NORTH Middlesex s promotion hopes were all but ended in Division Two on Saturday as they suffered a seven-wicket home defeat to rivals Southgate. That result leaves Evan Flowers side 17 points off the all-important top two spots, with 20 points to play f

NORTH Middlesex's promotion hopes were all but ended in Division Two on Saturday as they suffered a seven-wicket home defeat to rivals Southgate.

That result leaves Evan Flowers' side 17 points off the all-important top two spots, with 20 points to play for in their final two league fixtures.

Having lost a crucial toss on a damp and green wicket, North Mid suffered a top-order collapse and slumped to 26-4 and then 50-6, before Amir Mappara (25) and Will Nichol (15) hauled them into double figures.

The hosts were eventually dismissed for a lowly 125 in the 39th over, and Alvin Durgacharan (54) and James Allen (49) led the way as Southgate reached 129-3 after 28 overs to take third place.