The Park Road club reached two finals and finished third, but will look to kick on next year

Joel Hughes believes North Middlesex can push on next year and challenge for the Middlesex County League Premier Division title.

The Park Road club concluded the 2018 campaign with a four wicket loss to Richmond in the final of the League Cup.

It was a disappointing end to an encouraging season in which North Midd matched their previous best top flight points tally and also reached the final of the T20 Cup.

Hughes said: “We equalled our points total from the year (2016) when we come second, so I am pleased with how the season went.

“We were competitive in every game and every competition we entered.

“It would have been nice to pick up some silverware, so that will be the main aim when we come back.

“We want to push on and if we can make a couple of signings next year to improve our depth, especially when it comes to bowling, I think we can be up there again.”

After finishing the Premier Division season in third spot with 117 points on September 1, Hughes’ side turned their attention to the League Cup final on Saturday.

In their way stood top flight champions Richmond and an intriguing battle took place at Ealing’s Corfton Road which was decided in the last over.

Batting first, North Midd hit 257-7 off 45 overs despite losing Luke Hollman to the first ball of their innings.

Evan Flowers led a recovery and top scored with 84 off 91 balls while Connor Nurse (47) and James Parslow (43) made telling contributions.

Joe Cracknell added 31 with Tom Nicoll hitting a rapid 27 to help North Middlesex past 250, but it didn’t prove enough runs to defend.

Despite 2-45 by Nick Brand, Nurse’s 2-47 and 1-49 from captain Hughes, Richmond got home with two balls left.

“In the starting XI, we had seven lads who have come through our junior section,” Hughes said.

“Once again availability was not the greatest, but it was nice to have a real North Midd feel about the team we selected for the final.

“We were missing four of five players, so I was proud of the way we played and to push a really good side so close and on another day, we could have won it.”