Enfield maintained second place in Middlesex League Division Two by getting the better of a draw against third-placed Hornsey on Saturday.

After opting to bat first, Enfield had to negotiate a tricky opening spell that saw Les Edwards (21) dismissed.

Chris Long then joined a dogged Jack Plumb at the crease and the pair batted sensibly in building a 123-run partnership as spinners Bhaskar Patel and former Middlesex man Paul Weekes sought to apply pressure.

After Plumb (76) was out, Ayush Sahota (59) helped carry the fight to Hornsey with a quickfire innings. Long then fell for 67 but Rehan Hassan (30) and Sam Smyth (25 not out) ensured Enfield amassed a considerable total, declaring on 298-6 in 55 overs.

Hornsey began their innings very positively with Weekes and James Bull punishing any loose deliveries as the visitors raced to 102-0 in just 18 overs.

Bull (50) was the first wicket to fall and thereafter the incoming batsmen, faced with the need to maintain a high scoring rate against defensive field settings and two impressive spells of bowling from Dan Amedee and Edwards, began to falter.

Hornsey sought to fight their way to the winning draw total of 244, but after Weekes (89) fell, to a superb catch on the run by Arthur George, they were unable to maintain the required rate and their innings closed at 219-7.

Amedee (5-88) was the pick of the bowlers with Edwards (2-77) providing good support.

Enfield made the long trip to Premier League leaders Richmond for their Middlesex Cup quarter-final tie the following day.

After heavy traffic prevented a proper warm-up, Enfield’s seam bowlers were unable to establish early control as their opponents made a fast start.

Without regular spinners Amedee and Aamir Ihsan it was left to back-ups Joe Naughton (4-31) and Hassan (3-30) to turn things around as Richmond were dismissed for 211, a reasonable score but, given the lightning-fast outfield, one that left the game in the balance.

However, the Enfield batting failed to fire in the face of good bowling and some poor shot selection.

Only Smyth (29) and George (31 not out) managed to make notable contributions and their side were all out for 164.