An unbeaten 94* from Will Gidman and a quickfire unbeaten knock from Paul Franks guided Nottinghamshire’s Seconds to Championship victory against Middlesex at Radlett Cricket Club.
Beginning the day on 129-4, Notts needed just 59 runs to be crowned champions after three days of dominance had left them needing 188 in the final innings.
Gidman and Adam Tillcock continued where they had left off the night before, adding 57 for the fifth wicket and taking their side to within 25 runs of victory before Middlesex struck twice in quick succession.
First Tillcock was caught behind by Robbie White off Ravi Patel for 27 before Tom Keast was LBW to Harry Podmore, who took six wickets in the first innings, for three still 11 runs short.
However, Franks didn’t hang about when he came to the crease, hitting the winning runs with his sixth ball, stroking Max Holden through the covers for four.
The victory caps an unbelievable Championship season for the Seconds who were unbeaten throughout and Ben Kitt, who took 3-77 in Middlesex’s second innings, ranks the season as one of the best he has been involved in.
“I was injured at the beginning of the season which was frustrating but to get back firing and helping the squad has been particularly satisfying,” he said.
“My bowling has felt good since I have come back and the five wicket-haul I got against was a special day.
“However, the highlight of the season has to be winning the Championship. You don’t get many better feelings than winning.”
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