Business as usual

By Jeremy Horne
June 16 2002

Middlesex are still searching for their first NUL victory of the season after they were demolished by Gloucestershire, with the gladiators securing their five wicket win with 20 overs to spare.

Things began badly for Middlesex as Sven Koenig, Ed Joyce and Owais Shah were all dismissed cheaply. However, a stand of 61 between Andrew Strauss (65) and Abdur Razzaq (24), recovered the situation. When both men were dismissed, Middlesex lost their way and the last 6 wickets fell for 25 runs.

Middlesex did get a glimmer of hope when both of Gloucestershire’s openers fell cheaply, but a thunder bolting 60 from Ian Harvey pushed them nearer to their total. Captain Mark Alleyne then saw his side home with an unbeaten 32.

Middlesex innings:

Strauss c Hardinges b Alleyne 65
Koenig lbw b Smith 1
Joyce b Harvey 10
Shah c Barnett b Lewis 7
Abdur Razzaq lbw b Alleyne 24
Cook st Russell b Ball 8
Nash lbw b Alleyne 0
Weekes c Russell b Ball 8
Laraman Run out 6
Hutton c and b Ball 1
Keegan Not out 0

Extras 12

Total (all out, 37.3 overs) 142

Gloucestershire innings:

Barnett c Nash b Keegan 0
Spearman b Laraman 8
Harvey c Nash b Laraman 60
Taylor c Nash b Abdur Razzaq 9
Windows c Nash b Keegan 21
Alleyne Not out 32
Hardinges Not out 2

Extras 12

Total (for 5 wickets, 24.2 overs) 144

Result: Gloucestershire won by 5 wickets

NORWICH UNION LEAGUE DIVISION 2 TABLE:

Middlesex are routed to the bottom and remain the only team without a victory.

7. Sussex pld 4 pts 6
8. Lancashire pld 5 pts 6
9. Middlesex pld 5 pts 4