Essex 207 & 301-8 Middlesex 302 & 203 FORMER Middlesex batsman Chris Wright was to the fore as the Lord s outfit crashed to an unlikely two-wicket loss to Essex in the County Championship at Chelmsford. Tailender Wright came on as the last man at 202-8 w

Essex 207 & 301-8

Middlesex 302 & 203

FORMER Middlesex batsman Chris Wright was to the fore as the Lord's outfit crashed to an unlikely two-wicket loss to Essex in the County Championship at Chelmsford.

Tailender Wright came on as the last man at 202-8 with Essex needing 97 runs to win, but the No.10 racked up 71 not out, in a 99 run partnership with James Millbrook to snatch victory.

"It was bitterly disappointing to lose, especially after being ahead for much of the game," Middlesex captain Ed Smith told Ham&High Sport.

"Our chronic list of injuries worsened even further with David Nash unable to keep in the second innings. But we will use the disappointment of losing as extra motivation for the remaining games."

Middlesex showed their intent from the outset as opener Andrew Strauss (pictured) raced to 88. Ben Godleman (29) was followed by Smith who faced only two balls before departing.

However the arrival of the form Ed Joyce raised hopes as he helped Middlesex to 192 before Strauss departed.

Eoin Morgan joined Joyce and the partnership go to 222-4 before Joyce (66) departed lbw. All-rounder Vernon Philander (30) and Shaun Udal (17) helped Middlesex to 302 all out.

In reply, Essex opener Jason Gallian racked up 56 runs. Alistair Cook (25), Varun Chopra (10), Thomas Westley (60), and Ryan ten Doeschate took the homeside to 186-6.

But the Essex response thenstuttered as the remaining wickets fell cheaply for 207 all out.

However Middlesex's second innings began badly before the mid-order regained control.

Strauss (12), Joyce (9), Godleman (28), Udal (0) and Smith (0) left them at 79-5.

But the mid-order stood firm as Eion Morgan (25) Dave Nash (50no) Philander (20) and Tim Murtagh (42) took them to a healthy 203.

Essex's second innings began well with Gallian and Cook racking up 70 runs before Cook (31) departed. Gallian (40) was then caught and bowled.

Yet Chopra (38) and Middlebrook (33no) gave Essex some hope as the remainder of the mid-order fell cheaply, before Wright turned on the style to wrench the match from the visitor's grasp.

Middlesex return to Chelmsford on Sunday to play Essex in the FPT Trophy.