Essex were not so much beaten but annihilated by Middlesex when they met in last night's Twenty20 Cup battle at Southgate.
After labouring to 120 for eight, they were unable to steer clear of a crushing defeat as their opponents romped home by nine wickets with 10 deliveries to spare.
The embarrassing ease with which they were sent packing leaves a big question mark over them collecting the victory needed in their final group match at home to Sussex on Thursday to stay on course for the quarter-finals.
Only four batsmen ventured into double figures and the innings contained just seven boundaries. Only James Middlebrook can curse. After scoring eight from four deliveries, one of which he straight drove for six, he was run out at the non-striker's end when bowler Simon Cook deflected Andy Flower's drive into the stumps.
Published Tuesday July 13, 2004
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