Surrey humbled by Keegan and Noffke

Chad Keegan and Ashley Noffke bowled Middlesex to an eight-wicket victory over the holders Surrey in their opening Benson & Hedges group game at Lord's yesterday.

Keegan took three top-order wickets in an eight-over spell which cost 24 runs, while Noffke mopped up the tail with 4 for 34 as Surrey were skittled out for 123 in 38 overs. Mark Butcher provided the only resistance with a resolute half-century, but the failure of any other visiting batsman to better the total of 13 extras told its own story on a dismal day for Surrey.

Owais Shah (50 not out) and Ben Hutton (27 not out) shared an unbroken stand of 82 as Middlesex reached their target with almost 20 overs to spare.

Elsewhere, Tony Penberthy claimed competition-best figures as Northamptonshire opened their Cup campaign with victory over Glamorgan at Northampton.

The Cornish all-rounder was in inspirational form, finishing with figures of 3 for 6, as Northamptonshire skittled out the Welsh side for just 122. The hosts took less than 27 overs to knock off the runs, with Mal Loye hitting an unbeaten half century.

Essex beat Sussex by 20 runs at Chelmsford, with Ronnie Irani taking 5 for 36, while Warwickshire overcame Somerset at Edgbaston by 94 runs, Nick Knight giving the hosts a perfect start with an unbeaten 126.