Captain Tom Nicoll was left ruing “an all-too familiar top-order collapse” as North Middlesex lost for the fourth time in their opening six league games.

Nicoll’s side found themselves 33-4, and it took a strong effort from Rob Fahrenheim (55) and the tail end – who added 98 for the final four wickets – to get the score over 200.

North Midd are yet to reach 250 this term and, while Stanmore also struggled to 34-4 in reply, Andrew Rule (70) and Kush Patel (47) shared a 114-run stand that helped the hosts to victory.

Nicoll said: “An all-too familiar top-order collapse saw us lose four early wickets, with Rob the only batter to really apply himself.

“Several others got in but failed to build a substantial innings, although Connor Nurse batted well for his 29 not out in his first appearance for us this season due to university commitments.

“Our top-order batters must improve and start applying themselves. Once this happens, with our strong bowling attack, we will hit our stride.”

Asked to bat, North Midd lost openers Joel Hughes (1) and Joe Cracknell (7), swiftly followed by Mitch Murray (2) and Evan Flowers (0).

Nicoll (26) and Fahrenheim (55) shared a 66-run partnership, but when they were both dismissed by Tushaar Karia (5-55) the visitors were 104-6.

And, although Will Vanderspar (27) and Will Nicoll (22) put on 44 together and Nurse (29no) and Nick Brand (20) then added another 42 for the ninth wicket, North Midd were bowled out for 202 after 57.4 overs.

Hughes (2-40) removed Stanmore’s openers Rishi Pandya (4) and Stevie Eskinazi (14), while Ed Bird (1-26) prised out Kabir Kohli (3) – and when Tom Nicoll (1-46) dismissed Grant Reingold (4), the hosts were 34-4.

But overseas player Rule (70) and Patel (47) took them to 148-4 and, when they were both removed by Nurse (2-48), Karia (33no) and Marc Reingold (14no) finished the job in the 59th over.