Unicorns 208-7 (40 ov) lost to Middlesex 209-9 (39.1 ov) by one wicket
(Middlesex 2 pts, Unicorns 0 pts)
John Simpson’s unbeaten half century spared Middlesex from a shock defeat to the part-timers to maintain their push for a Yorkshire Bank 40 semi-final place.
Unicorns, largely made up of Minor Counties players and those without pro contracts, posted 208-7 from their 40 overs, with 40-year-old captain Keith Parsons scoring 64 not out.
Paul Stirling (42) and Joe Denly (57) put Middlesex ahead of the asking rate but Unicorns took wickets at regular intervals to keep them in the hunt.
When James Harris fell, Middlesex still required another 23 to win with just one wicket in hand but Simpson guided them over the line with five balls to spare to deny Unicorns a notable victory.
The visitors have beaten County sides in previous seasons but arrived at Lord’s without a victory in the YB40 this year.
Leicestershire second XI wicket-keeper Lewis Hill hit 31 from 29 balls but the Unicorns’ innings was built on a partnership of 77 in 13 overs between ex-Somerset veteran Parsons and Cambridgeshire’s former Durham and Derbyshire batsman Garry Park.
Parsons hit six fours and one six in his unbeaten knock while Park chipped in with 43.
In reply, Stirling and Denly put on 65 for the second wicket until the Irishman was stumped off the bowling of Hampshire second XI spinner Josh Poysden.
Eoin Morgan and Gareth Berg also fell to Poysden as Middlesex’s chase was undermined by the loss of cheap wickets.
Berkshire spinner Luke Beaven took the key scalps of Denly and Neil Dexter as Middlesex slumped to 140-6, which then became 168-8.
When Harris was caught behind, Unicorns were on the verge of a stunning victory – but Simpson, in for the injured Adam Rossington, saved the hosts with 50 from 48 balls.
In a dramatic finish, Simpson survived a run out appeal when in levelling the scores – and then clinched the win with a single that keeps Middlesex in the hunt for a semi-final berth.
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This post was last modified on 11/08/2013