Published: 12 September, 2013
by STEVE BARNETT

NORTH Middlesex will be moving up into the Premier Division as champions after edging rivals Brondesbury in the title race on Saturday.

Tom Nicoll’s side secured a seven-wicket win at Brentham to earn 10 vital points on the final day of the season.

The hosts were bowled out for 153 in the 55th over. North Midd needed just 29 overs to race to a winning score of 157-3.

It earned North Midd their 11th win in 18 games, helping them finish just four points ahead of their closest rivals.  

They will now join fellow champions Hampstead in the top flight. Having won the title with a game to spare Hampstead enjoyed a champagne fixture in their final game against already-relegated Eastcote at their home ground in Lymington Road, West Hampstead.

Put into bowl, Tom Smith took five wickets for just 17 runs while team-mate Ragheb Aga took 3-46, including openers Aman Lotay and Phil Costard, as Eastcote were bowled out for just 125.

Graham Clark drove the home side to a final win, scoring an unbeaten 55 off 62 balls including eight fours. Smith chipped in with 40 off 47 balls as Hampstead scored 130-3 to secure a seven-wicket win.