The Bromyard Avenue club visit their local foes full of confidence after defeating Brondesbury last weekend

After rain ruined their hopes of beating Highgate earlier in the season, Shepherds Bush captain Andrew Wilson is eager to make amends in the Middlesex County League Premier Division this time around.

When the two clubs last did battle on May 12 at Bromyard Avenue, the hosts had reduced the visitors to 89-8 from only 22 overs.

The heavens then opened and the clash was abandoned, but ahead of Saturday’s trip to Shepherd’s Cot, Wilson is backing his team to win again after defeating Brondesbury by 137 runs last weekend.

He said: “We look forward to taking on Highgate and I feel we are starting to play to our full potential now, so I am very excited about the rest of the season.

“We are stepping up in all departments and it’s really great to see everyone enjoying their cricket.

“We go to Highgate feeling slightly aggrieved after the wash-out last time, but we will hopefully take this forward momentum with us.”

After spirited showings in defeats at home to Ealing and North Middlesex, and in their draw at Hampstead, Bush got back on track last Saturday.

Wilson won the toss against Brondesbury and batted first on a good wicket at Bromyard Avenue in the basking sun.

Openers Jack Brydon (60) and George Collins (39) got the hosts off to a flying start and this was picked up by the rest of the batting line-up.

Alex Blofield (53) and Idris Otto-Mian (48 not out) flayed the ball to the boundary ropes on a number of occasions, but Ollie James was the star with a superb 105 not out.

It helped Bush make 358-4 before they declared and in reply, Brondesbury were all out for 221 with Dexter Marsh picking up 5-58.

James also claimed 3-61 off 16 overs as the Bromyard Avenue club secured a 137-run victory to move up to fifth.

Wilson added: “It was a cracking game in the end, and far closer than the scoreline showed. It was great to watch us get over the line with only a few overs left.

“I was very proud of the way the side stayed positive and energetic in such heat as well as to produce some really excellent cricket.”

A weakened Bush side lost by 207 runs on Sunday in the knock-out cup to North Midd.