LYMINGTON look set for a nervous few months, with their promotion fate now likely to be decided by a committee meeting rather than on-field actions.

The team failed to guarantee promotion to Division One on Saturday and await the verdict of a Southern League summit in October to discover where they will play their cricket next season.

Victory over arch rivals New Milton, coupled with a positive result for Rowledge against second-placed Ventnor, would have all but assured Lymo of a place in the 2009 top flight.

But things did not go to plan for Adie Hunt's men at Fernhill as Jekyll and Hyde New Milton showed their good side to complete a derby double over their near neighbours.

Batting first, Lymington posted a competitive 226 for nine, with Bryn Darbyshire (52), Rob Lammiman (49) and Morgan Rushbrook (45) all in the runs.

Dan Loader (4-34) was the stand-out bowler for the hosts.

Lymington's Aussie pace ace Craig O'Shannessy claimed three for 35 but that was not enough to save his team from another defeat at the hands of their rivals.

Nick Gargaro (41), Greg Fotheringham (39) and Lee Beck (31) were the New Milton heroes as their side got home with three wickets to spare.

The result means Lymo finish the season in third position and that could yet prove enough for elevation into the league's showpiece division.

League secretary Steve Vear told the Echo that third could be sufficient, although he stated that no promotions are confirmed until the league's committee meeting in October, where accreditation is decided on.

New Milton end an inconsistent season in seventh place.