Approaching the day already five down, but only needing a tad over a hundred to win the game, Middlesex looked slight favourites. This, though, changed when both Steve Eskinazi and Robbie White were dismissed still 40 odd runs short of the target.
Manuwelge and Fairhead soon followed, which left veteran Tim Murtagh and debutant Ethan Bamber at the crease. Ethan had already taken the wicket of Jamie Overton earlier in the week, and it would be probably fair to say he wasn’t short of confidence.
Some wag had given him a wagon wheel of his first innings duck, which he tucked in his pocket as he walked out to bat. With 39 needed and fielders crowding him, cheers rang around the pavilion as Ethan got out the sweep and sent the ball for 4 off Leach.
Well judged singles, 4 byes and some fine work from Murtagh meant that as lunch approached 8 were needed. Back to Bamber. Slog sweep – 4. Straight drive over the top of Leach – 4. Game over.
A nail biting, tense last session, but I have no doubt we will be hearing more of Ethen Bamber.
MIDDLESEX WON BY 1 WICKET: SOMERSET 174 & 234; MIDDLESEX 255 & 154-9
