Gloucestershire’s hopes of a home victory in the Vitality County Championship were dashed as their match against Middlesex ended in a draw at the Seat Unique Stadium in Bristol.
Despite a valiant effort from Middlesex to force a result, Gloucestershire’s resilience in the final session secured a draw. Resuming their second innings on 262 for 3, Middlesex added 187 runs in 36 overs, with Ryan Higgins top-scoring with 155 and sharing a 202-run stand with Max Holden (111). Stephen Eskinazi’s unbeaten 65 prompted the declaration, setting Gloucestershire a target of 339 in 58 overs.
Gloucestershire’s chase was hampered by the loss of Chris Dent early on, but Cameron Bancroft and Ollie Price steadied the ship. Despite the dismissal of Bancroft, Price remained resolute, compiling an unbeaten 52 as Gloucestershire reached 127 for 3 at the close of play.
The draw leaves Middlesex atop the Second Division standings with 11 points, while Gloucestershire moves off the bottom with 13 points.
