Will Jefferson's failure to hold a slip catch signalled the end of Essex victory hopes against Middlesex at Chelmsford.

Had he accepted the opportunity offered by Joe Dawes, the visitors' second innings would have been brought to a close on 427 and left the county chasing 240 in 33 overs.

That still represented a demanding target, but Essex would have fancied their chances of reaching it with their wealth of batting on a placid pitch.

Instead, Dawes made good his escape by contributing an unbeaten 32 in a stand of 68 with Ed Joyce, who defied a succession of bowlers for just over six and a half hours.

Joyce's reward was 117 before he was dismissed by the occasional leg spin of Darren Robinson when he dragged an attempted sweep onto his stumps.

It was Robinson's first wicket in a career spanning ten seasons, but by then Middlesex were already assured of the draw, which was the height of their ambitions when the final day started with them 63 runs ahead and with six wickets remaining.

Joyce and Adbur Razzaq went on to virtually ensure safety by batting throughout the pre-lunch session, which arrived shortly after Razzaq had driven left-spinner Paul Grayson for two enormous sixes, one of them landing in the River Can.

Razzaq, who had reached his half-century with his ninth four, departed after scoring 81 in a partnership of 151, his downfall arriving when he flicked a catch to Aftab Habib at forward short leg.

Off-spinner James Middlebrook was the successful bowler and he went on to claim 5-172 from 57 overs, the first time he has taken so many wickets in an innings since joining the county from Yorkshire at the start of last season.

But despite his effort, Essex found themselves with the meaningless target of 308 in 18 overs when the final Middlesex wicket fell.

They finished on 41 without loss but did have the satisfaction of claiming 12 points for the draw.

Published Tuesday, April 22, 2003

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