[themaclad]

Blowing a gale at Southport today, not easy cricket watching weather also not overly warm however did see some interesting cricket, a couple of early wickets for the ageles Murtagh(took 6 overall) left Lancs struggling at 125-6 but MacLaren and Clark steadied the ship and took the score to just about parity with Middlesex's 180, Harris struck twice before lunch and it was 190-8. In the afternoon Bailey and MacLaren maybe took any chance of Middlesex winning the game away from them with a partnership of 87, MacLaren made 75 and Bailey a career best 58 including a six over fine leg whilst ducking from a bouncer. Next ball also went for six this time onto the railway line.
309 all out very useful lead especially as Gubbins got a duff decision caught of his elbow.
Robson and Eskinazi batted well until Parry bowled Eskinazi.
I bailed out thn but we took another four wickets so Sex are 27 ahead with four wickets left. Need to win this.

Middlesex 180 and 157-6
Lancashire 309