SECOND XI TROPHY MATCH REPORT VS SUSSEX

Match Result - Middlesex win by 37 runs

Middlesex 2^nd XI recover from early setbacks to beat Sussex by 37 runs to finish top of their Second XI Trophy group with a 100% record, confirming their place in the Semi-Finals in the process.

After Sussex won the toss and decided to field at Blackstone CC, they started the match in the ascendancy. Despite the teams contrasting Trophy fortunes so far, Sussex drew first blood and were able to claim the early wickets of accomplished batsmen Sam Robson and George Scott, leaving the visitors on 4-2 in the third over.

Opening batsman Max Holden saw partners come and go in the early overs, but stood firm throughout. By the time Tom Lace had been dismissed in the 18^th over, Middlesex were in serious danger of not posting a competitive total, with the score sat at 52-4.

However, Davies, Rayner and Walallawita all notched up runs whilst Max Holden remained a constant threat at the other end, meaning Middlesex were able to build runs quickly during the majority of their innings.

Holden himself batted 49 of the 50 overs, and only fell with an over to spare at the hands of Sakande, after notching up what would prove to be a match winning 134 at a rate of a run-a-ball. Sakande himself finished on figures of 5-37, and proved a constant menace to the Middlesex batsmen.

Middlesex finished their innings on 282-8, which seemed an impressive total, especially considering the positive start from Sussex with the ball.

Sussex’s innings began in much the same fashion as Middlesex’s. Two early wickets from Tim Murtagh put Sussex on the backfoot early on, and Murtagh had struck a third time before the end of the 9^th over leaving the hosts on 57-3.

At the half way mark, three further wickets from Walallwita (2) and Bamber had put Middlesex firmly in control of the match, with Sussex struggling on 139-6.

However, it took another 15 overs before the next wicket fell, with Nightingale and Stiddard building a partnership of 70 to keep Sussex in with a realistic chance of chasing down 283.

With 74 required with only 3 wickets remaining from the final 9 overs, Sussex had no choice but to attempt to force the issue from this point onwards. Stiddard batted well, but was eventually dismissed at the hands of Murtagh for 44, leaving Sussex’s tail exposed.

Middlesex made light work of the final two wickets, eventually winning the match in the 48^th over with Sussex 37 runs short, ensuring they maintained a 100% record in the Trophy group stage and booking a place in the Semi-Final.

Tim Murtagh was the pick of the Middlesex bowlers with brilliant figures of 5-35, whilst Walallawita and Bamber took 2 each, and Scott claiming a wicket for himself.