The game seemed like theirs for the taking, with Middlesex's bowlers conceding 283 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the alloted 45 overs. Established players Love and Afzaal both scored centuries, with Mel Betts taking the only wicket to fall. That didn't tell the whole story though, with Middlesex conceding twenty wides and six no-balls as the bowlers struggled to find a rhythm.

In response, Middlesex were bright at the start, with Smith and Shah scoring quick runs to take us to 84 in no time. Unfortunately, this was not to be a lasting flurry, both batsmen falling with 84 still on the board. Styris fell next, run out for just 3, levaing Middlesex in trouble at 120-4.

The score did not trouble the new combination of Dalrymple and Joyce though, with both continuing to score at nearly a run a ball in a stand of 91. Neither batsmen was able to make it last though, as both were dismissed in their seventies. A useful 22 from Ben Scott ensured that their work was not in vain, but he too was unable to see the game through to the end, falling with three balls to spare and seven runs still needeed.

In this case, we can safely say that the best part (or should i say the Betts part!) was saved until last as Betts claimed two from the fourth ball, before the misfields gave a helping hand. Attempting a single of the fifth ball, a misfield allowed Betts to take a second, leaving three runs to win off the final delivery, which could have near enough been scripted. In simple terms, i'd say it was same fielder, same result, but this time twice! Betts and Chris Wright obliged, taking the three runs to ensure a return to the top of the table.

Please click here for the scorecard for this match

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon