Fleming leads Middlesex to remarkable victory

Stephen Fleming produced an innings of international class to lead Middlesex to a five-wicket win at Bristol after Gloucestershire had set a target of 293 in 82 overs.

The New Zealand captain was unbeaten at the end on 121, carefully compiled off 206 balls, with 16 fours, having paced his innings perfectly to see the visitors home with 3.1 overs to spare.

It was a top quality effort from Fleming to add to his half-century in the first innings and gave Middlesex 16 points from a match in which they had been on the back-foot for long periods.

The final day began with Gloucestershire extending their second innings total to 265-4 before Mark Alleyne made what proved a very sporting declaration. Matt Windows finished 106 not out, having completed his 11th first-class century.

Clear skies and glorious sunshine clearly favoured the batsmen. But Alleyne's closure looked sound enough when Ian Harvey sent back Middlesex openers Mike Roseberry and Andrew Strauss with only 27 on the board.

Owais Shah then joined Fleming in a third-wicket stand of 95, moving effortlessly to a half-century off 87 balls, with nine fours, before surprisingly edging Alleyne to wicketkeeper Reggie Williams.

At that stage, with the total 122-3, the result looked in the balance. But Ben Hutton came out to play an aggressive innings that wrestled the match out of Gloucestershire's grasp.

The young grandson of Sir Leonard Hutton hit Jeremy Snape and James Averis for sixes as well as striking seven fours in equalling his best ever Championship score of 59.

He and the unflappable Fleming added 129 for the fourth wicket before Harvey returned to dismiss Hutton and Simon Cook in quick succession on his way to figures of 4-86.

The damage was done as far as Gloucestershire were concerned. Paul Weekes joined Fleming to see Middlesex to their target and the home side had to settle for five points.