WINCHMORE Hill have five games left in which to secure their Middlesex County League Premier Division status.

They sit second from bottom, staring relegation in the face, but with the hope that they still have a fighting chance.

However, Hill must feel everything is going against them at the moment.

With just one win from 12 games, the weekend's clash against bottom club Richmond, without a win all season, was seen as a great chance to notch a second victory.

But it was the elements that frustrated them this time.

Hill, thanks to a fine knock of 81 by David Burton, posted a total of 219.

And they took two early Richmond wickets, Burton grabbing one of them, to put themselves in a strong position.

However, the rain intervened and the match had to be abandoned, with both sides gaining a solitary point.

Hill remain eight points clear of Richmond, but they are still seven points adrift of third-from-bottom Shepherds Bush.

With ten points for a win, it is certainly not all over yet, but Hill will have to start winning if they are to climb out of the bottom two.

And this Saturday's match at home to Hampstead will not be easy, their visitors sitting third in the table of ten clubs.

Things are looking much better for Southgate in Division Two, who could replace Hill in the Premier Division next season.

Southgate are eight points clear at the top with five games to go.

They gained another four points from a winning draw with South Hampstead on Saturday.

Mid-table Enfield earned just a point against North Middlesex in another drawn game.

The Saracens Herts Division Four title race continues to hot up.

Second-placed Northampton Exiles, third-placed Southgate Adelaide and fourth-placed North Enfield are all in with a shout.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, Cockfosters are two points clear at the top.