DAY THREE MATCH REPORT
Match Drawn
After a disappointing day one for Middlesex coupled with an abandonded day two, the hosts knew that a strong start was required in the final day's play against Somerset.
The visitors started the day sluggishly as they lost their opening batting pair of Myburgh and Byrom with just 31 runs on the scoreboard, as Barber and Podmore claimed a wicket a piece. Somerset added another 45 runs to their innings before Bartlett fell for 28, clean bowled by Barber. Davies shortly followed, bowled by Patel for just 7 runs and with Somerset looking in trouble on 93/4 going into lunch.
After the interval, in what can only be described as a sensational bowling spell by Middlesex, the hosts claimed 4 Somerset wickets in the space of just 20 runs as the visitors were reduced to 137/8, with Podmore and Patel claiming two wickets each.
A very useful 9th wicket partnership by van Meekeren and Bridgens of 59 helped steady the Somerset innings, before Barber was able to claim his fourth wicket of the day, dismissing the later for 26 and therefore ending the Somerset innings on 197.
With the 2nd XI Trophy up for grabs at headingly tomorrow, the teams shook hands on a well fought out draw.
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DAY TWO MATCH REPORT
Somerset Second XI 1st Innings: 0-0
No play was possible on day two at Radlett as heavy rain fell throughout the day.
The umpires were left with little option but to call the day's play off, with no prospects of play.
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DAY ONE MATCH REPORT
Middlesex Second XI 1st Innings: 161 all out
An uncharacteristically off-day for Middlesex Seconds as Somerset had the better of the opening day at Radlett in the Second Eleven Championship after the visitors bowled the hosts out for just 161 in 51 overs.
The day got off to the worst possible start for Middlesex after Higgins was caught by Green off the bowling of van Meekeren for 12. Robson, returning from a long spell on the side-lines with a hamstring injury, then joined Scott at the crease and the pair were able to put on a useful partnership of 48 for the second wicket, before Robson was dismissed by van Meekeren after being caught by Byrom.
Middlesex struggled thereafter as White became van Meekeren's third wicket, clean bowled for 9 with the score on 78. The innings then suffered a huge blow as Middlesex lost 3 wickets without adding to the score, as Scott, Manuwelge and Lace were all sent back to the pavilion with the score on 91 with Middlesex now six down.
Perera came and went for 8, before Podmore was caught by Davies off the bowling of Bridgens for 5, with the score now on 127/8. An important unbeaten 37 from Nathan Sowter added crucial runs down the order, although no one could stay with him, as both Patel and Barber fell for single figure scores as Middlesex were bowled out for 161.
Somerset were unable to begin their reply, as drizzle and bad light forced an early end to the opening day.
Middlesex have it all to do on the second day with the ball.
