It is not the finale that Richmond skipper Alex Griffiths was hoping for, but that will not distract from a memorable season.

Richmond, second in the Middlesex County League Division One, head to leaders Hampstead tomorrow (Saturday) for the final game of the season.

Only 10 points separate the sides, meaning a Richmond win would leave them level on points – however, Hampstead would claim the title by virtue of having won one more game during the season.

Had Richmond picked up even a point for an abandoned game at home to North Middlesex last weekend, things would have been different, but an eight-wicket defeat not only highlighted areas to improve for Richmond, but it also handed Hampstead the title.

Griffith said: “We had a bad day in the office on Saturday, and it has cost us, but we cannot be too disappointed.

“From where we finished last season [seventh], if we had been offered second this time round we could have taken it. We’ve had a massively successful season.

“But, having led for so long, only to lose it at the end, means we are still disappointed.”

The 26-year-old added: “We’re used to being the underdogs in this league, and all of a sudden we found ourselves top of the table, and we were not used to that.

“But we will learn from this. I’ve been at the club for nine years, and we have spent time going up and down the tables, so we will build on this success.”

While it did not spark against North Middlesex, the togetherness in the camp that has grown over the past three season has been key – with Griffiths especially pleased with the bowling attack of David Burton, Jimmy Mugnaioni and Steve Stacey.

“As a trio, they have worked really well together – David has taken plenty of wickets down the lower order, Jimmy has been efficient all season and Steve has taken lots of wickets,” he said.

“Andrew Lowe has probably been the best batsmen in the league – he’s hit more than 650 runs, including three centuries.”

Despite the team camaraderie, Richmond have to go to Hampstead knowing their hosts can revel in the champion tag – something Griffiths is not relishing right now.

He said: “I’d rather be playing golf on Saturday, but I know when I wake up in the morning I’ll be looking forward to a good game of cricket without any stress.

“The Hampstead lads are a good bunch, so it will still be a good day – we’ll just have to make sure we go one better next time.”