Cricket

Middlesex, in their quest to close the gap on second-placed Yorkshire, dominated the first day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Derbyshire. The visitors, led by Mark Stoneman's unbeaten 79, reached 125 for one in reply to Derbyshire's 173 all out.Toby Roland-Jones was the star performer for Middlesex, claiming five wickets for 34 runs. His accuracy and late movement on a two-paced pitch proved too much for the Derbyshire batsmen, who collapsed from 130 for two to 173 all out.Harry Came's dismissal for 66 triggered the collapse, with Roland-Jones removing Brooke Guest, Wayne Madsen, David Lloyd, and Alex Hughes for ducks. The carnage continued as Jack Morley and Harry Moore added 35 for the ninth wicket before Roland-Jones wrapped up the innings.In response, Middlesex openers Stoneman and Max Holden put on a 125-run partnership, with Stoneman reaching his first fifty in 11 innings off just 41 balls. Holden, playing a more cautious role, contributed 44 not out as Middlesex ended the day trailing by just 48 runs.The result leaves Middlesex well-placed to close the gap on Yorkshire, who are currently 15 points ahead in the promotion race. Derbyshire, on the other hand, face an uphill battle to avoid a first wooden spoon since 2016.

Middlesex's Mark Stoneman and Nathan Fernandes orchestrated a remarkable victory over Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup at Radlett. The duo's 128-run partnership propelled Middlesex to a five-wicket triumph, lifting them out of the Group A cellar.Northamptonshire, batting first, posted a formidable 317 for nine, thanks to Gus Miller's career-best 73, Prithvi Shaw's 76, and Saif Zaib's 58. Justin Broad's unbeaten 38 from just 20 deliveries provided a late surge for the Steelbacks.Middlesex's chase began promisingly, with Joe Cracknell and Josh de Caires putting on 50 for the first wicket. However, Broad's double-wicket over, dismissing Cracknell and Sam Robson, threatened to derail their momentum.Stoneman and Fernandes then took control, adding 128 for the fourth wicket. Stoneman, who reached his half-century at a run a ball, dominated the strike, while Fernandes provided the impetus with three consecutive fours off Zaib.After Stoneman's departure, Fernandes continued the assault, before being caught in the deep. Martin Andersson and Jack Davies then sealed the victory with 11 deliveries to spare, with Davies smashing 20 off Broad's final over.Broad's three wickets for 65 proved insufficient for Northamptonshire, who now languish at the bottom of Group A with three consecutive defeats. Middlesex, on the other hand, have kick-started their campaign with a much-needed win.

Middlesex emerged victorious in a thrilling Vitality County Championship encounter against Glamorgan at Cardiff, securing a two-wicket triumph on the final day. Mark Stoneman's crucial contributions with the bat proved pivotal in the hard-fought win.Glamorgan's batting woes continued in the second innings, with Zain-ul-Hassan and Mason Crane once again providing some resistance. However, their partnership was broken by Ethan Bamber, who dismissed Zain for 34. Crane's valiant effort of 48 was ended by Luke Hollman, leaving Glamorgan with a daunting task.Middlesex's chase began promisingly, with Sam Robson and Stoneman forming a solid opening stand. Robson's dismissal for 31 opened the door for Glamorgan, and Crane's spin proved to be a potent weapon. He accounted for Max Holden and Leus du Plooy, while Andy Gorvin removed Mark Stoneman for 63.With Middlesex still 93 runs short of victory, the match hung in the balance. Crane continued to torment the batsmen, dismissing Nathan Fernandes and Toby Roland-Jones in quick succession. However, a defiant ninth-wicket stand between Tom Helm and Jack Davies guided Middlesex to victory with just five overs remaining.Helm's unbeaten 44 and Davies' 25 proved to be the match-winning contributions, as Middlesex secured a hard-earned triumph. The win earned them 21 points, while Glamorgan managed only two bowling bonus points.