Teddington’s Middlesex County League Premier Division title hopes hang in the balance after a second defeat of the campaign on Saturday.

Skipper James Wade’s men had started the campaign in fine form as they won six of their opening seven games to sit top of the table.

But Saturday’s home reverse against Hampstead – their second in their past three games – leaves them 22 points adrift of leaders Winchmore Hill and sitting fourth in the table.

Bowler Nicholas Ellsmore has played his part this season, but his tremendous figures of 6-45 at the weekend were not enough to inspire his side to victory.

His efforts saw the visitors dismissed for 158, but Teddington’s batsmen – with Middlesex star Dawid Malan among their number – were only able to muster 137 all out.

In Division Two, a 104-run partnership from Twickenham openers Jean-Pierre Cronje (54) and Tom Huysinga (41), and skipper Carlos Nunes’ 51 saw their side to 213-8 on the Green, but visitors Acton scrambled to 184-7 and the winning draw.

Second-placed Richmond kept up the pressure with a winning draw at Brentham.

Teddington could get back in the title hunt at leaders Winchmore Hill tomorrow, while Twickenham host Harrow Town and Richmond host Wembley.