Match Centre

MATCH RESULT – DRAW

Somerset 324/9 dec & 270/3 dec

Middlesex 202 all out & 186/5

SCORECARD

Somerset continued to pile on the runs on the final day in Taunton, and thanks to an unbeaten century for Rouse and a strong 88 not out from Smeed, they managed to set Middlesex 392 to win with only two sessions remaining.

Middlesex fought valiantly, and were able to deny Somerset victory by keeping their wickets in tact.

Dom Bess took 3-63 as Somerset attempted to rattle through Middlesex, but in the end a defiant Charlie Scott and John partnership saw out the remaining overs to give Middlesex a hard fought draw.

CLOSE OF PLAY - DAY TWO

Somerset 324/9 dec & 163/3

Middlesex 202 all out

Middlesex did not get off to the start they would have wanted, losing George Scott to the first ball of the day.

Shortly after, Carter departed in the next over, meaning Middlesex were already struggling on 18-2.

However, a strong partnership of 134 between Andersson and White dragged Middlesex back into the game, and by the time Andersson departed for 48 the visitors had reached 152-3.

Somerset took full advantage from here on however, taking wickets rapidly and piercing through Middlesex's middle order.

Middlesex had only managed to reach 180 by the time the ninth wicket fell, and were only able to add another 22 to their score before Somerset finished off the tail.

White top scored with a well played 74, whilst Gilchrist obtained figures of 4-27 for the hosts.

Somerset went back in to bat looking to extend their lead beyond the reach of Middlesex, and despite losing an early wicket were able to close on 163/3 with a lead of 285 going in to the final day.

Cullen, Andersson and Walallawita had taken one wicket apeice by this point, and will be looking to take quick wickets early on day three to give Middlesex a chance of chasing down Somerset's score on the final day.

CLOSE OF PLAY – DAY ONE

Somerset 324/9 dec

Middlesex 14/0

Somerset did not get off to the start they would have wanted, having won the toss and elected to bat first.

They found themselves on 36-2 in the 15^th over thanks to wickets from Barber and George Scott.

Their fortunes improved from here once Dom Bess came to the crease, who bossed the host’s innings.

Despite wickets continuing to fall around him, Bess was able to push Somerset forwards to a competitive total, scoring quickly and purposefully throughout.

Walallawita picked up a brilliant 5-83 for Middlesex, his first in 2nd XI cricket, whilst George Scott eventually claimed the prize wicket of Bess, but not before he had surmounted an incredible 185 with the bat.

Somerset declared shortly after Bess fell, having scored 324/9.

Middlesex were put in to bat for the final 7 overs of the day, but were able to survive without the loss of any wickets, closing on 14 without loss.