Two century partnerships saw Middlesex home, whilst Sven Koenig, Ben Hutton and Owais Shah all recorded fine fifties. Ed Joyce also smashed a brisk 47 as the lions found wickets hard to come by on a flat Lords track. Only Saqlain Mushtaq was able to oust the ‘sex batsmen as he took all four wickets to fall.

Hutton’s half century was certainly the most courageous of them all. He battled for over 4 hours for his 88, and was on the end of some quality bowling whilst also receiving the odd piece of luck. Sorry’s fielding was poor on the whole, a fact underlined when Hutton was dropped by Brown at first slip on 60, a moment that summed up the day for the visitors. The joy of hitting the winning runs was left to Paul Weekes as the ‘sex continued their impressive start to the season.

Next up in the championship will be the visit of favourites Lancashire to Lords, at the end of the first week of May. If recent form continues, the match promises to be a classic.

Day 3:

Middlesex will resume in their 2nd innings later this morning needing another 265 for victory against Sorry after the visitors let an advantage slip as they could only manage 203 in their 2nd innings.

The ‘sex will take mixed feelings away from day 3 after resuming on 176-2 in response to Sorry’s 418. Night watchman Paul Hutchison fell instantly and Middlesex seemed unable to capitalise on the platform build by Shah and Hutton on day 2. More disappointment was Shah’s failure to record a century as he was caught behind of Azhar for 93. Hayward’s huge 6 at the death of the innings managed to keep Sorry’s lead below 100, but it was the lions who firmly held the upper hand.

A mixture of good bowling and poor stroke selection then saw Middlesex rip through Sorry in just 54 overs. Both openers were caught off Hayward at third man, Brown flashed at a wide delivery from Hutchison and Adam Hollioake was run out. If it wasn’t for Judas and Azhar, who shared in a 6th wicket stand of 113, Middlesex’s target could have easily been below 250. As it stood, Hayward wrapped up the tail, taking 4-41, whilst Keegan returned figures of 3-47.

Sven Koenig and Ben Hutton then survived a crucial period of 8 overs and this must be built on when play resumes later today.

Day 2:

Middlesex finished day 2 in a good position having bowled Surrey out for 418, they finished on 176/2, Hutton (78) and Shah (77*) top scoring. Keegan took 5-138 in a mixed display. Play resumes tomorrow with Shah looking to continue his good innings and Hutchison in as the nightwatchman.

Day 1:

Surrey finished the day on top at Lords thanks to a devistating start, with Scott Newman hitting 86. He and Batty (35) fell before lunch as bad light stopped play for the day with Surrey 164/2. Keegan and Hayward with the wickets.

Surrey 1st innings

Middlesex 1st innings

Surrey 2nd innings

Middlesex 2nd innings(Target: 297)

Did not bat: Dalrymple, Cook, Keegan, Hutchison and Hayward

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