Never mind being the top team in Middlesex, Twickenham have only one thing on their mind – finishing the Middlesex County League Premier Division season above their fierce rivals Teddington.

Skipper Carlos Nunes’ men welcome their near neighbours to the Green tomorrow on the back of a three-match winning streak after last week’s two-wicket triumph at leaders Hampstead.

The result lifted them to third in the table and four points clear of skipper Joe Austin’s Teddington in fourth, with borough stablemates Richmond a further three points back in fifth.

With their top-flight status all but assured, Twickenham could yet launch an unlikely title bid in the remaining five games of a topsy-turvy competition this term.

But captain Nunes, whose side go in to the clash as slight favourites, only has his side’s Bushy Park rivals in his sights.

“It would be incredible if we could finish ahead of them. It would make my season,” he said.

“It is one of those things, just one of those rivalries. They are a great club and are always right up there.

“They’re always letting people know they’re always up there too, so it would be nice to beat them, which is something we haven’t done before in the Premier League.        

“We’ve performed well against the teams below us and we’ve beaten the two teams at the very top, so we are full of confidence.”

Hampstead, led by captain Steve Clark (43) and Mubasher Hassan (43), declared at 270-9 on Saturday, leaving Twickenham 60 overs to chase down victory.

In the end, the visitors needed only 55 overs to finish the job, thanks to runs from Clint McCabe (61) and Dave Russell (59).

Your Local Guardian: Teddington CC

Rivals to the end: Teddington’s James Wade on his way to carrying his bat for 76 in last weekend’s 10-wicket win over Finchley in the Middlesex County Premier Division – now he and his charges go to bitter rivals Twickenham on Saturday

The chase was not without drama as Nunes (51*) was forced to retire early in his innings with a back spasm, before returning to the crease – with his side eight wickets down – to smash the winning runs.

“It was not the plan for me to have to come back because we were cruising it, but thankfully we got over the line,” said the skipper.

“When we lost to Stanmore a few weeks ago we knew then that the top five had to start scoring runs and that is what has happened.

“Our bowlers have been performing well all season, but now Clint (McCabe) and myself are getting runs and our most improved player, Dave Russell, has become so consistent and stubborn. It is all starting to come together.”

Elsewhere, Teddington’s Nicholas Ellsmore claimed 5-49 as his side dismissed visitors Finchley for 134, before openers Nick Gubbins (51*) and James Wade (76*) knocked off the runs for a 10-wicket win.

Richmond bowled out hosts Winchmore Hill for 143 – thanks to Scott Power’s 6-39 – setting up Kevin Barrett (51*) to get his side home with three wickets down.

Fixtures: Twickenham v Teddington, Richmond v Hampstead.