County break their losing run with battling draw against Middlesex

On the final day, set 304 to win in the best part of two sessions, the County were never in the hunt for victory and closed on 82-3 from 46 overswhen play was called off.

Matt Spriegel led the resistance with a defiant 29 not out from 104 balls and he was supported by James Middlebrook (22) and Rob Newton who chipped in with an unbeaten nine from 65 balls.

Earlier in the day, the home side had advanced from their overnight 30-1 to 199-5 in 49 overs before declaring early in the afternoon session.

Eoin Morgan was the contributor in chief with an unbeaten 81, which occupied 95 deliveries, and he shared a third-wicket stand of 68 with first innings centurion Dawid Malan (37).

For the visitors, Steven Crook’s good game continued wth a couple of wickets and there were also two scalps for Maurice Chambers.

Next up for the County in the Championship is the trip to Hove to face Sussex with the game getting under way on Sunday.