Resuming on 290/2, Kent ensured there would be no let up for the Middlesex. van Jaarsveld hit 50, Stevens 106 and Kemp 57 whist the Middlesex bowlers had little to shout about; Stuart Clark's 3-79 the pick. Kent eventually declared with a lead of 149 and 52 overs to the day to go.

The Middlesex reply was nerve-racking. Smith fell early for 2, followed by Hutton (5) soon after. Joyce (27) and Shah (13) launched a mini recovery before Shah and Dalrymple (0) were out in quick succession. When Nash went for a duck it looked, at 77/6, that Kent may just sneak a win, but a dogged effort from Weekes (51) and Trego (3* (but from 98 balls)) helped guide Middlesex to a draw, despite the late dismissal of Weekes.

The 11 points from this match could well prove vital for Middlesex’s hopes of avoiding the drop

Day 3

The day started well for ’Sex as Weekes moved on to ton from his overnight 92.  However, David Nash was out soon after for 12 declaration at 400. However, once Trego was caught in deep at 385 and Richardson soon followed plum LBW to Kahn.  Then Trego hit a hard hitting of 51 of 33 balls including 3 sixes as ‘Sex were pushing for a quick 391 this crucial bonus point still not guaranteed. However, Weekes with an unbeaten 128 steered the score to 400 for eight and declaration was made straight away.

Kent faced a tricky ½ hour before lunch when Clark and Richardson had the batsman in all kinds of trouble and both unlucky not to get wicket.

The tide changed after lunch and scoring became easier and batsman looked in little trouble. Key was particularly destructive.

With bowlers running out of ideas a risky run to mid on ended Key’s innings at 142 when Hutton hit stumps. The partnership worth 283 just short of breaking the club's record for first wicket.

Fulton soon followed when bad light stopped play at 290 for two.  Ironically, one ball earlier, umpires offered the light but Fulton wanted to stay on.

Draw looks likely conclusion with both sides looking to gain more Bonus Points

Day 2:

A week after Middlesex’s worst batting performance of season against Sussex, a superb 106 by Ace and some quick scoring from Weekes, who shared a 138 stand, put Middlesex in commanding position. However, a draw looks increasingly likely result on a rain interrupted day for second day running.

Day 2 started badly for Middlesex. The second wicket and the fourth ball of the day, Ed Smith was dismissed by Amjad Khan without adding to his overnight score of 40, his off stump knocked out of the ground as he played down the wrong line.

Next to fall was Ed Joyce for 12, again to the dangerous Khan caught at short mid-wicket as he tried to pull the Kent pace man over square-leg. A further 16 runs were added before Jamie Dalrymple became the fourth wicket to fall for four, trapped LBW by Hall deceived by swing.  

At 136-5 Middlesex were in a precarious situation. However, Paul Weekes quickly took advantage of some wayward Kent bowling scoring 17 off one Hall over. Just after lunch Owais Shah reached his ton and Weekes his 50 and 400 looked an achievable target. Shah was eventually out for 105 deceived by the spin of Min Patel caught behind.  Then rain intervened and the momentum was lost.

David Nash and Weekes saw us through to bad light, finishing proceedings early with Weekes 92 not out. Weekes was let off by a simple missed stumping before close, from the Geraint Jones School of training. It is difficult to see how either side can muster a victory crucial for both sides for different reasons. It looks like the emphasis for both sides is maximising bonus points in a draw.

Day 1:

Only 36 overs were possible today. They finished with Middlesex 92/1, Ed Smith 40* and Owais Shah 34* at the crease. Ben Hutton was out for 10 to the bowling of Amjad Khan.

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