Middlesex Disability 1st welcomed Sussex to William Perkin School on Sunday 23rd May. Despite showers before the start of the game, which put the fixture in doubt, we were able to start the game on time.
Middlesex won the toss and put Sussex into bat. Our opening bowlers of J. Charan and J. Nordin started well, with the wicket falling in the 4th over, Sussex on 5/1. The bowlers kept the visitors under pressure during the following five overs, as a further two wickets fell leaving them 30/3 after 10 overs. The rain sadly disrupted the action, with both innings reduced to 32 overs per side instead of the allocated 40.
After the rain delay, Sussex returned to bat with a focused mindset, which frustrated our bowlers, putting on 53 runs without losing a wicket taking them to 83/3. The breakthrough was made when K. Sainsbury came to bowl, taking the crucial wicket in the 21st over. The hosts gained control of the innings, as wickets fell at regular intervals as Sussex were dismissed for 93 runs.
Middlesex started confidently in their innings with a clear plan on how to chase down the target, but early wicket left them in a difficult position with the score 43/5 after 11 overs.
Z. Spears, on debut, came to the crease and scored 12 off 13 balls before being caught on the boundary by a fantastic catch and a highlight of the game. The experience of E. Brown and M. Jones steadied the innings with a partnership of 34 bringing the score to 77/6.
M. Jones took Middlesex home with a top score of 22 and F. Mohammed playing a fantastic cut for 4 past the diving fielder at point to win the game for the team. Middlesex continue their unbeaten start to the season and look forward to the next fixture.
Sussex 93 all out / Middlesex 97/7
M. Henderson 4.5-0-18-5
J. Nordin 6- 2- 9 -1
M. Jones 22 not out
E . Brown 15
Our thanks go to William Perkin School for preparing another fantastic wicket and for the use of their amazing facilities at the school. I would also like to thank Angus Fraser for coming to watch the game and show his support to our county disability squads.
