Middlesex Disability went into Sunday's D40 match against Essex knowing that victory would secure them a semi-final spot in the National competition for the first time in their history!
The challenge ahead of them was to beat Essex - something they've never managed before!
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Chloe Sainsbury and Matthew Jones put on a solid 21 for the first wicket and there was little to suggest what was to follow.
A flurry of wickets then came however and after a promising start Middlesex slipped to 38 for 5.
It then took a Captain's innings from stand-in skipper Elliot Brown, who hit 36, to salvage some pride for Middlesex, before they were eventually dismissed for a significantly below par 108.
Essex's reply started shakily, as two quick wickets gave Middlesex plenty of hope that their total could indeed be defended.
The joy was short lived however as a threefold combination of solid Essex batting, umpiring decisions falling in Essex's favour, and edges from the bat not going to hand, saw Essex get over the winning line without any further losses, finishing on 109 for 2 to secure an eight wicket victory.
Sunday's loss means that Middlesex have one more bite at the cherry, when they'll again need to beat Essex if they are to qualify for the National semi-finals. The fixture at the home of Middlesex Disability Cricket, Chiswick CC, on Sunday 28th July is one certainly not to be missed!
Middlesex Disability 108 all out
Essex Disability 109 for 2
