An unbeaten century by David Nash in the second innings helped Middlesex defeat Northamptonshire by 154 runs in the County Championship at Lord's last week. Middlesex held a narrow lead from the first in

Middlesex 258 and 363 Northamptonshire 211 and 255

An unbeaten century by David Nash in the second innings helped Middlesex defeat Northamptonshire by 154 runs in the County Championship at Lord's last week.

Middlesex held a narrow lead from the first innings - 258 compared to 211 - and Nash's commanding performance at No 7 coupled with supreme bowling from Alan Richardson, who took four wickets in both innings, led them to their first home championship win for almost two years.

Billy Godleman top-scored for Middlesex in the opening innings with 77 off 173 balls with 11 fours, while Owais Shah scored 41 off 53 balls with seven fours and Tim Murtagh added 40.

But they were steadily torn apart by the bowling of Johannes van der Wath who bowled Ben Hutton and Nick Compton, and then forced Ed Smith, Godleman, Tim Murtagh and Richard Johnson to play into the hands of the fielders.

Fortunately for Middlesex, Richardson was also in fine form when it was his turn to bowl. He took 4-44 off 13 overs with two maidens as Northamptonshire made 211 all out off 51.4 overs. Klusener scored 44 not out and Afzal (39).

Compton fell early on for Middlesex in the second innings, as had Hutton in the first innings. But 24 from Shah and 38 from captain Smith, who had scored 25 in the first innings, steadied the ship. Godleman (40) and Nash (103 not out) pushed Middlesex towards the 300 mark.

And a strong tail end, including Murtagh (34) and Silverwood (30) helped them to 363 off 115 overs - though the team failed to score a six in either of its innings.

Richardson (4-55), Murali Kartik (3-76) and Silverwood (2-55) restricted the visitors as they tried to bat out a draw.

Sales (81) and Ricki Wessels (58) gave them brief hope as they reached 182 before the fall of their fourth wicket - Wessels being caught at silly mid-off by Godleman, before Smith caught Sales.

But the effort was futile as Klusner was the only one of the lower order to reach double figures. Middlesex earned 19 points from the victory.

Middlesex 262-8

Glamorgan 256-9

Middlesex beat Glamorgan on the final ball of their one-day Friend's Provident Trophy match at Lord's on Sunday.

Jamie Dalrymple had top-scored with 68 not out, including four fours and two sixes, while fellow England hopeful Owais Shah made 56.

Solid performances elsewhere from Smith (24) and Nash (30) allowed Middlesex to reach 262- 8 off their allotted 50 overs.

Glamorgan got off to a shocking start when Peng went lbw on his first ball. But 87 from Elliot and 61 from Wright brought them close to the target they were chasing.

Tim Murtagh (3-25 off 9) was the best of the Middlesex bowlers.

Though with one ball left the visitors still had the chance to draw - teenager Wright needed to score six runs to level matters. However, he was caught behind by Nash off Richard Johnson's bowling.

jonny.weeks@hamhigh.co.uk