Finchley picked up a potentially crucial win in their battle against relegation, securing a six-wicket victory at Southgate on Saturday.

Currently occupying the first of two relegation spots in Division One of the Middlesex County League, Finchley moved to within 14 points of safety.

Southgate elected to bat after winning the toss. There was a quick breakthrough for Finchley, though, who ran out opener Lasith Lakshan (26) to leave Southgate on 15 for one.

Wicketkeeper Mahmudhul Hassan had a fruitful day, managing three catches, a stumping and a run-out to help to away side restrict Southgate to 180 all out.

Finchley made a bright start in reply with Majed Ali (60) and Fred Daeche-Marshall (36) opening well. Joseph Emanuel (51) continued to put runs on the board from number three and the away side wrapped up the win with 181 for four from 37.5 overs.

Stanmore ensured they just about remain in the championship argument with a 47-run home victory over Middlesex.

Twenty-eight points shy of Hampstead at the summit, it will take an incredible turnaround for Stanmore to prevail, though.

Opening the batting after winning the toss, Stanmore overcame a sluggish start which saw both openers removed for less than 20 apiece to hit 252 for nine.

That was largely due to the fine work of Tushaar Karia (68 not out) and Marc Reingold (33) further down the order.

Richmond were similarly underwhelming and Stanmore capitalised to leave the away side on 13 for two with a pair of early wickets.

Chamika Karunaratne (three for 37) returned the best figures for the hosts, who removed Richmond for 205.

In the Herts League Premier Division, Potters Bar lost by 45 runs at North Mymms. Chasing 211 all out, Potters could only put up 167 in reply and were out after 38 overs.

Totteridge Millhillians lost by five wickets at home to Botany Bay in the Championship. Having put up a lowly total of 171 all out, Bay then made light work of knocking off the runs to reach 174 for five.

Division One side Old Finchleians made it nine consecutive defeats with a 272-run trouncing at Ampthill Town. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first, compiling a huge 343 for two. OFs never got near that are were out for 172.

Old Elizabethans were comfortable eight-wicket winners at Knebworth Park Seconds in Division Three A. The home side put together 198 before being removed for 45.5, but OEs breezed to the points with 202 for two.

It’s now eight straight wins for Mill Hill Village in Division Six B, winning by three wickets at Abbots Langley Seconds. Set 321 for eight to chase, the Village replied with 234 for seven.