength to strength. Congratulations to Vale Development on a great win, Jewish cricket is in a healthy place.”

Independent news outlets like ours – which report for the community without wealthy backers – are under threat of closure, turning Britain’s cities into news deserts.

The public they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, annual or one-time donation.

Choose the news. Don’t miss the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 a month backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 a month backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted each month. Annual £50 backers get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else. Annual £84 backers receive a print copy by post and a digital copy of each month before anyone else.

More information about supporting us monthly

More information about donations