Enfield returned to top spot in Middlesex League Division Two after emerging victorious in a pulsating top-of-the-table clash at Stanmore on Saturday.

The 24-run win after a very competitive, high-quality match leaves the new table-toppers five points clear of the former leaders with just two matches of the season remaining. However, results elsewhere mean Harrow St Marys and Hornsey remain within striking distance.

Enfield opted to bat first after winning the toss. Following the dismissal of Les Edwards (19), the resolute Jack Plumb and Rehan Hassan were watchful against some quality spin bowling and nudged the score to 64-1 after 20 overs in tricky batting conditions. But, when Plumb fell it sparked a collapse as 64-1 soon became 66-4, then 79-5, and it seemed the chance of reaching a competitive total was slim.

The last of Enfield’s recognised front-line batsmen were now at the crease in the form of Sam Smyth and Chris Long, who have struggled for form this season. However, both proceeded to show their class.

From the precarious position of 79-5, they initially patiently rebuilt the innings, content to manoeuvre runs where possible but taking no undue risks. This meant that with just 13 overs remaining Enfield were 99-5, but Smyth and Long then began to cut loose, as well as putting on an excellent display of running between the wickets, putting great pressure on Stanmore’s fielders.

The score began to climb rapidly as Stanmore were unable to check the flow of runs. Although both were finally dismissed in a hectic finale, the innings of Smyth (63) and Long (60) turned the game as Enfield closed on 215-9 in their allotted 45 overs, having amassed 116 from the final 13 overs.

However, the outcome was very much in the balance as Stanmore possessed a good batting line-up. Also with the pitch conducive to spin, and Enfield’s main spinner - and leading wicket-taker - Dan Amedee ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, Enfield knew they would have to bowl and field at their best.

Stanmore started well against the new ball and reached 40-0 after seven overs. Tom Bolt then made an initial breakthrough, trapping the dangerous Steven Reingold (13) leg before wicket.

In the absence of Amedee the onus was on Aamir Ihsan to serve as Enfield’s senior spinner. He showed he was up to the task by producing a fine spell of accurate, challenging, consistent bowling. He picked up three top-order wickets and his 3-26 was crucial to the cause.

At 80-4 Stanmore found themselves in a similar position to that Enfield had occupied earlier, and at 121-4 they looked to be recovering in similar style. However, Hassan made a breakthrough, as Kush Patel (36) was caught by wicketkeeper Plumb.

Hassan (4-39) then settled into a good rhythm with his leg-spin, as Stanmore could not find the partnership they needed as their captain Tushaar Karia, began to run out of partners before he was well caught by Edwards at mid-off.

The last wicket to fall was wicketkeeper Will Hanson, caught by Ihsan from the bowling of Faisal Mir, as Stanmore were dismissed for 191 in 43.3 overs.

Enfield welcome local rivals Southgate to Lincoln Road this Saturday, with Southgate also badly needing a win in their battle against relegation.