Having resumed on 93/3, Shah and Joyce soon got into their stride and gave an early indication that this would not be Gloucestershire's day with a 153 partnership before the Irishman was removed by Averis. Shah took over the mantel of main run scorer, passing the 100 mark with ease, assisted by 36 from Scott Styris as Middlesex declared on 342/6, giving Gloucestershire a target of 501 to win.

 

Whilst Spearman was at the crease, the target was a possibility. But the Kiwi was first to go for 20 and that opened the floodgates for the home bowlers. Taylor (46) resisted but was the first of a quick three wicket burst from Styris and Peploe, the latter taking two in two balls. The tail was never going to reach the required target and with just two wickets to go, Middx got an extra 8 overs to avoid play tomorrow. They did so without problems, Betts four wicket haul being assisted by 3-42 from Richardson, 2-35 from Peploe and 1-18 from Scott Styris.

 

The win looks set to lift Middlesex out of the relegation zone.

 

Day 2:

 

9 wickets from Alan Richardson (5-32) and Mel Betts (4-86) helped guide Middlesex to a great position at the close on day two at Lord's. Middlesex finished the day with a lead of 251 with 7 second innings wickets remaining.

 

With memories of a treble ton from Craig Spearman in the mind, 390 may not have been enough. In reality, it was a very good score. Whilst the inital start wasn't too great a quick double from Richardson set the hosts on their way, with only Spearman (69) putting up any resistance. Richardson and Betts, two good friends from Warwickshire, did most of the job taking 5 and 4 wickets rerspectivly. The odd one out was Tony Hancock who saw his half hour cut short by Scott Styris.

 

That left 39 overs for Middlesex to build on their lead. They reached 93/3 at close as Strauss (10) and Hutton (19) failed again with the bat. Ed Smith added 35 to the total before falling to the bowling of Chandana, leaving Owais Shah and Ed Joyce at the crease at close of play.

 

Day 1:

 

Paul Weekes passed the 10,000 first class runs mark today as Middlesex gave theirmost impressive performance in the County Championship of the year, reaching 390 all out at Lord's against Gloucestershire.

 

Andy Strauss hit his best scoreof the season, however everyone in English Cricket will hope he can improve on his 27, as the top three struggled again. It was left to Owais Shah (63) and Ed Joyce (75) to rescue things. But they were out to early. Paul Weekes (69) and Ben Scott (58) entered the stage to set a partnership of 119 for the 7th wicket. This partnership proved key in helping Middlesex post a respectable score; 390 all out, after a very breif cameo from Mel Betts (12*).

 

There was time for one over of the Gloucestershire innings. Bowled by Alan Richardson, it past without any icident, Gkiucestershire 0-0 at close