A remarkable summer and a small club in north London: The day the title came home

THE CRICKETER'S MOMENTS OF THE SUMMER - NICK FRIEND reflects on a historic season at his own club and how the blueprint of Morgan's side has given the game back to the nation

The World Cup was extraordinary, while so too was Headingley's latest instalment of implausible heroism. These were unrivalled moments that transcended our wonderful, quirky sport.

The bonus of a free-to-air final opened the door to the world: this is cricket, take it or leave it. From the country's reaction – from front page to back, they took it.

Regardless of what happens next, we'll always have this. A summer that showed the very best of our game. A summer never to be forgotten.

And through a reminiscent meander, that takes me to the day upon which I will reflect most fondly from this crazy season of 2019. If Ben Stokes' feats meant the world to a nation, then a September afternoon in Crouch End meant the universe to a select few.

The scene: North Middlesex Cricket Club. Traditionally, at least, we are a small club – none of the dominant reputations or histories of our rivals in a county full of prestigious old names.

But in the last decade, a rise. A growth spurt built on a junior system and a club-wide culture of inclusion, sprouting from within, encouraging youngsters.

More than a club, to borrow that overused sporting trope. Not so much a club as a hub – a place where childhood friends come to spend their summer, first as children, then as adults.

There had been a growing belief in recent times that a first ever Premier League title might be attainable.

Ethan Bamber, now of Middlesex but always a product of our little club; Luke Hollman, Joe Cracknell, Max Harris – all three regulars in the county's second team, all three precocious teenagers who have spent their lives at North Middlesex.

When Middlesex took on Lancashire in the County Championship in early September, both Hollman and Bamber were in Dawid Malan's matchday squad.

A remarkable feat for a place like ours, reliant – by our own philosophy – on these teenagers coming good, mixing in with a set of committed, reliable older heads. In total, 12 juniors or former club juniors represented the first team this season. The usual testament to the raft of volunteers that keep club cricket running against such increasing odds.

Our little club 😍🏆

Middlesex champions.

A bunch of homegrown mates.

Amazing. pic.twitter.com/n6GvJRpzFC

— North Middlesex CC (@Northmidd) September 7, 2019

And then on the season's final day, months after Stokes' World Cup heroics and weeks after his Headingley miracle, the Premier League title came home.

The celebrations – well into the night and, indeed, the next morning – will never be forgotten, even by those whose heads – the following day – might have believed otherwise.

A huge turnout congregated in the pavilion as this big, weird family paid tribute to its best mates – a squad of amateur cricketers.

When you take a step back, there is an element of the bizarre about it all – awaiting a club team's return from an away game like the return of a long-lost pet.

Life is about so much more than cricket. But is it about more than friendship and comradeship? Perhaps not. Never have so many – young and old – felt so much pride in their first team. A title won and a title earned, built on lifelong bonds.

And when it boils down to it, that is Eoin Morgan’s England; a group of mates, worshipped by all those who support them because they can see themselves and their own traits in them. A relatable bunch, national heroes. The story of 2019.