Hutton's century keeps Warwickshire at bay

Ben Hutton scored his third century in four County Championship matches to earn Middlesex a draw against Warwick- shire at Southgate yesterday.

Middlesex reached 281 for 3 in their second innings, after following on 236 runs behind, to maintain their unbeaten record in the First Division. Hutton finished unbeaten on 102 from 199 balls including eight fours and four sixes. He shared a third-wicket stand of 159 in 52 overs with Sven Koenig, who made 96.

Needing to bat for a minimum of 88 overs to save the match, Middlesex made a good start, posting 50 in 10 overs. But Melvyn Betts struck twice in the consecutive overs to add to the home side's anxiety.

The captain, Andrew Strauss, fell to a sharp, low catch by Mark Wagh at second slip, while Jamie Dalrymple was dismissed fending off a rising ball that looped to Dougie Brown at gully, completing a pair.

But Koenig and Hutton played with the right blend of patience and caution to guide Middlesex to the draw. Koenig, poised to record his first Championship century of the season, was bowled by left-arm spinner Ashley Giles while attempting a leg glance. It was the third time he had been dismissed in the nineties this summer.

Middlesex's first innings had lasted just 31 more balls as the impressive Alan Richardson struck with the first deliveries of his second and third overs of the day to finish with figures of 4 for 37. Middlesex were all out for 260 in reply to Warwickshire's first innings of 496.

In the Second Division, there were wins for Hampshire, Worcestershire and Durham.