ANY hope that a thrilling season in the Premier Division of the Middlesex County Cricket League would culminate in a final-day title-decider were ended on Saturday.

Now North Middlesex’s away day against Teddington at Bushy Park on September 3 is expected to be a party with the home side having been crowned worthy champions.

North Midd were very much contenders, and even spent time at the top of the table. But four defeats on the spin quickly cut short their championship challenge.

The latest – and ultimately most telling – defeat came at Old Deer Park at the weekend when North Midd were narrowly beaten by 37 runs away at Richmond.

Opting to bat first, the hosts piled on the runs, with Adam London hitting a well-crafted 116, while Tanmay Thanawalla and Greg King scored 56 and 51 respectively. Their efforts saw Richmond post 313-8 from their allotted 50 overs.

Will Vanderspar did his best to give North Midd hope of reaching their winning target as he thwacked 131 runs off 115 balls in a knock that included 13 fours and five sixes. Fergal Walter also batted well for 59, but in the end James Parslow’s side fell agonisingly short as they were bowled out in the 49th over for 276.

News quickly filtered through that Teddington had picked up a 91-run victory at home to Ealing, securing the title with two games to spare.