Middlesex’s D40 First Eleven finished their summer with a friendly match against a Lord’s Taverners XI at Tring Park Cricket Club.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Middlesex as the side lost out by 10 runs despite an incredible century from Umesh Valjee.
Middlesex Captain, James Nordin, won the toss and elected to bowl first. Nordin himself was the pick of the bowlers – claiming 2/24 – and there were wickets too for Moazzam Rashid, Jai Charan, and Sammy Kumar as the Taverners made 246/7 in 40 overs.
Stand-out performers with the bat for the Lord’s Taverners XI included Swarbrick who top-scored with 68 and Rob Andrew (former England rugby player and the ECB’s Managing Director, Professional Game).
In the chase, Valjee showed his class – notching 134 from 119 balls, in an innings which included 20 boundaries. He had support from Nordin, who made 45 from just 37 balls.
Doyle led the Lord’s Taverners attack, taking 3/42 in his eight overs. Former England cricketer, Monty Panesar, took 2/33 whilst there was a wicket each for Kester Sainsbury and Gordon Kennedy.
It wasn’t to be for Middlesex as they narrowly missed out in a final over thriller, but the game was played in superb spirit.
Former England Captain, David Gower, was in attendance and presented the D40 Quest League title and medals following their triumph last month. Congratulations again to everyone involved on a successful campaign.
