A depleted Essex side went down to Middlesex by just two runs in their AXA league match at Uxbridge on Tuesday.

Young batsman Stephen Peters stood out among the Essex stand-ins as they chased the Middlesex total of 200-8. He raced to 54 off just 57 runs after opener Darren Robinson had made a solid 83.

Robinson was at the crease from start to finish, but when he was run out with Essex needing five runs from the final two deliveries for victory, it left them on 198-7 and meant that Middlesex continued their impressive one day form.

This was a dress rehearsal for next weeks Benson & Hedges quarter final at Lords and Essex will hope to have at least two of their injured quartet back for that clash.

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