Hampstead gave up their Middlesex County Cricket League title on Saturday as Teddington took the Premier Division crown – but they beat struggling Finchley by 15 runs.

Ham & High: Hampstead's Chris Beaumont-Dark hit 53 with the bat and then took 4-39 with the ball. Pic: Max FlegoHampstead's Chris Beaumont-Dark hit 53 with the bat and then took 4-39 with the ball. Pic: Max Flego (Image: Max Flego Sports Photography)

Mubasher Hassan hit 64 while Chris Beaumont-Dark (53) notched his first league half-century as the hosts reached 197 from 53.2 overs.

The same pair then starred with the ball, with Beaumont-Dark taking 4-39 and Hassan claiming 4-97 as Finchley were bowled out for 182 in 49.4 overs.

That left Hampstead fifth, 16 points behind leaders Teddington, who narrowly triumphed over Ealing to secure top spot with one game to go.

Teddington were bowled out for 163 in 65.2 overs and then just managed to dismiss Ealing for 158 in 55 overs to ensure there would be no final-day drama at the top.

Meanwhile, Finchley’s defeat at Lymington Road means they remain at risk of being overtaken by Hornsey on Saturday and being relegated.

The chairman of Hampstead’s playing committee, Nick Brown, said: “It’s nice to win and we were able to demonstrate our club integrity by continuing to perform, even though we had nothing to play for.

“But ultimately this was a disappointing day as we have officially surrendered our title to Teddington.

“There was a five-minute period on Saturday when we thought we were back in the hunt as we figured that Teddington had drawn with Ealing.

“But they managed to squeeze in an extra over in the final hour and the potential for an exciting final day across the league – with five teams still in with a chance – was gone.

“It was good for Chris Beaumont-Dark to get his first league 50 and for him to pick up some wickets.

“Mubasher Hassan also continued to demonstrate what a good all-round cricketer he has become, passing 30 league wickets and notching up his fourth league 50 in the process. He’s had a really good season and there is more to come from him.”