Nottinghamshire’s Seconds enjoyed the best of the first day of their Second Eleven Championship final at Radlett Cricket Club as they bowled Middlesex out for 246 despite meeting stern resistance from Stephen Eskinazi, before closing play on 57-2.
At the start of the day Paul Franks won the toss and chose to bowl first, his bowlers bringing him immediate early rewards.
Will Gidman bowled Max Holden for 10 before he returned the claim Cameron Steel caught and bowled for just four, Middlesex in an early spot of bother on 41-2.
Ryan Higgins joined Eskinazi and the pair took their side through to lunch without any further loss, the score reaching 97-2.
Notts began the second session in style, Andy Carter running out Higgins for 34 before Luke Fletcher (3-35) then turned on the fireworks.
First he bowled Dan Manuwelge without scoring before striking twice in the 37th over, Robbie White edging through to keeper Tom Moores for two and George Scott bowled for 0, Middlesex faltering at 105-6.
Carter then backed up his fielding with a wicket of his own, Martin Andersson becoming the third player to fail to score in the innings when he was caught by Sam Wood.
Nathan Sowter (24) and Harry Podmore (25) ensured Eskinazi didn’t run out of partners too quickly, the wicketkeeper completing a fine century off 167 balls.
A stand of 46 between last man Ravi Patel and Eskinazi ended when Adam Tillcock trapped Eskinazi LBW for 126, Middlesex all out for 254 with Patel unbeaten on 18.
Nottinghamshire’s reply started with Will Root and Anuj Dal, who added 44 before two quick wickets fell to Podmore.
The Middlesex paceman had Root caught by Holden for 28 before nightwatchman Matt Carter was LBW first ball.
Sam Wood joined Dal and ensured their side reached the close without any further scares, Dal unbeaten on 18 and Wood on ten, trailing Middlesex by 197.
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